Andor Season 2's first 3 episodes reunited us with the main characters from last season and returning characters from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
The show starts strong at an Imperial facility on Sienar, where Cassian successfully steals a TIE Avenger. Luckily, Cassian gets plenty to do in these first 10 minutes, but that's the maximum he does until episode 3. I wasn't a fan of Cassian's arc in these episodes, as he finds himself in a forest with two groups of bickering Rebels. I understand why Gilroy showed us this scenario because it encapsulates the Rebel Alliance's internal disagreements. However, it dragged unnecessarily.
The show gives Director Orson Krennic a far less dramatic return during a meeting with Imperial officials, including Deedra Meero. He explains the plan for Ghorman. From here, the story goes to Chandrilla, where Mon Mothma tries to cope with her daughter's child marriage and her friend's betrayal. Overall, a 3-day-long wedding was a bit much.
With the first arc out of the way, the remaining 9 episodes are surely where the action is. The first arc clearly defines all the storylines, with these 6 being the most compelling.
Here are the 6 most compelling storylines for the rest of Andor Season 2
1. Ghorman
We don't know what will happen to Ghorman, where the Empire plans to dig for Kalkite, a mineral they need for the Death Star. This scene is hard to watch, because it's obvious the Empire will carry out a brutal mining expedition with a large human cost. They already know it will leave the planet's core unstable, and could prove to be disastrous for 800,000 Ghormans.
This is why they've assembled a team of the brightest minds to formulate a cover-up. This is the kind of evil that's hard to comprehend and hits close to home with everything that's happening in the Middle East right now.
2. Mon Mothma breaks the shackles
Mon Mothma has lost control of her personal life, but the Rebellion might be next. Navigating life as a Senator, wife, mother, and the leader of a Galactic Rebel uprising isn't easy. How Mon Mothma finally decides to come out of hiding and faces the Empire head-on is one of the most thrilling storylines this season, but it won't be easy.
3. Cassian's growth
The first 3 episodes show that Cassian has grown more confident and determined. He's ready to do anything for the Rebellion, but still hasn't found his voice. The minute he becomes a voice for the Rebel Alliance, he'll claim his true destiny, and that's a journey to keep your eye on this season.
4. Perrin Fertha
Mon Mothma's husband, Perrin Fertha, is an intriguing character whose fate seems tied to his wife's role as a Rebel leader. We know they have a difficult relationship, but whether Perrin will support his wife when her secret is revealed or turn his back on her is a mystery. I'm curious to see where Fertha will end up this season.
5. Luthen's fate
Is there anyone who sees this ending well for Luthen? As Cassian's mentor, Luthen's time seems limited. We know he's not in Rogue One, but as someone closely tied to Mon Mothma and Cassian, Luthen will likely have to sacrifice himself soon. How and where Luthen's questionable choices finally catch up to him is one of the most interesting storylines this season.
6. The Rise of the Rebel Alliance
The Rebels are scattered and don't have a proper base. How they organize their efforts and become a cohesive group is something to look forward to. I like how Gilroy threw in a surprise at the end of episode 3 by revealing that Cassian was on Yavin 4 all along. This foreshadows the Rebel Alliance's future base there, after Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and others finally put their efforts together for a singular purpose.
Andor Season 2 is streaming on Disney+.