Physically I am alone, baking into my sofa while suffering against the heat of summer. At one point I might have accepted my fate and waited for the weather to turn me into a crispy carcass to be eaten by whatever rodents or insect find me first.
But right now I do not care about the heat. I do not care that I am boiling alive in my own home. Right now all I care about is the absolute peak cinema I just watched.
The series finale of Andor did not disappoint, and I can hardly express in words the emotion I am feeling. Joy, for having experienced it. Grief, for knowing how it ends. Anger, for not being entitled to more.
There is a huge stereotype about Star Wars fans, "They hate Star Wars more than anyone". Normally I'd laugh and offer a cheap expression of "real" or "based". But right now... I don't hate Star Wars.
I don't think I have ever really hated it, only hated the commercialization of it. The sequels and many of the shows were cheap attempts at getting our attention, making money by exploiting us and the franchise we love. They pour in dollar after dollar, expecting that we heed to every one of their demands and take the garbage they've thrown at us with a smile on our face.
I hated that for so long Star Wars was treated as a machine, born to make money and nothing else. But looking at Andor I can see that there are creators out there, and fans, that see it as I do. I don't want them to slap my favorite character on a title card and make a show that has nothing to do with them. I want a story. A real story. About the people, the planets, survival.
Andor is not "A Star Wars Story", its a story about Andor, about a rebellion. It's the story of people who just want to watch the sunrise again, without having to worry about the light being blocked by an imperial banner. It's a story about people, who just happen to exist in the setting of Star Wars. And that is what makes it so great.
But enough with the vague descriptions, it's time I dissected as much as I can possible remember and process in this moment. Spoilers ahead for Andor S2
Kleya.
FUCKING. KLEYA.
Yall remember last week when I said "Idk why I just like her"
BITCH WHEN I TELL YOU I WAS FOAMING AT MY GODDAMNED MOUTH IN EPISODE 10. I did not expect to get an expansion on Luthen's lore, let alone hers. I was fully expecting to fill in the blanks of her life with fan fiction. When I heard we were losing 3 seasons of the show I resolved myself to the fact that her role would be reduced and that was that. I would still love and cherish her from the sidelines. I have friends watching that didn't even know her name, and probably wouldn't remember who she is if it weren't for this final act. Star Wars heroines have never failed me, and it seems they never will because the girls stay winning.
I knew Luthen was gonna die, I predicted that last week, and I was on the fence about whether she would be collateral. I was on the edge of my fucking seat for THREE hours because they kept baiting me into thinking it was the end of the road for her. Cassian, Mothma, Bail, etc all had very strong plot armor, so I never really had to worry about them. But Kleya... my god I was so SCARED. First at the hospital, I was certain she was going to get busted after she killed Luthen. I thought no way she gets out of this but SHE DID. And she did it so well they thought she was THREE people. Girls stay winning. Stay winning. Then, when Cassian comes to save her and she refuses to leave for so long I was pre-emptively crying. Like I was so sure this was it. Cassian needed one more loss just to really fuck with him. I was ready to cuss out the first person I saw tomorrow.
BUT SHE LIVES
and then I'm like, alright, certainly, she is fine now.
NO. Episode 12 I was so so so terrified she was gonna kill herself. I was so paranoid, she was struggling. I was BEGGING my tablet screen at this point to not let it happen. I simply could not have handled it and THANK THE FORCE. I am 100% convinced that if Vel had not found her right then, that the show would have ended with a very different tone. Thats 2 weeks in a row Cassian successfully smuggles a bad bitch off of Coruscant. STAY WINNING.
There is so much I could say about Kleya, but I'm actually gonna keep it for a bit. Let it cook. Let it marinate. Let it inspire. Just know it won't be the last you hear from me regarding her. She will be getting a picture on my wall mark my words.
Dedra on the other hand got what she had coming to her. I understand that her reinvestment into the Axis problem likely stemmed from the loss of Syril. I almost feel like she talked herself into thinking that it would "avenge" him. But, at some point during the gap, I think she lost her way and her motivations became very much personal. She was after glory. The parallels between her being in the room with Krennic to the interaction she had with Syril in season 1 that very much mirrored this.. Incredible screenwriting right there. The imperials routinely learn, again and again, that there is no reward for serving the empire. They is always someone above you. Someone who will not hesitate to waste you as you have wasted your inferiors. Every single imperial is a drone, and to the empower, drones are expendable.
