The Situation on Ghorman Reaches a Fever Pitch

Editor’s note: The below recap contains spoilers for Andor Season 2 Episode 7.

Once more, Andor jumps a year into the future and lands in the midst of 2 BBY. In the intervening time since Luthen’s (Stellan Skarsgård) ploy to court Ghorman culminated in the loss of one of its most faithful warriors, Cinta (Varada Sethu), and Bix (Adria Arjona) got her revenge on her torturer, the Rebellion has officially established itself on Yavin 4. Episode 7 opens with the base’s radio chatter with a particular call-out to Shadow-Six (which could, feasibly, be a reference to the former Republic Clone Trooper pilot unit) and Yavin’s sweeping vistas. Wil (Muhannad Bhaier) is the first of the Rebels we’re reunited with as he returns home to the bustling, thriving base. Andor spares no expense in filling out its background and foreground with a wide array of performers and vibrant costuming that paints a clear picture of where the movement is at.

Elsewhere on the base, outside a cozy roundhouse, Cassian (Diego Luna) nurses an injured shoulder. Bix orders him to take off his shirt so she can check on his wound, and he tries his best to charm her out of providing him with further treatment. It’s a sweet and surprisingly heated moment that is interrupted by Wil’s return. Cassian is insistent on asking Wil about where he has been, but mum’s the word when it comes to his recent activities for Luthen. Bix remarks that things on Yavin 4 have been getting more organized in Wil’s absence, and Cassian remains steadfast about finding out what he’s been up to. Wil, somewhat glibly, tells Cassian that Luthen wants to know if Cassian is finally ready to work again, alluding to the fact that he disclosed Cassian’s injury to Luthen. Following the events of Episode 6, it’s not surprising that Bix probes Wil about what Luthen wants Cassian to do, but she doesn’t get much of an answer.

The scene introduces a bit of friction between Bix and Cassian, who have clearly made a home for themselves on Yavin 4, and Wil, who is still dedicated to Luthen’s cause. Wil has an issue with all of the “new” people joining the Rebellion, but Cassian recognizes that the Rebellion needs an army. It’s a sentiment that he arrived at during his time in Ghorman, and one that remains a sticking point in his opinion on Luthen’s efforts. Wil, meanwhile, believes Luthen is “making things happen.”

The Ghorman Propaganda Movement Is a Success

While Wil refuses to tell Cassian about where or what he was doing on Luthen’s behalf, Andor is quick to make audiences aware: He was on Ghorman, orchestrating a highly publicized attack on Palmo’s Naval Terminal. Newscasters gather around the plaza at the heart of the city to report on the “inexplicable” Ghorman resistance movement that has resorted to terrorism in defiance of “Imperial norms.” Every reporter characterizes recent events in Palmo, Corei, and Jel-Novi as terrorist attacks, condemning the Ghorman resistance movement without contextualizing why they might be rising up against oppression. It’s yellow journalism at its finest, and also a clear reference to the Holo-Net buyout revealed in Episode 5. The Empire is controlling the narrative and shaping the way the galaxy regards Ghorman, just as they planned.

On Yavin 4, Cassian makes it known that he is disappointed that Wil has been doing side runs for Luthen on Ghorman, and even more disappointed that Wil is helping to “torch the place.” Wil ascribes to Luthen’s philosophy that the Empire is responsible for the torching — even if it’s the Front and its allied agitators doing the torching. While it’s clear that Wil was involved in the firebombing at the naval facility, his true purpose on Ghorman was retrieving information about Dedra Meero (Denise Gough). He reminds Cassian that she was responsible for the destruction of Ferrix and that she’s the one actively pursuing Luthen and all of them. Cassian may tell Wil to “calm down” and check in with their superiors on Yavin 4, but he seems quite intrigued by the prospect of killing Dedra. Cassian leaves Wil and Bix to discuss things, and Bix has a similar look of understanding. Across the first half-dozen episodes, Luna and Arjona give phenomenal facial performances, but there are so many moments throughout Episode 7 that speak volumes without a single word uttered.

