Funny that so many folks don't pick up on why the Blonde rebel isn't as enthused as her girlfriend about the mission. She doesn't believe in why they are there, because she doesn't want to kill Cassian. She never did. She realizes that he saved her life on the job by taking out the traitor, and he isn't Empire.
Also, Cassian proved himself to Vel. After saving her from Skeen's treacherous butt, he only took his portion of the credits-- when he could have easily taken much more. He also didn't reject Nemik's gift. Cassian may not have been a true believer in the cause, but he wasn't a bad man who needed to be hunted and put down like a dog, simply because he'd seen Luthen's face. Unlike Luthen, who's sold his soul in his mission to build the resistance against The Empire, and Cinta, who's lost her soul in her quest for vengeance for her murdered family members, Vel, like her cousin Mon Mothma, still possesses her soul and isn't comfortable with executing good people. She'll do it, but it doesn't sit well with her.
I think she’s also starting to doubt Luthen’s methods of rebellion too since she found out Mon (her cousin) is basically on the verge of being sniffed out by the Empire because of Aldanhi (Luthen’s idea remember). So I think Vel, she also feels guilty that she was a part of what could be, to her, Senator Mothma’s arrest, or worse, death. Therefore, she is starting to lose that confidence she originally had in Luthen.
After the explosion, as the chaos erupts, Vel doesn't pause; she runs into the smoke, into the mess, fearlessly. She is the only character on the frontline of Aldaani, Ferrix and Coruscant. It is Vel who bolsters Mon Mothma. It is Vel who is the link between Luthen and Sinta. I love her character as the representation of the Rebel that fights with AND for her heart and who does not want to sacrifice the meaning of the fight for the success of the cause. She is, in many ways, the ultimate hero simply because she grasps her heart and, in doing so, is vulnerable.
They're both primarily theater actors-- very well trained and sought out, specifically by Tony Gilroy, for the roles. He went after the most capable actors for specific roles. Both said they were really surprised. They didn't audition for their roles, Instead, their meetings with him involved Tony explaining to them why HE wanted THEM.
I have never been so happy to cringe at their “connection”. I think everyone knows it is gonna be a BIG problem if they get together. The ultimate combination of evil, awkward, and dangerous.
Poor Vel doesn’t even want to be there trying to kill Cassian. Cinta probably doesn’t know what happened at the end of the heist, Vel knows that Cass doesn’t deserve to die just because he’s met Luthen.
I could watch an entire spin-off series of just Brasso, on the run from Imperial Enforcers, hopping from world to world helping those in need as he goes. Like the old Incredible Hulk show, or Knight Rider, or the A-Team, The Equalizer, Kung Fu, all kinds of shows about a lone wanderer, either wrongly accused of something or fleeing the wrath of the bad guys...and doing what he can to help those others who are also harmed by such villains. Most of the time it's just doing odd jobs to help out rural folks or such, sometimes it's just being someone who has a level head and even temper to give support and advice when asked. And once in a while, it's knocking some Imperial or pirate or other bad guys' heads. Brasso is just...one of the best characters in a show full of amazing characters. Sensitive, strong, intelligent, good-natured, fiercely loyal to those he cares about, as well as his sense of justice for all... And when shit hits the fan...the dude is an absolute fuckin BEAST. He brained almost half a dozen guys with Maarva's brick. And you know her spirit in the Force was egging him on to keep going, too.
"Kill me... Or take me in". With these words Andor closes his journey towards the rebellion and is so ready to assume his destiny that he puts his life in the hands of Luthen who smiles because he realises that he has finally succeeded in adding him to the rebel cause. Wonderful writing & amazing performances. I can't say enough that this is the best Star Wars show ever!
Its also the writers saying they want their message recieved at all costs...kill me or take me in is the writers message to us to take in the subtext of this show to heart in our own everyday lives
Also Luthien smiles because its similar to the Gambit Luthien played with Saul to inspire loyalty in Saul by giving him a faux choice and also Luthien has always known operaters like Andor are beyond valuable and hearing Marva's speech only made him want Cassian's services more
I can't believe that a Star wars show made me cry, not just once, but multiple times over the course of the series. One example: The funeral cortege chanting "Stone and Sky" + swelling music= 😢 Such amazing stuff.
Love this show so much I've already watched it twice! I noticed a really cool detail. Luthens monologue about what he has given up mentions how he shares dreams with ghosts, and for him to witness maarvas speech, was pretty chilling. They tied two of the best monologues together.
