As a Jyn Erso and Rogue One fan, I had high hopes when Andor Season 1 ended that Season 2 would include appearances by Galen Erso, Jyn Erso, or both. As production on Season 2 ramped up, I remained cautiously optimistic that the series, perhaps the last best opportunity to see Jyn Erso again, would bring Felicity Jones back for a brief cameo.
I expected too much, as Season 2 had almost nothing for Jyn Erso fans, except a Galen Erso namedrop. Mads Mikkelsen could easily have been a part of Season 2. It would’ve made a lot of sense for Galen to be shown in a season or two because the series does touch upon the construction of the Death Star, and Orson Krennic is a recurring character in Season 2.
But Tony Gilroy decided it was better not to go there at all, and even the mentions of Galen Erso, Kyber, and Jedha felt more like a formality as the series had to end with Cassian jetting off to Kafrene to meet Tivik. Tivik will confirm that the Empire is building a superweapon called the Death Star, but this doesn’t mean the show did a good job of connecting the show’s final moments to Rogue One.
A more seamless way to transition could’ve been for the series to show the Rebel Alliance taking an interest in Galen Erso. The final arc could have included Cassian reading intel on Galen Erso’s daughter, who went by numerous aliases and was known by every name except Jyn Erso. When Rogue One begins, Jyn is imprisoned on Wobani, Bodhi Rook is on Jedha, and Cassian is on the Ring of Kafrene. These events seem to be taking place simultaneously, which means Cassian and other members of the Rebel Alliance knew who Jyn Erso was before Cassian left for Kafrene.
Ultimately, Tony Gilroy focused on giving a fitting end to characters he wrote for Andor, such as Luthen, Kleya, Dedra, Syril, and Lonni. While that’s fine, it left something to be desired. This was probably the last chance for Jyn Erso to be seen in a live-action project, and it would’ve been a great opportunity to honor the heroine of Rogue One. After all, the Death Star project's real name is ‘Project Stardust’.
Jyn was always meant to find the Death Star plans. It’s what Galen Erso wanted and why he developed the Death Star under the code name ‘Stardust’, a nickname for his beloved daughter. That’s why I was bewildered when Krennic grilled Dedra and asked her to “say the word.” She replied “Death Star." which is two words. She should’ve replied “Stardust," but alas. Even The Bad Batch mentioned Project Stardust, but the prequel to Rogue One failed to do even that much.
We may never know why Felicity Jones didn't return for Andor Season 2. The actress expressed an interest in returning to Star Wars over the years, and she would’ve been a good fit for Season 2. Jyn’s journey could’ve been captured in a couple of episodes to remind fans that she and Cassian were on a collision course, and Cassian’s journey was always meant to end with Jyn. Jyn’s decision to support the Rebel cause came at the end of her life, but her heroism was just as crucial to the Alliance’s victory as Cassian’s, and she deserves to be honored just as much.
Gilroy spoke with Vulture and revealed he didn't rewatch Rogue One while making Andor. He admits, "I have not gone back and watched Rogue One. Everybody else has, and I’ve been timid about doing that." This might explain why Jyn wasn't a part of Andor's final arc and why no one from the Rebel Alliance dug into Galen Erso's past, which might have led them to discover that he had a daughter. Andor could've explained how Jyn was found, but that wasn't the case. This is why Andor's final arc doesn't line up with Rogue One as well as it could have, and why it feels like a missed opportunity for Jyn Erso fans.
Regardless of what happened in Andor, no one can diminish Jyn’s sacrifice and importance to the Rebellion.
All episodes of Andor are streaming on Disney+.