Syril, Dedra, Heert. All of them assumed that because they were dedicated they were entitled to success. It was a fitting end for each of them, that they would die by the hands of the system to which they were so dedicated too. Signing up to the empire is signing your life away to them. They have no right to be scared when the time comes to reap that clause of their contract.
Unlike Kino, though, Dedra will at least know what it is her imprisonment is working towards. Whether that makes it better or worse for her remains to be seen. Regardless, I don't think it will do much to curb her ego.
RIP Dedra, I suppose the best case scenario for you is being able to look yourself in the mirror at the end of every day and tell your reflection that it was worth it.
Last big thing on my plate is the ending, the news about the death star, the reactions. I was a little surprised to see Bail so against the plan if I'm being honest. I loved him last week but this week he was pissing me off. When one of your most trustworthy, capable men comes to you and says "hey, our enemies have this weapon we cannot beat" YOU BELIEVE HIM. Also, Mon should have stuck up for Cassian a lot more in that scene. I know her and Luthen didn't end on the best of terms, but at the end of the day Luthen did come through for her. LUTHEN organized her escape from Coruscant, not Bail. When her cover was nearly blown and her jig was up... LUTHEN saved her. Now I know he has got his problems, but she should know better than anyone else at that table what Luthen would have given up for the rebellion. And if not Luthen, then she should have trusted Kleya. All that being said, she does come around, and to her senses so I forgive her. Also, appreciated the dynamic that she, while out in the woods on some random planet, was smiling in her final finale scene while Perrin, who was surrounded by wealth, grandeur and the "obedient" wife he had always wanted was not. Once a loser, always a loser.
That brings me to my conclusion for now and if you stayed this long thanks for hearing my rant. I don't have pictures this week because I used my tablets dying breath to finish the episodes so just a wall of text. Memes will follow I assure you.
I did not expect the Hunger-games ass looking ending (said with affection). Bix standing in that field, holding the child of what I'm assuming to be Cassian Andor, definitely tugged at the heartstrings. I'm mad at her, for one, because Cassian deserves to know he has a child out there. Parent/Child relationships run to the very foundation of Star Wars, and is not exclusive to this series. In Andor it's explored through Syril and his mom, as well as Andor and Maarva. But we see it again in Rebels with Ezra and Hera, Sabine and Hera, or them with Kanan. Anakin and his mother, Anakin and Luke. Obi-wan and Luke. Din Jarin and Grogu.
So after some thought, this revelation doesn't feel foul at all. Because if Bix had told Cassian, he never would have stayed on Yavin. He never would have rescued Kleya, and certainly never found himself watching that beautiful sunset on Scarif. And if he hadn't done those things... well there would be no future for Bix or his child. And as we have seen many times in this franchise, being raised by a single parent on a remote planet is hardly the worst thing that can happen to a child. In fact, it almost guarantees you some sort of plot armor. I have no doubt Bix will be devastated to hear that Cassian doesn't make it, and she may never forgive herself, but their kid will have a reason to wake up everyday. A reason to watch the sun set over a field of wheat and think about what it means to see a sky so blue. So full of hope.
I have made my peace with the fact that not everyone will get a happy ending, but at the very least, they all get to experience hope.
Still salivating over the fact that episode 9 was a prequel to this episode of rebels
Like Mon has this absolutely harrowing experience in the senate, escapes with Cassian by the skin of their teeth and then is just passed off to Hera and her band of misfits
Love rebels, but I have to give the W to Andor on this one. Now we just need the Gold Squadron bridge and we can fill in the rest of the gaps. Poor woman could not catch a direct flight to save her life.
