Andor (S02) : Episodes 7-9
SPOILER thoughts on episodes 7 to 9 of Andor Season 02
I'm still reeling from everything that went down in episodes 7 to 9. Let me tell you, this batch of episodes didn't hold back at all.
Messenger
Episode 7 kicks off by bringing us back to Yavin. It's been a year since the last chaotic events and Cassian and Bix are now living among the rebels. But things aren't exactly peaceful. Cassian's nursing a nasty blaster injury, and there's this quiet tension brewing between him and Bix about where he's headed next. You can feel that he’s torn between his personal relationships and the larger fight. Iit's classic Cassian and Diego Luna captures that internal struggle beautifully.
The stakes ramp up when Dedra Meero and Syril Karn dive deeper into their twisted little espionage game on Ghorman. Syril initially seems to believe he's doing the right thing, infiltrating the Ghorman Front for the Empire. But soon enough, the horrifying truth hits him square in the face: the Empire is planning nothing short of genocide. Watching Syril grapple with this realization was actually pretty heartbreaking. I mean, he was always complicated but seeing him genuinely shaken up made him feel way more human. And when Cassian's old friend Wilmon shows up asking Cassian to assassinate Dedra, you just know everything’s about to explode.
Who Are You?
Episode 8 is probably one of the toughest watches I've had with Star Wars, but in a good way, if that makes sense. The citizens of Ghorman gather for a peaceful protest, singing their national anthem, and honestly, it's one of those scenes that gives you chills. But things quickly spiral out of control when the Empire opens fire, turning a peaceful protest into a nightmare. Cassian tries to get to Dedra amidst all the chaos but instead he ends up rescuing a damaged Imperial droid that we quickly realize is K-2SO. Meanwhile, Syril fully snaps when he realises he's been played by Dedra but before he can take it out on Cassian, he's shot down by a rebel leader. It's a brutal end, but weirdly fitting for his tragic character arc.
Welcome to the Rebellion
Then there's Episode 9, which felt like the powerful aftermath of everything that came before. Mon Mothma finally takes a stand against the Empire right on the Senate floor, calling out Palpatine's horrific crimes on Ghorman in a speech so moving it genuinely gave me goosebumps. Genevieve O’Reilly absolutely nails it, bringing a level of conviction that makes it impossible not to root for her. Afterward, Cassian’s sent on a wild mission to help her escape Coruscant, and honestly, watching him battle through Imperial forces had me on edge. It's a thrilling sequence that felt straight out of classic Star Wars adventure, full of risk and heroics.
The emotional punch comes when we cut back to Yavin. Bix knows she can't leave, even though she desperately wants to go with Cassian. She records a heartfelt farewell message, and let me tell you, it stung. Her sacrifice is a reminder of the brutal choices these characters have to make. It’s clear the rebellion isn’t just about heroic battles, it’s about everyday people facing impossible decisions.
All in all, these episodes were a masterful mix of emotional depth, political commentary and thrilling action. They showcased the best and worst of what the Star Wars universe has to offer! Heroism, heartbreak and the sheer resilience of people fighting against impossible odds. I can't wait to see how this all wraps up, but at the same time, I'm not sure I'm ready for it to end.
I have said this before and I’ll say this again; Andor is peak television and one of the best Star Wars media out there.
Mon Mothma calling out Emperor Palpatine in his own assembly is like confronting Hitler to his face, that’s what having balls of steel looks like.