Warning: This article contains spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Even though Obi-Wan Kenobi had a pretty conclusive ending, it could end up having some significant connections to Andor.
Both stories take place in the time period during Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, at a time when the Empire is at the height of their power. Obi-Wan takes place nine years before A New Hope and Andor begins five years before A New Hope.
The most likely connection between the series is the Path. Introduced in Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Path is a group who helps Jedi and Force-sensitive individuals and protects them from being found by the Empire.
While the Path was meant to be just an underground network, they became a full-on rebel cell when they directly attacked the Empire in Obi-Wan‘s fourth episode. They helped Obi-Wan infiltrate Fortress Inquisitorious to rescue Leia and then they directly attacked the fortress. They even used the same T-47 model of snowspeeders that the Rebel Alliance will later use against the Empire during the Battle of Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back.
The Path also openly fought against Inquisitor Reva, Stormtroopers, and Purge Troopers on Jabiim. Through these acts of rebellion, the Path is now known by the Empire and by Darth Vader as a rebel cell, one that was even brave enough to help Obi-Wan Kenobi when he was pursued by Darth Vader.
With Andor focusing on Mon Mothma and the Rebel Alliance, a rebel cell like the Path seems like a natural fit for the show. They would be an invaluable addition to the Rebel Alliance as a group that has already successfully attacked and escaped the Empire.
Knowing the role they played in saving Leia and in defying the Empire, Bail Organa would likely see the value in making the Path part of the Rebel Alliance, which he would communicate to Mon Mothma. Andor could have the Path already being part of the Rebel Alliance or the series could show them becoming part of it.
In the Obi-Wan finale, the Jedi Knight told Roken that he is a true leader and Roken said, “I’m just getting started.” This makes it even more likely that this is not the last that fans will see of Roken. Hopefully this means fans will see him leading the Path and helping to build the Rebel Alliance in Andor.
If Roken and the Path are in Andor, Kumail Nanjiani’s character Haja Estree could also be in it as he is part of the Path as well. Despite only appearing in three episodes, Haja had a nice arc of growth and redemption, and it would be wonderful to see him continue that in Andor. The idea of seeing Roken and Haja interacting with Mon Mothma and Cassian Andor is certainly an exciting prospect.
In addition to the Path, Bail Organa’s last conversation with Obi-Wan also sets up Andor and the need for a unified Rebel Alliance. Bail Organa says to Obi-Wan that he fears for Leia’s future and that “The Empire grows stronger and bolder.” This adds more urgency to the need for a unified Rebel Alliance that Bail Organa will help Mon Mothma build in Andor. He knows that they must stop the Empire before it is too late, for the good of the galaxy, and for the good of Leia.
Obi-Wan can be appreciated on its own and the same will undoubtedly hold true for Andor, but there could still be some meaningful connectivity between the two series.
Do you think Roken, Haja, and the Path will be in Andor? Let us know in the comments!