Okay I just watched episode 9 of Andor season 2 and I simply cannot neglect my duties any longer. I would not be a star wars blog if I did not put to writing the pure ECSTACY I felt watching this arc. The season's previous arcs have been exceptional, but this one has been PHENOMENAL. I mean COMPELLING. My ass has been sat for damn near three hours, thinking, contemplating, considering everything I was watching unfold in front of me. I watch A LOT of TV, and if you ask me what I think are objectively some of the best shows ever (some are even my favourites) Andor will be up there. Whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, this show has something for you. Season one blew me away in all regards-- "One Way Out" is still in my top 5 list of the best episodes of all time, "Welcome to the Rebellion" is now creeping up on its seat. I am going to go IN DEPTH on my favourite aspects, and break down some scenes and imagery because I'm a nerd, so I will hide it behind a break so that those who do not care, or do not want spoilers, can keep scrolling
Mon Mothma's character, development, story is honestly my favorite arc in the show. I have been ON MY KNEES for her since season 1 (and really long before that). Her arc in S2 1-3 was no exception, and added to one of the more personal plotlines explored in the series. In season one we see her make the ultimate sacrifice for the rebellion- her daughter. And as a result we are rewarded with this incredible piece of imagery:
Which in case you already aren't aware of the significance of this image I insist you examine the Rebellion logo below (shoutout to Sabine). Picture the flanking pillars on the side as the edges of the semi circle and Mon as the center "pillar".
I have been thoroughly obsessed with this still since season one, so you can imagine my eyes have been peeled this season for more imagery, and I am probably reaching here but I found an interesting pattern with Cassian (keep in mind, I had to scroll a lot to find these images so I might have missed something in episodes 1-6, if I did, please please please reblog and show me so I can loose more sleep).
In episodes 7-9 of season two Cassian is based out of Yavin, and coincidentally his house has a circular door. So I was on the edge of my seat, watching tentatively WAITING for a similar setup for him. But I noticed a pattern, whenever he is framed for a proper position to replicate the logo he is sharing the space with someone.
Like here where he is sharing it with Bix and Wilmon. Also in this scene, he is the first the leave.
I was getting frustrated at this point because they kept getting close and I was on the edge of my seat. The next opportunity, and I was SO sure this would be it, Wilmon is missing, but Bix remains, forcing the frame to widen him out of position and show like this
WE EVEN HAVE THE TREES POSITIONED AS PILLARS THIS TIME
Now you can probably guess where I'm going with this. Now that Bix is gone, I believe there is a much higher chance he will get center screen, and his "official-unofficial" Rebellion badge. It is all I want please Tony Gilroy. I will owe you for the rest of my life If you just give me the cinematic experience of this framing one more time!!!
But moving on to my next topic- Ghorman vs Ferrix
I probably don't need to like draw it out for everyone, because this was way more obvious messaging. I felt distraught for Cassian who essentially had to witness Ferrix all over again, only on Ghorman... they lose. It's like an insight into what COULD have been. The Ghorman genocide draws a lot more attention to background characters deaths to emphasize the fact that this is a LOSS, whereas in my season 1 rewatch I notice that there is less (but still some) emphasis on civilian death. Other parallels include the catalytic throwing of the bomb, the singing as a means of choral rebellion. The site of the massacre occurs in a grave/memorial in both locations (Ferrix the wall, Ghorman the memorial plaza). In Ghorman, the imperials were given the go-ahead to shoot to kill, while on Ferrix, they were asked to bring in Andor alive, causing some hesitancy to be the first man pulling the trigger. I'm sure there are so many more people who will add, but off the top of my head, these are what I could recall.
Episode 8 also shows us the death of one of our main characters Syril. He has been with us since season one and I'm sure he will be missed. I think the interpretation of his character will be extremely varied among fans, but my general understanding is this; Syril was not willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals, and for that reason he died... morally grey. On the other hand, Dedra was willing to set aside literally everything, albeit reluctantly. Watching her breakdown and repeatedly slip through the first two episodes was endearing and captivating. It's almost like beneath everything is a woman who just wanted to prove herself. Regardless, I don't think this is the end for her, I think it's the beginning (and thus, I also really want a frame of her imitating the imperial symbol to add to my collection). But back to Syril, I chose two images that sum up his character ambitions. He is selfish in every sense of the word, but he is also weak.
On the top we have Syril choking Dedra. At first this seemed out of character, but we have to remember that while Dedra was locked up in her Hightower, devoid of any Ghorman notion, Syril was not. I can totally see how he would get frustrated and lash out at her. I also got the sense this wasn't the first time, based on her reaction. But that is purely speculation. In season 1 Syril could not hold his own whatsoever, he WAS the battle-avoiding officer, who was humbled greatly at his first combat exposure. It's clear that since his demotion he has gotten used to being a soldier, being expendable. So now it is his turn to show the elite that real power comes from the people, and not the elite. It's interesting because he could have prevented Ghorman, or at least delayed it in this moment, but he has never truly overcome his doubt and weakness, a point that is solidified when he loses to Cassian and the Ghorman rebels. Although I wouldn't consider Syril redeemed, I think it's fair to say that he tried. Given more time, he might have finally learned how to use a blaster.
