Andor Season 2's latest batch of episodes had several stress-inducing, nail-biting moments that will be remembered for a long time. For a show where the lead character's fate is known, that's an impressive achievement. All the credit goes to the writers and directors for creating heart-pounding scenarios that were not for the faint of heart.
Here are the 6 most nerve-wracking moments from Andor Season 2, Episodes 7-9:
1. Cassian takes Senator Mon Mothma to safety
After her courageous speech, Cassian's job was to help Mon Mothma escape the Senate before she could be arrested. This led to what felt like the longest walk of Mon Mothma's life, as she and Cassian encountered a traitor who nearly shot her, her driver, Kloris, and her own anxiety not knowing if she could even trust her friend Erskin. After dodging several bullets, Cassian helped Mon escape the Senate building and whisked her away to the safety of his former apartment. All we can say is, "Welcome to the Rebellion."
What makes this the greatest escape is a fantastic performance from Genevieve O'Reilly's portrayal of Mon Mothma's vulnerability. She can't scream, but she's shaken and afraid. The only question is, how will her husband, Perrin, react to these developments? Hopefully, the final 3 episodes will answer this.
2. K-2SO is born
The birth of K-2SO is a fun moment compared to most of the other ones on this list. Cassian is ready to attack K-2 in case things go awry. After a few minutes of suspense, the tension is broken by Cassian and K-2's first real meeting, which brings these episodes to a hopeful close.
3. Syril realizes the truth
Syril's blindfolds were lifted during the Ghorman Massacre after he confronted Dedra and realized he was used. A few minutes later, he escapes into the plaza full of Ghormans, who are being massacred with no mercy by the Imperial forces. This is when the magnitude of his actions hits him in the face, and he realizes what the Empire had planned for Ghorman all along.
It's frustrating to see Syril come to this realization when it's too late, but it's a disturbing scene that shows that even his blind faith in the Empire couldn't cloud his judgment forever.
4. Mon Mothma's speech
Mon Mothma's speech changed the trajectory of the Rebellion forever, but by outing herself as staunchly anti-Empire, she put her life at risk. Throughout Mon's speech, I couldn't help but find the parallels between her disgust at the Empire's lies and ruthlessness and everything happening in the real world. Andor is praised for many reasons, but this speech was its most fearless criticism of the status quo.
I'm surprised Disney allowed it, especially because Mon Mothma used the word "genocide." Apart from that, Genevieve O'Reilly's performance deserves to be praised as much as the writing.
5. The Ghorman Massacre
There was a long buildup to the Ghorman Massacre, but nothing could've prepared us for the Empire's brutality. As the Ghormans gathered on the streets of Palmo, they were surrounded by Imperials from every side, leaving them trapped. As the Ghormans sang their national song, you could've cut the tension with a knife.
What happened next was brutal, even for a franchise that's full of war, but it was horrifying to see how one-sided it all was. Watching these defenseless, patriotic people crushed wasn't for the weak, and I wouldn't blame anyone who doesn't want to watch this episode again anytime soon.
6. Syril versus Cassian
As the Ghormans met their tragic end, Syril kicked away his last shot at redemption when he found Cassian Andor. Syril's obsession with Cassian led him to Dedra and Ghorman, but was it worth it? After figuring out he was used and watching the people he lived among being slaughtered, Syril chose to unleash his rage on an unsuspecting Cassian, who could only ask, "Who are you?"
Syril's end was shocking, but seemed more fitting for him than a redemption because it's a reminder of what a sad waste of life fascism is. In the end, no amount of self-realization could save Syril.
Andor Season 2 is streaming on Disney+.