A year has passed after the events of episodes 1-3 and the pace is picking up just a smidge. Tensions escalate across factions as plans crystallize and begin to bear fruit. Consistent with Andor’s mature tone, the arc incorporates imagery and themes unsuitable for younger audiences. While episode synopses are included, major spoilers are avoided. Let’s dive in.
Episode 4
The episode opens with Bix (Adria Arjona) and Cassian (Diego Luna) adjusting to life in a Coruscant safehouse. Bix struggles with trauma from Dr. Gorst’s torture on Ferrix, while Cassian provides uneasy solace. Meanwhile, Syril (Kyle Soller) manages the Standards Bureau office on Ghorman, where Imperial policies under Dedra’s (Denise Gough) oversight provoke local unrest. Ghorman simmers as a rebellion brews against economic oppression.
At the ISB, officials debate resource strain from mass arrests, while Mon Mothma fights to reverse oppressive security measures in the Senate. Ghorman rebels intercept Syril’s communications, identifying him as a potential asset. Elsewhere, Wilmon (Muhannad Bhaier) nervously delivers equipment to Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) for a fuel heist. The episode concludes with Cassian meeting Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård) to discuss aiding the Ghorman resistance.
Episode 5
Cassian prepares meticulously for his Ghorman reconnaissance mission-a standout scene highlighting his tradecraft. Syril faces recruitment by rebels during an ISB office sweep, risking a clandestine meeting with their leaders. Luthen discovers Bix’s reliance on substances to cope with PTSD, sparking tension.
On Ghorman, Cassian assesses the rebels and uncovers the Empire’s brutal history with the planet, including a massacre that fuels their resolve. Despite Cassian’s warnings, the rebels proceed with a weapons theft plan. Luthen learns a surveillance device may be compromised, while Wilmon witnesses Saw’s descent into extremism, foreshadowing his Rogue One fate.
Episode 6
Cassian confronts Luthen about his motives before reuniting with Bix, reaffirming their commitment to each other. Luthen dispatches Vel and Cinta to lead the Ghorman heist, while he and Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau) infiltrate a high-society gala to recover their compromised device.
The weapons heist unfolds smoothly until a panicked Ghorman civilian triggers a fatal blaster misfire. Luthen’s team retrieves the bug despite Krennic’s unexpected appearance. In a climactic twist, Cassian and Bix assassinate Dr. Gorst, avenging her trauma.
This trio of episodes improves on the first arc’s pacing, mirroring the tighter heist structure of Season 1’s Aldhani storyline. Character development shines-particularly Bix’s PTSD and Saw’s unraveling sanity. The Imperials remain ruthlessly efficient yet plagued by infighting, while casualties mount as the rebellion’s stakes heighten.
It was also nice to see Mon Mothma back in the senate doing senate things. The Gorst revenge seemed to have come out of left field with not a lot of set up. Syril actually surprised me in this one as he seems to have grown more of a spine, which is a good thing. Oh, and we got more aliens in the form of certain senators, civilians, and rebels. On the technical side, the effects for Coruscant have been improved from Season 1, with more city sprawl added. The show still makes great use of practical sets.
As far as the mature content goes, Bix seems to be at the forefront. Sure, sex and drugs have been bandied about in Star Wars, but usually not seen on a personal level like this. Take it as you will. And as they’ve been established as a couple since Season 1, here we get more of Val and Cinta same sex affections. This part was not to my taste, but as always, especially with these adult themes, parental discretion is advised.
See you all in the next arc!
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English (US) · 