Andor Double Take: Episode 6

Episode 6 of Andor, titled The Eye wraps up the arc of episodes that began two weeks ago with Aldhani. Dan Gilroy and Susanna White have been the writer/director team for these episodes, and they deserve praise for what they’ve accomplished in a relatively short span of time. We’ve seen our protagonist jump into a whole new world, gotten to know a new group of characters, and been along for the ride as they inch towards mission launch on the Imperial garrison. As expected, The Eye is the pinnacle of this storyline, and man was it a stunner.

It seems like the buildup to the Rebel mission has been more than just 2 weeks worth of episodes, it really goes to show what having amazing writing (plus the slow drip of episodes) can do. Lieutenant Gorn has done his job to ensure the entire base is distracted, utilizing Aldhani’s once every three year event called The Eye to the Rebellion’s benefit. This time of celebration is also when the Imperials put on their dog and pony show of peace keeping with the natives to ensure continued good relations (aka dominance) with the planet. The Dhani people treat The Eye as a spiritual event and while the Imperials may enjoy the spectacle, they otherwise despise it because it requires them to get down and dirty with the locals. Things start off without a hitch with the male Rebels taking point as a squad escort and the females work to take down the comm system elsewhere. Once inside they trigger the plan to have the Commandant open their credit vault, which requires a show of force. It’s clear that the Rebels have a different way of doing things; yes there’s yelling and aggression but they make it clear that no one will die if everyone complies. Unlike the Empire, they don’t abuse their power, rather it’s a tool for them to accomplish their goals.

It wouldn’t be as entertaining a show though if everything goes exactly to plan, and the Rebels are soon in a shootout as they attempt to escape with millions of credits. Sadly only Cassian, Skeen, Vel and Nemik successfully make it off-world (RIP Gorn and Taramyn and see you later Cinta?). In a sad turn of events, wide eyed Nemik is immediately injured upon takeoff (ironically crushed by a pallet of credits) but he manages to help Cassian navigate through The Eye’s meteor shower before his injuries get the better of him. The Rebels make the choice to attempt to save Nemik’s life, and their first aid backup plan takes them to a planet where Nemik ultimately dies. He’s not the only one who doesn’t make it past episode six though, as Skeen’s devious intentions are made clear when he proposes he and Andor split the 80 million credits and look out for themselves. Cassian is having none of that and in an act of passion, kills Skeen. After sharing this information with Vel, Cassian asks for his agreed upon payout, returns Luthen’s kyber crystal and wishes Vel good luck. Vel gives Andor Nemik’s manifesto, saying he wished for it to be passed on upon his death (a key moment I’m sure will have future ramifications). Back on Coruscant, Mon Mothma’s address to the Imperial Senate is disrupted by the news of the Rebel attack, and Luthen can’t help but celebrate when he hears the news.

The Eye was everything I was hoping it would be, filled with the dramatic tension the series has been delivering so far with action and forward plot movement. I can’t help but feel like this episode had season finale vibes, it was that epic and seemed to close a chapter in the series. The choice to group the series in batches of threes is very smart, and having two of these groupings now complete leaves Andor’s next move as open as deep space—a very exciting place to be halfway through the season. The Eye also contained the most onscreen deaths we’ve seen at this point. Even though we got to spend relatively short amounts of time with Taramyn, Gorn, Nemik, and Skeen, their deaths felt significant and they each resonated emotionally, a huge compliment to Gilroy’s writing. If character deaths make viewers feel something, then the writer has done their job.

Andor Episode 6 also stands out for its stunning visuals. The Eye’s glorious celestial display elicited tears from the Dhani people, and for good reason. Its display of lights and colors were gorgeous (shoutout to ILM) and the Disney Imagineers better be working on a Star Tours version ASAP. The stunning visuals combined with the intricate pacing in this episode made for a thrilling viewing experience. The intercutting between the Dhani’s chanting and the Rebels’ mission ramped up the tension in an appropriately unsettling way. Even once the mission kicked off, there wasn’t your run of the mill quick cuts, orchestration, and action present in a Summer blockbuster. Rather, things played out with a measured, anxious energy that felt, more than anything, true to life (what’s more intense than reality after all?). This entire episode just delivered in so many ways and further expanded the types of stories that can be told in the Star Wars universe.

We’re halfway through the season, and like Cassian at the end of Episode 6, a world of possibilities await us. What did you think of the episode? Let us know on our social media channels!