This week's episodes of Andor Season 2 covered events in 3 BBY, and we've moved a year closer to the events of Rogue One.
While Gilroy is a master at balancing multiple arcs and making something as simple as Star Wars seem intricate and, at times, needlessly complicated, this season isn't perfect. This week's arc featured impressive writing, but certain storylines, including Cassian's, left something to be desired.
Here are 3 things I liked and disliked about Andor Season 2, episodes 4-6:
1. Disliked: Cassian's arc so far
I was most excited to see Cassian this season, but I must admit that I haven't enjoyed his arc. Aside from the first episode when he stole a TIE Avenger, Cassian's story hasn't progressed as I hoped. The first arc didn't give him much to do, and this week, when he visited Ghorman, he didn't get to do anything besides asking a few questions.
Cassian seemed more committed to the Rebellion and closer to who he is in Rogue One at the end of Season 1 than this season. After 6 episodes, I can only see a few fleeting glimpses of the man who will die for the entire Galaxy. I know Tony Gilroy promised us that Rogue One would seem like a different movie once fans see this season, but I'm not sure if I want my perspective changed.
2. Disliked: Bix's drug use
Am I the only one waiting for Bix to catch a break? I hoped to see her in a happier and healthier place in the latest episodes, but Bix is being put through the grinder. No one has suffered as much as she has in the series. I don't want to watch her drowning under the weight of her mental health struggles and drug use in the remaining episodes. I hope Gilroy has better plans for her.
3. Disliked: Syril and Dedra's arc
Kyle Soller and Denise Gough are wonderful actors. Their performances are the only reason I can sit through Syril and Dedra's scenes. This is just a personal preference, but I haven't been a big fan of Syril's dynamic with his mother and his relationship with Dedra throughout the show, even though they have featured prominently. Syril and Dedra seem headed for disaster because of the Empire's evil plan for Ghorman. However, I haven't enjoyed the long conversations between Syril and his mom and his strange relationship with Dedra.
Still, I'm willing to give Gilroy time to cook and look forward to Syril's reaction when he finds out Dedra used him.
4. Liked: Mon Mothma and Perrin Fertha's scenes together
I never thought Mon Mothma and Perrin Fertha would be among my favorite couples to watch on Andor. Tony Gilroy took online hate for Perrin to heart and decided to write him with more care this season, and it shows! Perrin has become an intriguing character, and with every new episode, I'm beginning to believe he's a closeted Empire hater.
The latest arc showed a positive side of Perrin, as he stayed by Mon's side through a host of boring investiture dinners thrown by Senators. It also showed us that the two can get along, and Mon trusts Perrin to do his part so she can do her job as a Senator without a hitch. This, plus the shot of Perrin during Mon Mothma's dance at Leida's wedding, has left me excited for more insight into their relationship.
5. Liked: Luthen and Kleya
These episodes were a change of pace from what we've come to expect from Luthen and Kleya. It was great to see different sides to their personalities.
This is the first time Luthen and Kleya genuinely laughed when Luthen suggested, "We should've killed Krennic while we were up there." Now I see their dynamic as more of a father-daughter one. Of course, the fear in my mind is that this could be the first and last time they both genuinely smile, as promotional footage has shown a devastated Kleya.
6. Liked: Cassian and Luthen's confrontation
I thought Cassian and Luthen's confrontation was well-acted and to the point. Neither minced their words, and Luthen gave Cassian an important reality check about what's at risk. Even though Cassian didn't seem moved by Luthen's words, I believe they will come back to haunt him later, but it might be too late.
This confrontation is one of those scenes that no one asked for, but the audience needed to see. It serves as a reminder that the show is called "Andor" for a reason, and Cassian isn't the person he is in Rogue One yet. He has a long way to go, and there's not much time left to grow into the leader he needs to be for the Rebellion.
Andor Season 2 is streaming on Disney+.