The situation on Ghorman is starting to reach a fever pitch, particularly for Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), who is finally starting to see how out-of-the-loop he truly is. After walking through the throng of journalists crowding the plaza, Syril finds himself barred from seeing Dedra by Grymish (Kurt Egyiawan) — and for good reason. Dedra is in the midst of a very important meeting with Major Partagaz (Anton Lesser) about the state of things on Ghorman. The Emperor is very interested in pursuing the original plan for the program. Dedra doesn’t look particularly thrilled by the news that there is no synthetic alternative for Ghorman’s substrate, despite the best efforts of the lab on Eadu (a recognizable name from Rogue One). The Empire needs what lies beneath Ghorman’s ground, and nothing else matters. Partagaz notes that they need a Declaration of Martial Domain issued as soon as possible to meet their deadlines, which means moving up the timeline on the last piece of their plan.

Dedra vocalizes her frustration about the arrival of the crisis specialist, Captain Kaido (Jonjo O’Neill), and Partagaz cautions her to be calm. He appeals to her sole motivation in life: professional ascendance. Once Ghorman is finished, she will be rewarded. It’s a sentiment she parrots back to Syril when he finally gets hold of her and voices his own concerns about the increasing tensions on the planet. He questions her about the naval bombing, which everyone is saying was an Imperial “setup,” and Dedra shuts that down swiftly, reminding him that they wanted outside agitators to make trouble. She issues him a dire warning, which doesn’t go over particularly well. When demanding that he pack up his things and wait for her order to leave doesn’t work, Dedra plants a very awkward and poorly-received kiss to smooth things over, while promising that “good things” are waiting for them on the other side of this business on Ghorman.

To a degree, Cinta’s tragic death feels in vain when we reunite with the Ghorman Front in Episode 7. While the Rebellion has grown organized on Yavin 4, Luthen’s efforts on Ghorman continue to play directly into the Empire’s plans. They remain quarrelsome, disorganized, and nearly as driven by infighting as the Maya Pei Brigade. Enza (Alaïs Lawson) is even at odds with her father (Richard Sammel), siding with Dilan (Théo Costa-Marini), who seems the most aware of how fleeting their chance of success really is. Lezine (Thierry Godard) is the voice of reason among the group, reminding them that they are all Ghor and that if the Empire takes that away from them, what’s worth saving? Though he mostly observes, it is nice to see that Thela (Stefan Crepon), the bellhop from Episode 5, is part of the movement.

Following the meeting, Enza encounters Syril down a dark causeway and curtly reminds him of the curfew. Despite her clear disinterest in speaking with him, Syril attempts to continue his ruse and offers her a way out of the current situation before it’s too late. He tells her that his people believe there are outside agitators making the Front look bad and that — in exchange for information — he can help clear their name. But before he can fully pitch the idea, Enza gives him a good slap and turns tail, leaving a very confused Syril in her wake. It feels like we might be witnessing a turning point for Syril. Despite his assertion that being proven useful to the ISB was the “greatest day of his life,” he seems at least somewhat fond of his associates in the Ghorman Front, or perhaps he’s just that good of an actor. Perhaps Eedy (Kathryn Hunter) tried to enrich her son’s life with youth community theater. One thing is for certain: the Empire is moving fast on Ghorman. The following day, Dedra and Grymish watch as Bloy (Tomi May) barks orders at the newly arrived Imperial reinforcements, who look like children being pressed into war.

Trouble Is Brewing for Mon Mothma

Ghorman isn’t the only place where the Empire is making trouble. As Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) and Erskin arrive at the Senate Building, Mon’s driver, Kloris (Lee Ross), peppers her with far too many questions, at the behest of Senate Security, who are allegedly asking for the schedules of all of their senators. Mon quips that she wants to find a new driver, but Erskin cautions her that “they” might send someone smarter than Kloris, implying that she might be better off sticking with someone they know how to work with.

