Andor Double Take: Episode 5

Andor Episode 5, titled The Axe Forgets, is probably the most un-Star Wars episode of anything Star Wars ever before. Instead of blasters firing, space dogfights, and kooky droid escapades, audiences were served a rich meal made up of stellar acting, superb writing, and expertly balanced plotlines—and I ate it all up!

Cassian/Clem starts to bond with his cohort on Aldhani as the mission draws closer, but that’s not to say that everyone fully trusts him yet. Cassian and Arvel Skeen (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) have a memorable scene where they share about their pasts, later he lends an ear to excitable Karis Nemik (Alex Lawther), seemingly implying that things seem to be going relatively well relationally speaking. Skeen, however, is none too keen on a bromance, as by episode’s end he discovers Cassian’s kyber crystal, forcing Andor to come clean about his status as a mercenary. It’s too late to dwell on personal matters though, and the mission must carry on. We get to see just how the Rebels are being aided from the inside by Imperial officer/double agent Lieutenant Gorn (Sule Rimi), utilizing some of the same foolishness of the Empire that Andor described in the Season Premiere to accomplish his goals.

Elsewhere we witness Syril Karn continue to spiral after his wrist slapping from the Empire. His overbearing mother Eedy (the brilliant Kathryn Hunter), determined to help him find his way, has recruited their Uncle Harlo to help, a plotline that I’m sure will pay off in a huge way eventually. Having never delved into the Star Wars Expanded Universe, I was surprised to learn that Mon is actually “Mom” Mothma, she and Perrin’s teenaged daughter Leida (Bronte Carmichael) makes an appearance, adding to the Senator’s domestic woes. Mon’s excited to escort her daughter to school, but Leida’s having none of that. Between Perrin constantly needing reminders of the names of the hired help and an angsty daughter, I wouldn’t be surprised if these issues are more fuel to Mon’s fire to take steps in aiding the growing Rebellion. The Empire state of mind has invaded her own home and change is necessary. Meanwhile, ISB agent Blevin has secured a new headquarters on Ferrix and rival Meero is encouraged by her assistant to keep putting the pieces together of the growing Rebel threat. Not to be left out, we get a short scene of Luthen anxiously awaiting a word from the Rebels on Aldhani.

Andor Episode 5 felt similar to an episode of The Crown—known for its slow-building, dramatic plotlines—and reached new heights in terms of a Star Wars live action production. I imagine a subset of the audience for Andor is anxious for more action and forward plot movement (who isn’t honestly?), but I believe that when all is said and done, The Axe Forgets will remain a highlight of Season 1 for its artistic merit. The directing, production design, acting, and sound design (those TIE Fighters!) all continue to be top notch, and Episode 5 does an amazing job of highlighting these elements. Even the line the title is based on, “The tree remembers but the axe forgets”, feels like a line that students in literature class would dissect for its imagery and depth. The trees in Andor won’t let the axe forget, and we’ll likely see just what this looks like in Episode 6.

Andor Episode 5 might be filled with more dialogue and silence than expected, but it does a great job of showing how building a Rebellion takes time, precision, and patience. It’s anyone’s guess how successful our band of Rebels will be. What did you think of this week’s episode? Join the conversation on our social media accounts!