OKAYYY back to Mon because I'm not done with the senate. Bullet points first;
Shout out to Bail Organa, I love this man, and I would die for him. I appreciate that they went for the subtle recast, no unnecessary CGI budget. The actor was phenomenal and embodied the character well. Great chemistry with Genevieve.
Mon absolutely losing it at her daughter's wedding was one of the most tragic things I have ever witnessed on screen, and keep in mind this happened simultaneously with Brasso's death (RIP Brasso, if I had the energy I would give him more screen time). Watching the ceremony was harrowing for multiple reasons: the first, being that they were literal children. Child marriage. The second, is that it was COMPLETELY OPTIONAL. Leida CHOSE to do that, even after Mon gave her an out. I felt her pain in my chest, when Mon tried to have a civil, loving conversation with her daughter and Leida practically spat in her face. If Anakin was going to kill any kids it should have been her sorry not sorry. But I can't imagine what it is like to watch your child voluntarily participate in the same thing that traumatized and radicalized you. To add to that, the only person from her past she still trusted, maybe even loved (platonic or otherwise) was murdered by the man who was her closest ally. I simply just envy her strength, and I could talk about that wedding scene for hours. For now, I'll leave it with one more note, and that is: I was acutely aware of the braid-cutting symbolism. This is definitely me reaching again, but we know that Jedi braids are a symbol of growth, knowledge, acquired wisdom, and age. So seeing in the universe a normally sacred thing be cut and discarded was a little jarring. It represents an abandonment of all those things. (I am once again reinforcing the head cannon that Leia fills the role of her daughter once she joins the rebellion because Mon deserves to be a good mom to somebody.)
Last week Mon Mothma's arc was sidelined a bit for the sake of some other things, but this week we finally got the bigger picture. Making Cassian the agent that brought her to the rebellion and saved her life was just genius. An incredible way of tying the story together and FINALLY placing the main characters in the same setting. I almost can't believe we have three more episodes to go, because episode 9 felt like a finale. I didn't think I would be fed so well, let alone given DESSERT next week. Her speech about the abyss... jaw breaking. Her and Bail thwarting the system to make it happen? Fucking incredible. The ESPIONAGE of Andor sneaking into the senate and out of the senate with a WANTED senator by-- let I remind you alllll the way back to season 1 episode 3 "pretending you belong there". Her reactions to the deaths of the "bad guys", especially Kloris who she had known betrayed her the moment he showed up. She expresses empathy, even to her enemies. This messaging is something that was reinforced in the Ghorman episodes prior: "There is nothing to save if we give up what makes us Ghorman" (or something similar). It's also a massive wake-up call to her, that the rebellion is MESSY. She had been lucky thus far, to avoid associated bloodshed. But she is struck with the realization that this will be her life now and forever, unless the empire is defeated. Tears roll down her cheeks and she expresses how scared she is, but like everyone else she puts her trust in Cassian, and our boy "always pulls through".
Last things I want to squeal about "Rebellions are built on hope"
I don't need to explain. And if you are confused, wait till next week and go watch Rogue One ASA you finish episode 12 thank me later.
Live, laugh, love Saw Gerrara screen time. He is freaking me out a bit, but I am intrigued.
K2SO ORIGIN BABY LETS GOOOOO. Still one of my favourite droids in the franchise, and I hope to GOD he gets at least a little screen time next week.
Incorporating Krennic is an incredible decision. I have no notes on this, other than I think someone needs to die via asphyxiation while trying to achieve their goals (Dedra perhaps)
Now do I have predictions for the finale???
Yeah. Unfortunately, most of them are tragic. I think we will be saying farewell to a large assortment of characters next week, most prominently Wilmon and Luthen. I just think that Andor has to lose his last connection to Ferrix in order to truly become endowed to the rebellion. I don't think Wilmon will die, but I can see him siding with Saw in a heated argument and parting ways. Luthen has been and always will be a mystery. At one point, I thought they might explore his character more, like his premise is certainly interesting: how does a random shopkeep in Coruscant become the underground leader of the rebellion?