While Prequel Era storytelling has provided Star Wars fans with plenty of details about how the Senate functions, Andor expands upon those elements, and they meld perfectly with so many of the blueprints George Lucas drew up. As Mon and Erskin enter the rotunda, they are required to show identification and pass through metal detectors. While there’s no doubt that security has always been paramount for members of the Senate, there’s an edge to this display that feels pointed. The Empire is afraid of what its detractors might achieve, because they have not officially achieved unlimited power.

Unsurprisingly, news of the attack on Ghorman has reached the halls of the Senate. News broadcasts relay the same heightened reports of the “terrorism” on the planet, and all of this has taken a toll on Ghorman’s senator Oran (Raphael Roger Levy). He asks to speak with Mon as they file into the senate, and Mon sends Erskin on so she can have a private word with the senator. Oran expresses his distress over the bombing and how transparent the Empire is, to the point where they aren’t even trying to “lie badly” about their involvement. Mon assures him that she is trying to put together a petition — but they both know they’ve passed the point for politicking. The time to act was two years ago. Oran thanks Mon for her constant courage and the brave face she puts out to the world, and warns her to protect herself. It’s only a matter of time before the Empire makes it even more difficult for those who are sympathetic to the oppression of the Ghor.

Cassian’s Future Is a Force To be Reckoned With

Andor Episode 7 also takes a page out of Rogue One’s book by finding a uniquely beautiful way of incorporating one of Star Wars’ most recognizable elements. Bix takes Cassian into the heart of the base to see a Force healer (Josie Walker), and he hems and haws the entire time about how upset he is about it. He doesn’t believe in Force healers, much like his late mother. Bix attempts to make a point about how people wouldn’t fake something if it weren’t rooted in reality, which doesn’t really change Cassian’s mind. While Bix tries to convince him to see the healer about his shoulder, the healer sees them first. Unprompted, she leaves behind the patient she was tending to, as if she is drawn to the couple. Naturally, Cassian thinks Bix has orchestrated the whole thing, but she hasn’t. Bix explains that Cassian has a blaster burn that won’t heal, and asks the healer to look at it. She lays hands on Cassian and reacts very strongly to whatever she senses. She thanks him for the clarity that meeting him has given her — it’s something she hasn’t felt for a long time, and it’s easy to lose faith after so long. She also mentions the rareness of Cassian in the way that he is gathering strength of spirit.

There’s a subtle shift during this scene, which results in another great performance from both Arjona and Luna. They both know that the healer has sensed something monumental, and it’s enough to make Cassian bail and Bix stay to learn more. As Cassian heads back home, Bix tells the healer that she scared someone who isn’t easy to scare. She also wants to know what the healer saw, but it’s difficult to explain. It’s the weight of things, things she can’t see — pain, fear, need. More importantly, Cassian is among a very small number of people who “(carry) the weight of the future.” He’s a messenger. Andor isn’t the least bit afraid of being meta with the bitter reminder that there is, in fact, “some place he needs to be.” The healer questions Bix about Cassian, what he does, and how long she’s known him, and Bix explains that he’s a pilot, and that she’s never not known him. The healer reaches out and takes Bix’s hands, where they’re resting on her stomach, and offers a bit of reassurance that the audience knows isn’t the full truth: “Maybe you’re the place he needs to be.”

When Bix gets home, Cassian is stretching his newly mended shoulder. She tries to approach the conversation with a degree of gentleness, understanding how confusing it must be for a skeptic like Cassian, but he’s still upset about the whole thing. Despite his frustration, Bix discusses what the healer saw — how she called him a messenger, just like dreams Bix herself has had about their future. Again, Luna gives such a brilliant, understated performance as Cassian tries not to let Bix’s words get to him, but there’s this moment of clarity that seems to dawn on both of them as she begs him to “let it in” with an assurance that it has to be a good thing. As much as the cadence of the time jumps works for me this season, I’m still longing for more time with Cassian and Bix. They are such a perfect example of everything the Rebellion symbolizes and all the virtues it extols. From Cassian’s childhood, to their shared Ferrixian upbringing, to the way the Rebellion drove them together with an unbreakable bond, there will never be a couple that feels the way these two feel on screen, and that’s a credit to Luna and Arjona for being remarkable scene partners that elevate even the most well-written moments.