Is it really that bad that Vel wants Cinta to not only be focused on her tasks from Luthen, but also savor the few moments they have before they inevitably give their lives to the Rebellion? And is it bad that she doesn't want to kill someone who is honorable and not a threat to the rebellion? Not every rebel needs to be like Luthen and "make their mind a sunless space". You'll end up becoming a monster if you don't allow yourself to also enjoy life and the people in it occassionally. Hera and Kanan are a perfect example of a couple trying to work out a balance between fully committing their lives to the Rebellion and still spending the time they need to with their family.
I think we all wanted Luthen to see the massacre on Ferrix and think "maybe this isn't the best way" But Tony Gilroy called this "Luthen's good day" so I think he will learn different lessons from this day than we hoped lol
I knew you guys would love this finale. This depiction of ground-level resistance and heroism is what Star Wars should be. The most powerful revolutionary messaging in any Star Wars, bar none.
Also to your point about US protests, it reminds me of what it was like here in Richmond. Men, women, children, pets and disabled people getting tear-gassed beneath a monument to General Lee(which stood for months covered in graffiti). Police cars driving onto the median, almost hitting people. Busses on fire. Some people considered it a nuisance but it felt to me like voices being heard.
"PHENOMENAL! Best Star Wars show by far" YES. Yes, it is. The only times I cried watching any Star Wars related was watching Obi-Wan talking to Vader/Anakin in the show and in almost every episode of Andor. They add so much to the world of SW.
The relationship between Sinta and Vel is a lot more complex than one of them being unreasonable. Yes, Vel comes from privilege and she has a life and loved ones to go back to, while Sinta lost her whole family and has only the fight against the Empire left, but at the cost of this hate poisoning her soul and driving all the light away from her life. Without the reprieve of love that may lead her along a dark path. Sinta doesn’t have doubts about killing a comrade who saved their lives and the mission. She needs someone in her life who can pull her back a little, while Vel needs someone who can show her the cruel and unforgiving side of life that may crush all of her hopes if she doesn’t toughen up.
Fiona Shaw, all the awards. The best Star Wars show in a long while, almost rinsed the taste of Meh parts of Obi Wan, ugh parts of the Disney sequels. Just superb, as your reactions have been also And always remember, try.
His name is Joplin Sibtain, and, yes he has been pure gold every time, but especially in that delivery! Channeling her, instead of making the scene about him. That takes a good actor to accomplish.
Thank you, thank you! At 18:51 when Luthen is in that moment, realizing what rebellion is, the cost of his decisions. It’s a heartbreaking subtext, and a pivotal moment in his arc as a character for the season. And that ONLY YOU so far have picked up on, out of the many reaction videos I have seen. Amazing observation, understanding this show is brilliantly written and produced, not just as a Star Wars show, but a show up there with Game of Thrones (not all of it, lol), Breaking Bad, House of Cards, Mad Men, etc.
I was a fan of Andor from the first episode, much like you two I was instantly hooked and knew it was going to be special. Since the finale I've been rewatching vicariously through many react channels and somehow you're the first to really dive deep on the political overtones and how they mirror real life. Considering this was in production in mid-2020, it's so incredibly poignant it's impossible to ignore and learn from. Hard to even believe this is a Disney property at times. Anyways, incredible commentary, you've gained a new sub from me :)
One thing I like about Andor is, the title character is never the main character, in that he is never the leader, not to say he isn't valuable in his role. From the robbery arc that Vel led, the prison escape with Kino being the choice, all the way up to the rebellion on Ferrix with Maarva. In a way I'd say it parallels Mad Max, where Max wanders between these happenings, doing his part, then moving to the next. It's also a testament to the show of how well it writes characters of all levels, the adult fans of Star Wars need more of this.
I mean- Cassian is pretty much the leader in both the heist and the escape, he just doesn't want to be. But if he sees something wrong he steps in and tells people how it should be, then once they see his point of view, he steps back and lets them continue. Like telling Kino to act cool when they learn about level 2, or pushing him to do better during the speech, or telling Lev and Taramin about the hauler and how to march in formation. He is the pinnacle of the axiom "great leaders don't seek power, they're called by the necessity". He sees something as a necessity and steps up.