I don't know, and I don't think we ever will. The kyber he wears around his neck may point to an explanation, but to be honest, I think he probably stole it. Andor and Mothma will agree that Luthen must step out of the shadows or leave, and Luthen will leave. Then probably die. Rumbles on Kleya and potentially Vel dying as well, but for Mon's sake I hope not. Those are the only people she has left, and I don't think I could stomach watching her say goodbye to Vel. Kleya is less important, but I am emotionally attached to her for some reason. I think I like that she is a good balance between Luthen's dogma and Mon's morale.
Last but certainly not least, I truly, from the bottom of my heart, anticipate that episode 12 will end at the start of Rogue one. I think Tony is gonna go back to the source material, and much like Rogue One did with episode 4, I think he will do it again. Do I think we will get a Jyn Erso cameo? Not a significant one, I think it's more likely we see Andor heading to the meeting point, or being introduced to his next mission.
If you read for this long, I seriously thank and appreciate you. Slide into the DMs my friends, if you want to talk about Andor, or anything Star Wars at the moment. I'm certain I will have another novel-length dissertation next week (probably written in all caps). If I don't, please check on me, my anemic ass is prone to fainting under pressure and if Gilroy keeps cooking my bp may not be able to handle it.
Reblogging my own post thanks to @zev-rynna because they informed me that we DO see Cassian embody the rebellion symbol at the end of episode 9 (i must have been too busy crying or something...). And, as predicted, its only after Bix is gone from his life.
Similar to Mon's scene, it happens after they have no one left to lose, and its a very sad/emotional moment. I am distraught that I missed it but I can enjoy it now and forever 😌
Okay I just watched episode 9 of Andor season 2 and I simply cannot neglect my duties any longer. I would not be a star wars blog if I did not put to writing the pure ECSTACY I felt watching this arc. The season's previous arcs have been exceptional, but this one has been PHENOMENAL. I mean COMPELLING. My ass has been sat for damn near three hours, thinking, contemplating, considering everything I was watching unfold in front of me. I watch A LOT of TV, and if you ask me what I think are objectively some of the best shows ever (some are even my favourites) Andor will be up there. Whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, this show has something for you. Season one blew me away in all regards-- "One Way Out" is still in my top 5 list of the best episodes of all time, "Welcome to the Rebellion" is now creeping up on its seat. I am going to go IN DEPTH on my favourite aspects, and break down some scenes and imagery because I'm a nerd, so I will hide it behind a break so that those who do not care, or do not want spoilers, can keep scrolling
Mon Mothma's character, development, story is honestly my favorite arc in the show. I have been ON MY KNEES for her since season 1 (and really long before that). Her arc in S2 1-3 was no exception, and added to one of the more personal plotlines explored in the series. In season one we see her make the ultimate sacrifice for the rebellion- her daughter. And as a result we are rewarded with this incredible piece of imagery:
Which in case you already aren't aware of the significance of this image I insist you examine the Rebellion logo below (shoutout to Sabine). Picture the flanking pillars on the side as the edges of the semi circle and Mon as the center "pillar".
I have been thoroughly obsessed with this still since season one, so you can imagine my eyes have been peeled this season for more imagery, and I am probably reaching here but I found an interesting pattern with Cassian (keep in mind, I had to scroll a lot to find these images so I might have missed something in episodes 1-6, if I did, please please please reblog and show me so I can loose more sleep).
In episodes 7-9 of season two Cassian is based out of Yavin, and coincidentally his house has a circular door. So I was on the edge of my seat, watching tentatively WAITING for a similar setup for him. But I noticed a pattern, whenever he is framed for a proper position to replicate the logo he is sharing the space with someone.
Like here where he is sharing it with Bix and Wilmon. Also in this scene, he is the first the leave.
I was getting frustrated at this point because they kept getting close and I was on the edge of my seat. The next opportunity, and I was SO sure this would be it, Wilmon is missing, but Bix remains, forcing the frame to widen him out of position and show like this
WE EVEN HAVE THE TREES POSITIONED AS PILLARS THIS TIME
Now you can probably guess where I'm going with this. Now that Bix is gone, I believe there is a much higher chance he will get center screen, and his "official-unofficial" Rebellion badge. It is all I want please Tony Gilroy. I will owe you for the rest of my life If you just give me the cinematic experience of this framing one more time!!!