Cassian Returns to Ghorman in ‘Andor’ Episode 7

With his shoulder now healed and a new fire lit under him, Cassian takes Wil up on his offer to get back in the game, to the chagrin of General Draven (Alistair Petrie). While the duo loads up their vessel, Draven chews Cassian out for taking a personal trip and acting like a privateer. He issues a warning that in order to enjoy the securities of Yavin, one must declare their full loyalties, and Cassian takes offense at that. His loyalties couldn’t be clearer. He snips about how the day he needs permission to come and go as he pleases, he’ll be gone, and Draven more or less accepts that he isn’t going to win this battle with Cassian. With only a few words exchanged, Andor neatly lays the groundwork for where their dynamic is in Rogue One, and it makes it even more heartbreaking to realize how little time we have left with this series.

After Cassian and Wil leave the base, Vel (Faye Marsay) goes to see Bix at their home. The two haven’t seen each other for a while, but Vel is back and scaring the new recruits in her new role with intake. Bix seems surprised that Vel isn’t smuggling anymore, and she admits she needed a break because she was getting reckless, and there’s no time for recklessness now. Vel also admits that she was sent by Draven and Dodonna to speak with Bix about Cassian’s behavior. They want to promote him, but he’s being reckless and that’s not befitting of a true Rebel leader. A year after Cinta’s death, it’s clear that Vel is still processing what happened, and with a few words, it’s also clear that her death was Vel’s breaking point when it comes to Luthen. She talks with Bix about how they aren’t Luthen’s “puppets” anymore, and Cassian needs to start showing discipline as they build their army on Yavin. Bix promises that Cassian will be there when they need him, but there’s something ominous about her wording.

When Cassian and Wil arrive on Ghorman,, the curfew is underway, and Cassian is surprised by how much has changed in Palmo since the last time he visited. As they split up, they part with the Ferrixian greeting of “stone and sky,” which underscores that an element of their plan to kill Dedra is motivated by what happened on their own homeworld. Wil heads off to the Front’s headquarters, while Cassian checks into the hotel. He’s greeted by Thela, who has been promoted from bellhop to clerk in the intervening time. Cassian introduces himself as Rooni Goojah, a journalist with Mid-Rim News, but his cover isn’t as airtight as the last time, when he as Varian Skye. Thela warns him that he lacks an entry stamp, which all journalists are required to receive from the Empire, and Cassian plays it off as an oversight in his rush to avoid the curfew. The clerk beside them (Anne-Sophie Marie) quips that they’ll need to report this oversight, and Thela warns Cassian that they turn over their guest list every afternoon, so he’ll need to get it sorted before them.

Cassian heads to his room overlooking the plaza and gets settled in. He makes contact with Wil, feigning like he’s asking for the weather report, which is “clear skies” for the evening. However, Cassian quickly discovers that everything isn’t clear for their little plan. After unpacking his impressive arsenal of assassination gear and identifying that he has a clear shot straight into Dedra’s office across the plaza, Cassian discovers that there are stormtroopers posted directly above his suite, which puts a hamper on their scheme, at least for the night. As the episode draws to a close, Cassian sits on the foot of his bed, and the weight of everything he’s about to do comes crashing down on him. Once more, Luna gives such an incredible performance without a single piece of dialogue being spoken. As we get underway with Andor’s penultimate arc, the weight of the future is settling even heavier on its lead’s shoulders.

The first nine episodes of Andor Season 2 are streaming now on Disney+.