In your episode 8 reaction, mentioned that great genre stuff deals with difficult issues, Sintra mentioned the mirror showing what Vel needs to see. The thing that makes truly great SciFi for me at least is using the distance of a foreign setting.. aliens.. surface level differences in politics etc.. to explore issues that are so sensitive/raw even that it can be hard to really wrap your head around them. But if it isn’t our world, our parties, etc there can be a chance to ask some very difficult questions and suggest some very intimidating answers… even in a Disney production. If you haven’t watched The Expanse, you really should. As much as you enjoyed this you would love the Expanse for its complex politics, great characters and including some real issues.
brasso was truly my favorite though out the season. such a great character and i loved his relationship with cassian and maarva. he really said not on my watch when that ass tipped bee. y'all dragging vel for being messy was so funny because yes. she's a mess but i'm happy the lesbians made it out of the season alive. i also love how the isb and luthen all came for cassian but none of them saw him until he purposefully allowed it. that stinger though. the show really said "don't forget where all this leads xoxox see you in 2024". one thing i felt was under addressed was that maarva literally kidnapped cassian. the whole thing is very 😬. the implication of some resentment is there and they have a complicated relationship. i am hoping a bit more about kenari in s2.
@@BaltimoreGunClubUK There is significant ambiguity as to what happened on Kenari either before the events of the show or after the flashbacks. Good intentions or not its lack luster to not address a white woman take a clearly indigenous child by force when he cannot understand her. Especially in a show doing the commentary it has done and it's emphasis on community. His name was even what is essentially anglicized from Kassa to Cassian and she has the audacity to tell him to stop seeking probably the last cultural connection he may have let alone it's the little sister she forced him to leave behind. He has the right to follow that to whatever ends he wants and put it down when he's ready to. I like that Maarva is a complicated character and that her relationship with Cassian is also complicated but I felt like it really needed to be addressed that her actions severed Cassian from his birth culture, community and sister.
@@ladylothwen i feel like when she ask Cassian to stop looking for his sister, it's more of a plea because she's convinced that no one survived kenari. But yeah, for sure, complicated. But also, would you choose to leave Cassian when you're convinced that leaving the child would mean the child is dead?
Amazing finale, amazing show. These are years of great series, and the Andor is among the best. Just finished miniseries The English, another gut-wrenching masterpiece. We are so lucky to witness such well written intelligent stories.
Great finale. As far as I know, there’s only one more season planned that would have to span several years to get to Rogue One, while this one was only one year. It’s going to be a lot of ground to cover and would be really interesting how that changes the structure and execution of the series. I laughed uncontrollably when the bell ringer bodied the storm trooper off the tower.
This is exactly what showrunner Tony Gilroy said recently. Some episodes in season two will jump short spans of time and some will jump larger ones, so that the finale will butt right up against Rogue One, just as Rogue One literally butted right up against the opening scene of A New Hope.
Loved your reaction to this. Every time I watch this episode I find it as affecting as the first time I saw it. The moment that is absolute *chef's kiss* is the subtle clench of Luthien's jaw when he hears Marva condemn the empire by name. That someone is calling the empire "a disease" out loud, in front of everyone, *does something to him* this inveterate plotter in the shadows. It's so subtle, but speaks volumes to us, who know that Luthien will feel this the only public vindication of his sacrifice he might ever hear. Great work on your reaction to the whole series, and especial kudos for making clear the parallels to privilege and protest in our own troubled galaxy.
What I love about this show is all the subtle symbolisms and hidden metaphors. Maarva said the first time she touched a funerary stone she felt lifted and inspired, and that she always wanted to lift others, not to be remembered but to inspire. Maarva had her wish come true when Brasso used the stone of her ashes to literally lift that Imperial off the ground, but unfortunately that soldier will remember her name since it’s probably branded on his face. The head whack that lifted another and inspired the Rebellion to go on. Cheers ❤
This video just auto-loaded into my picture-in-picture window while I was doing something else, but both of ya'll's reactions were so in line with mine about this that you've earned another sub. I don't think any Star Wars has ever actually wrung a tear out of me before, but this series has actually done it several times, twice even just in this episode. It really spoke to me on such a deep level and it seems to have hit you similarly. Anyway, just wanted to say nicely reacted. From your new subscriber. Cheers!
Thank you guys for noticing parallels. Always amazing to see politically conscious people on a cesspit like youtube. Empire is the representation of what this country might turn into if it keeps going in this direction. Every issue the show tackles are something that we already have, just not to that extent, but it is going there. Corporate police? Corporations are actually looking into private policing, and it is a terrifying concept because official policing is already atrocious, now imagine that there is no central authority anymore to call out. Prison labor that we saw in episodes 8-10? This has been happening for generations, corporations and the government make billions of prisoners who are horribly treated and are forced to work with either extremely low pay or no pay at all. According to ACLU, prisoners make up to 11 billion dollars a year for the government and corporations, so there is no incentive to rehabilitate them and that is why they give minorities double digits for pathetic crimes - cheap labor. Cultural extermination through subtle policies that we saw in the heist arc? Indigenous people have been going through that for years, with oil pipelines being built in their cultural landmarks to this day. The show touched on so much that it would take a whole paper to list.