But moving on to my next topic- Ghorman vs Ferrix
I probably don't need to like draw it out for everyone, because this was way more obvious messaging. I felt distraught for Cassian who essentially had to witness Ferrix all over again, only on Ghorman... they lose. It's like an insight into what COULD have been. The Ghorman genocide draws a lot more attention to background characters deaths to emphasize the fact that this is a LOSS, whereas in my season 1 rewatch I notice that there is less (but still some) emphasis on civilian death. Other parallels include the catalytic throwing of the bomb, the singing as a means of choral rebellion. The site of the massacre occurs in a grave/memorial in both locations (Ferrix the wall, Ghorman the memorial plaza). In Ghorman, the imperials were given the go-ahead to shoot to kill, while on Ferrix, they were asked to bring in Andor alive, causing some hesitancy to be the first man pulling the trigger. I'm sure there are so many more people who will add, but off the top of my head, these are what I could recall.
Episode 8 also shows us the death of one of our main characters Syril. He has been with us since season one and I'm sure he will be missed. I think the interpretation of his character will be extremely varied among fans, but my general understanding is this; Syril was not willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals, and for that reason he died... morally grey. On the other hand, Dedra was willing to set aside literally everything, albeit reluctantly. Watching her breakdown and repeatedly slip through the first two episodes was endearing and captivating. It's almost like beneath everything is a woman who just wanted to prove herself. Regardless, I don't think this is the end for her, I think it's the beginning (and thus, I also really want a frame of her imitating the imperial symbol to add to my collection). But back to Syril, I chose two images that sum up his character ambitions. He is selfish in every sense of the word, but he is also weak.
On the top we have Syril choking Dedra. At first this seemed out of character, but we have to remember that while Dedra was locked up in her Hightower, devoid of any Ghorman notion, Syril was not. I can totally see how he would get frustrated and lash out at her. I also got the sense this wasn't the first time, based on her reaction. But that is purely speculation. In season 1 Syril could not hold his own whatsoever, he WAS the battle-avoiding officer, who was humbled greatly at his first combat exposure. It's clear that since his demotion he has gotten used to being a soldier, being expendable. So now it is his turn to show the elite that real power comes from the people, and not the elite. It's interesting because he could have prevented Ghorman, or at least delayed it in this moment, but he has never truly overcome his doubt and weakness, a point that is solidified when he loses to Cassian and the Ghorman rebels. Although I wouldn't consider Syril redeemed, I think it's fair to say that he tried. Given more time, he might have finally learned how to use a blaster.
OKAYYY back to Mon because I'm not done with the senate. Bullet points first;
Shout out to Bail Organa, I love this man, and I would die for him. I appreciate that they went for the subtle recast, no unnecessary CGI budget. The actor was phenomenal and embodied the character well. Great chemistry with Genevieve.
Mon absolutely losing it at her daughter's wedding was one of the most tragic things I have ever witnessed on screen, and keep in mind this happened simultaneously with Brasso's death (RIP Brasso, if I had the energy I would give him more screen time). Watching the ceremony was harrowing for multiple reasons: the first, being that they were literal children. Child marriage. The second, is that it was COMPLETELY OPTIONAL. Leida CHOSE to do that, even after Mon gave her an out. I felt her pain in my chest, when Mon tried to have a civil, loving conversation with her daughter and Leida practically spat in her face. If Anakin was going to kill any kids it should have been her sorry not sorry. But I can't imagine what it is like to watch your child voluntarily participate in the same thing that traumatized and radicalized you. To add to that, the only person from her past she still trusted, maybe even loved (platonic or otherwise) was murdered by the man who was her closest ally. I simply just envy her strength, and I could talk about that wedding scene for hours. For now, I'll leave it with one more note, and that is: I was acutely aware of the braid-cutting symbolism. This is definitely me reaching again, but we know that Jedi braids are a symbol of growth, knowledge, acquired wisdom, and age. So seeing in the universe a normally sacred thing be cut and discarded was a little jarring. It represents an abandonment of all those things. (I am once again reinforcing the head cannon that Leia fills the role of her daughter once she joins the rebellion because Mon deserves to be a good mom to somebody.)
