Star Wars: Andor Episode 5: The Axe Forgets Review

By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)

This review is spoiler-free.

“Cassian must carefully navigate the distrust inherent in being the new member of a secret operation.”

I think that opening this week’s episode with Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) reminds the audience that Syril has a big part to play in this series and will be a character that we follow extensively on his journey. Kyle Soller and Kathryn Hunter were incredible in this opening scene! The back-and-forth dialogue was slick and fluid which made for great interaction. Oh, and minor spoiler – but did anyone else let out a little “eek” for the blue milk, or was that just me? 

Back on Aldhani, it was all about Cassian learning more about his fellow Rebel cell members, and through this, the audience learns as well. I appreciate that we get to know more about the characters and their motivations. One thing that Andor has done consistently is they have ensured that every character you meet has a name and a purpose. Even if a character appears in one scene, they are named. This methodology of their world-building and storytelling is something I really appreciate, as they don’t have to do this. The fact that they do is a reflection of the need to convey that this is the show about ‘everybody’ and not just those who will have a great influence on the wider galaxy. 

One of the scenes I found most intriguing this week was the interaction between Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly ) and her family, especially her daughter. There is so much bitterness and resentment for her doing the things she does, as it appears self-serving and self-promoting. However, Mon is doing these things so she can continue to help build up the Alliance in secret. As well as risking her own life to fight for this cause, she also runs the risk of losing her family through politics in public. Mon clearly feels surrounded on all fronts and I think that exploring this really helps to build on, the very little, we already know about her. Oh, and just get a divorce Mon, your husband is garbage!

This was the first episode in which we explored every corner of the galaxy in terms of locations and characters. We had Mon, Luthen and Dedra on Coruscant, Cassian and the Rebels on Aldhani and Morlana One with Syril and Lieutenant Blevin. With so many concurring storylines all on display and progressing nicely, this was a fantastic episode packed full of everything the show has to offer.

Once again, the sets, locations, props and costumes were phenomenal and this show really pulls you into the world of Star Wars. Making it so believable and ‘real’ gives the audience something unique to experience and that is yet another string to the show’s bow.

What did you think of the latest episode of Star Wars: Andor? Let us know in the comments or find us on social media.