This is how you do political commentary. You let it serve the story. YOU DO NOT put it into a show just because you want to check off a box at the expense of the story. You DO NOT tell people what to think. You present an idea when it’s relevant to the narrative and you let the viewer make up their own damn mind. That’s how you win over people who think politics and social justice is important.
So.many timess in this episode the creators of Andor were talking to us, the audience, THROUGH their characters... everything about Andor was brilliant and moving and I hate that we'll have to wait to see more and that more TV isnt like this
One of the most interesting things I’ve heard someone notice about the show- most of Star Wars is at least in part a story about fathers… this is about Mothers.
Hey I really enjoyed seeing yall experience this show. It's really a special TV show, not just as a part of Star Wars. I really appreciate the experience and viewpoints you bring to your readings on the show.
I definitely enjoyed this show on a great many levels, far too many to list them all, but for a few: I love that this show does what no other Star Wars seems to have done: show the Empire (and totalitarianism in general) as a slow creeping evil that truly has no glamor to it, and should never be praised or embraced. Somehow, through the rest of the saga, there has been an element of "coolness" that people perceive in the Empire, some sort of awe and almost admiration in some quarters, that truly disturbs me to see. Sure, Darth Vader is impressive, the howl of a TIE fighter racing by is an amazing sound, AT-ATs are awe-inspiring, but it sometimes seems people forget the soul-crushing reality they represent. This last episode was amazing to me; Brasso's delivery of Maarva's message to Cassian, the funeral procession (especially the music, and the way so many of the people of Ferrix looked simultaneously completely ordinary and utterly beautiful, awe-inspiring, and magnificent (and ready to fight...) The slow but inexorable build-up of the tension, Maarva's speech...chills throughout. I stood up and shouted when Brasso bashed the Imperial soldier over the head with Maarva's brick. :-P My only complaint is: how the HELLZ am I over fifty, bitter and cynical, and still consistently got more choked up and teary about a frickin' DROID than I have about every other character in the entire Star Wars saga??? (And I love Star Wars, have done since I was 5 and saw the first one in the theaters...) That is some effective damn character creation, just saying
I fully expected Syril and Dedra to kiss but I'm glad they didn't. It would have been really weird and probably cringe-worthy because I both hate both of them and love them too. Great actors in both parts (in fact in every part in this show to be honest). Nice seeing Luthen show his first real smile (he did some fake ones when he was pretending to show Mon Mothma around his shop in the early episodes).
Luthen finally got what he wanted.... panic, chaos and anarchy. And things are about to get MUCH worse for the Galaxy with the P.O.R.D. and with Palpatine tightening his grip over everyone...
Thanks for the amazing job you both did reacting to this series. Seeing the emotional roller coaster this show took you on was very moving. I appreciate how honest both of you are with your emotional reactions to this show For me the only thing that comes close to Andor recently in the Star Wars universe is The High Republic book series that started in the past couple of years. It is some of the most amazing Sci Fi writing I have ever had the joy of reading and has taken Star Wars into a completely different direction much like Andor did
Thanks for reacting to this masterpiece. Wonderful truthful and emotional reaction. It was very much a social commentary piece of art. Not necessarily about one thing in our lives but all oppression...
I looked for the two speeches on RU-vid and put them on Facebook, the one from this episode and the sacrifice speech, beautiful writing, I'm currently listening to Paul's Dream on the Dune Soundtrack, if this is released on blu ray I'll buy it! Like you said, this series shows you what the Rebels are fighting against, gives it all a deeper context! We fight on, we fight on... be safe ladies :)
I'd rather they re-boot the prequels. Andor has a lot of politics, which the prequels tried and largely failed to do well. Andor also has very nuanced characters, which would be important for Anakin's tragic fall into darkness.
I cannot stop thinking how Star Wars discourse would be different if the sequels, BOBF, and Kenobi didnt happen, and Disney just did Rebels, Clone Wars S7, Bad Batch, and Mando. Andor does the “redefining Star Wars” job that Last Jedi tried to do, but…correctly. In-show music and sound is used here unbelievably well, the marching band KILLED it
Apparently, there was a version of Maarva's funeral speech that ended with "F*** the Empire" instead of "Fight the Empire" (recently confirmed by Denise Gough, who plays Dedra). It seems likely was an improv by Fiona Shaw in one of the takes, but everyone on set was really excited about it, even though they knew they'd never be able to keep it.