Last week Mon Mothma's arc was sidelined a bit for the sake of some other things, but this week we finally got the bigger picture. Making Cassian the agent that brought her to the rebellion and saved her life was just genius. An incredible way of tying the story together and FINALLY placing the main characters in the same setting. I almost can't believe we have three more episodes to go, because episode 9 felt like a finale. I didn't think I would be fed so well, let alone given DESSERT next week. Her speech about the abyss... jaw breaking. Her and Bail thwarting the system to make it happen? Fucking incredible. The ESPIONAGE of Andor sneaking into the senate and out of the senate with a WANTED senator by-- let I remind you alllll the way back to season 1 episode 3 "pretending you belong there". Her reactions to the deaths of the "bad guys", especially Kloris who she had known betrayed her the moment he showed up. She expresses empathy, even to her enemies. This messaging is something that was reinforced in the Ghorman episodes prior: "There is nothing to save if we give up what makes us Ghorman" (or something similar). It's also a massive wake-up call to her, that the rebellion is MESSY. She had been lucky thus far, to avoid associated bloodshed. But she is struck with the realization that this will be her life now and forever, unless the empire is defeated. Tears roll down her cheeks and she expresses how scared she is, but like everyone else she puts her trust in Cassian, and our boy "always pulls through".
Last things I want to squeal about "Rebellions are built on hope"
I don't need to explain. And if you are confused, wait till next week and go watch Rogue One ASA you finish episode 12 thank me later.
Live, laugh, love Saw Gerrara screen time. He is freaking me out a bit, but I am intrigued.
K2SO ORIGIN BABY LETS GOOOOO. Still one of my favourite droids in the franchise, and I hope to GOD he gets at least a little screen time next week.
Incorporating Krennic is an incredible decision. I have no notes on this, other than I think someone needs to die via asphyxiation while trying to achieve their goals (Dedra perhaps)
Now do I have predictions for the finale???
Yeah. Unfortunately, most of them are tragic. I think we will be saying farewell to a large assortment of characters next week, most prominently Wilmon and Luthen. I just think that Andor has to lose his last connection to Ferrix in order to truly become endowed to the rebellion. I don't think Wilmon will die, but I can see him siding with Saw in a heated argument and parting ways. Luthen has been and always will be a mystery. At one point, I thought they might explore his character more, like his premise is certainly interesting: how does a random shopkeep in Coruscant become the underground leader of the rebellion?
I don't know, and I don't think we ever will. The kyber he wears around his neck may point to an explanation, but to be honest, I think he probably stole it. Andor and Mothma will agree that Luthen must step out of the shadows or leave, and Luthen will leave. Then probably die. Rumbles on Kleya and potentially Vel dying as well, but for Mon's sake I hope not. Those are the only people she has left, and I don't think I could stomach watching her say goodbye to Vel. Kleya is less important, but I am emotionally attached to her for some reason. I think I like that she is a good balance between Luthen's dogma and Mon's morale.
Last but certainly not least, I truly, from the bottom of my heart, anticipate that episode 12 will end at the start of Rogue one. I think Tony is gonna go back to the source material, and much like Rogue One did with episode 4, I think he will do it again. Do I think we will get a Jyn Erso cameo? Not a significant one, I think it's more likely we see Andor heading to the meeting point, or being introduced to his next mission.
If you read for this long, I seriously thank and appreciate you. Slide into the DMs my friends, if you want to talk about Andor, or anything Star Wars at the moment. I'm certain I will have another novel-length dissertation next week (probably written in all caps). If I don't, please check on me, my anemic ass is prone to fainting under pressure and if Gilroy keeps cooking my bp may not be able to handle it.
Perhaps this is already common knowledge on this app, but I have yet to see anything about it in my feed. If you are unaware, an AI tech company called HuggingFace recently had a user by the name of nyuuzyou scrape our beloved AO3.
This scrape included over 63 MILLION fanfics written by the hard working, passionate, and incredible people of every fandom. The scrape was conducted with the intent of using the data to generate AI fanfiction and fiction. If you have a fanfic on AO3 that has an ID between 1-63 200 000, and is publicly accessible (not restricted to registered users), then your work was scraped and used in the process.
AO3 admins are currently searching for solutions and some kind of retributions. Until then, make sure to limit your works to registered users and show the real writers that you value their time and contribution to fandom.