I think it was in the original script. Line before she says “I would be fighting these bastards” so she doesn’t need to repeat her intention and just call for attack with “FK THE Empire!”. and it looks/sounds dubbed. F*ck just can’t be in Disney. #wheresmyf*ck
"Kriff" the Empire? Isn't kriff the SW F-word? Battlestar Galactica got away with it on network television in the 70's with "Frak" - much better F word lol.
Can art like this in a very saturated pop culture landscape motivate people to wake up and actually make change? I truly fucking hope so. I’ve seen reactions and reviews from a ton of different perspectives (even RU-vidrs with politically shitty opinions) on RU-vid and outside of people who only love laser swords and space magic in their Star Wars, it is resonating. The message is clear, yet no one feels preached to. It’s brilliant. I hope it inspires a sense of community like those on Ferrix to everyone to see that we have to protect and help *everyone* in need together to change things. Thank you for your work One. Way. Out.
The actors for Syril and Dedra did a bunch of interviews together and they're awesome to watch! (have y'all seen them?) Those two are a great couple and I'm here for it! Season 2 I just want Syril to bring Dedra home and for her to put his mom in her place. 😛
I thought Dedra was going to be torn apart by the crowd. I asked my wife and she agreed to incite a violent riot at my funeral. Hell of a thing to be remembered for......
I find Syril and Daedra relationship white refreshing and entertaining. I would expect women to be into it, seeing how much of a strong bossy woman she is and how red-flaggy, strong of will and direct he is. but I guess he being so into rules and order makes him not display the bad boy aura that women seem to be attracted to. he is a bad boy and stalker but not the type that women like to see in fiction, I guess.
When Fiona Shaw says "Fight The Empire!" what she actually said was "F**k the Empire!" but they dubbed over it with "Fight". Because it's Disney not HBO. (This has been officially confirmed.)
Why does the budding romance between Syril and Deerdra weird you two out? It's clearly a "there's someone out there for everyone" thing and it's beautiful. Deedra is a psychopathic monster. Syril's Mommy issues have made him insane, so he digs it when Deerdra threatens to hurt him. Love hurts, that's all Syril wants..🤣
I think we'll end up feeling sorry for Perrin. He's helpful as a dupe for Mon Mothma but I just have a feeling that he may actually choose self sacrifice and Mon Mothma will only appreciate him when it's too late. I think too that you're missing some of the complexity between Cinta and Vel. I think you might need to be a bit more understanding of Vel.
It's the two sides of any idea, especially rebellion. Do you become what you hate? When you use your enemy's weapons against them, do you become them? It's a bit black and white in the Star Wars world, but it's a question for the ages.
We already have stories of what will be their future. The New Republic shunned all the Empire's ways (perhaps because of pro-Empire activities in the New Republic bureaucracy)...and that could have been their own failure.
How very fitting that the Andor theme would be a funeral march, considering... Also, have you two seen Black Sails? Completely different genre (pirate show as a prequel to Treasure Island, but with some real world history blended in) but it has some excellent dialogue and storytelling. I think you would really enjoy it for it's depth and complexity.
Had to responde to your comment about Luthen, his 1st time seeing a rebellion. The look he had wasn't because it was his 1st time seeing what rebellion looks like, it was he wished those events didn't have to happen. He decided he was going to fight 15 years ago (if you follow the timeline that's order 66), as he stated to Loni (undercover rebel). His look was pain that it has to happen.
Too much of the enjoyment for the recent Star Wars shows have been too reliant on that coming from simply just being a Star Wars show. And that’s where Andor excelled. This was a season of television that could’ve taken place in any universe and been just as fleshed out and fulfilled and this just so happened to take place in the Star Wars universe
We have! We’re working our way through a rewatch, too. The prequels are on our channel and we’ll probably be doing Rogue One soon since Cassian is on our minds.
I’m sorry, but the Empire was really incompetent at limiting the number in the crowd. Lol what happened to 30 people? Haha And they let Maarva speak for waaaay too long for the message she was instilling in the crowd. Gotta shut it down. However, I too, would want to be turned into a brick to be smashed against the head of fascists.
They gave a decree that it would be limited 30-40 people and that it would start late, and the people of Ferrix got down to some good ol’ civil disobedience!
Vel's really gone over their heads, hasn't she. She's a better, more nuanced character than Cinta, but these 2 only see 'bad ass' 'beautiful' Cinta and 'weak' Vel. Totally misread. Sigh
