Andor Daughter of Ferrix Review: Too many storylines almost overwhelm penultimate episode

Andor‘s penultimate episode, Daughter of Ferrix feels like the first part of a two-part season finale in every way. Every storyline is built up to conclude in next week’s finale, but there isn’t much to sink your teeth into storywise. However, Tony Gilroy‘s outstanding dialogue allows even the most sterile scene to pop just enough.

In Daughter of Ferrix, Cassian and Melshi are trying to get their barrings, while all eyes are circulating around Ferrix. Maarva succumbs to her illness, which Dedra Meero plans to use as a trap for Cassian. Syril Karn is told this information as well from his former officer. Vel informs Kleya of the news and wants the message sent to Luthen Rael.

Meanwhile, Bix is still being questioned by the ISB. Saw Gurrera and Luthen meet once again. Vel and Mon Mothma discuss the senator’s dire financial situation, which Luthen knows nothing about.

The most significant issues in this episode are the lack of a central storyline driving events forward and the off-screen death of Maarva. In the last episode, the prison escape was able to move the story and then other scenes were used to flesh out different corners of the galaxy. In Daughter of Ferrix, only Mothma and Vel’s stories are given enough substance. As for Maarva’s death, it makes tragic sense for Cassian to not see his adoptive mother one last time. However, the execution of Maarva’s perceived exit lacks the sophisticated writing we’ve seen in Andor up to this point.

In spite of these issues, the performances, dialogue and Luthen’s escape are outstanding. Diego Luna‘s processing of Maarva’s passing is some of the best acting in all of Star Wars. Here’s hoping the season finale can deliver the dramatic thrust to close out the season in style.

With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the elements that stood in Daughter of Ferrix. There may be some minor spoilers. Andor is available to stream on Disney Plus.

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Tracking the Daughter of Ferrix

Maarva dies off-screen in Daughter of Ferrix. Her upcoming funeral allows Dedra to orchestrate a trap. On Ferrix, the locals have an elaborate ceremony to celebrate their leaders. Usually, the empire tries to restrain local customs. Dedra decides to allow the funeral procession to proceed in full. Hopefully, Cassian will show up at his mother’s funeral.

Cassian escapes Narkina 5 with Melshi. They head to the Miami beach-like planet where Cassian was arrested. He covertly calls his confidante on Ferrix. where he learns of Maarva’s death. Luna is terrific in this scene. He channels Cassian’s love and regret in his body language.

Cassian and Melshi decide to split up. The message about what occurred on Narkina 5 will reach a wider audience by going in different directions. Without speaking, there is a look of determination on Cassian’s face. Maarva died before the Empire’s fall. Her mission is now Cassian’s.

Cassian being unable to see Maarva before her death is a bold decision that works for Cassian’s story. However, the execution of Maarva dying off-screen feels rushed.

Luthen’s Escapes

Luthen encounters a couple of close calls in Daughter of Ferrix. He meets with Saw again and has a run-in with the Empire.

Surprisingly, Saw reconsiders Luthen’s offer. He decides to join the raid on Spellhaus with Anto Kreeger. In the last episode, Luthen decided to protect his ISB informant and let the 30 men die in the Spellhaus raid. Luthen tries to avoid telling the truth. He claims plans are already in motion so it’s too late to add Saw back in. Of course, Saw sees through Luthen.

Saw clues into Luthen having an informant. Saw’s paranoia makes him wonder if Luthen has an informant in his ranks. Luthen’s eventually confirms he has an informant on the ISB and is able to quell Saw’s worst tendencies. They both seem to agree they’re at war with the Empire and sacrifices are necessary.

Luthen leaves the planet but runs into more trouble. An Imperial cruiser runs up behind his ship and ensnares him in a tractor beam. Luthen is able to buy just enough time to escape.

Terrific tension and dialogue allow these scenes to be the highlight of the episode. Daughter of Ferrix is the first time in the series where Luthen hasn’t had the upper hand. He’s forced to scramble and is able to survive. The screws are tightening around Luthen. Perhaps, Daughter of Ferrix is foreshadowing Luthen’s demise sooner rather than later.

The Way Forward

Vel is still on Coruscant. First, she pays a visit to Kleya. She has an important message for Luthen. Kleya is mostly angry at Vel for not following the usual protocols. Eventually, Kleya softens just enough. Cassian’s mother is dead. Like Deedra, Vel believes Cassian will try to sneak into Ferrix. Looks like the rebels and the ISB’s sights are set on Ferrix in the season finale.

After meeting with Kleya, Vel returns to Mon Mothma’s house. She’s horrified when Mothma’s daughter recites the stuck-in-past Chandrilan chant. Mothma relays the marriage proposal and financial strife she’s under. Vel doesn’t seem as enamored by Tal as Mothma. Before they can talk any further, Mothma’s daughter enters the room.

How Mothma retrieves her money is going to be very interesting. I’m also concerned for Vel. She’s been warned by Kleya multiple times about the communication protocols. Will she survive next week’s finale?

Daughter of Ferrix Final Thoughts

Daughter of Ferrix is a very good episode featuring the usual dynamic performances and dialogue. However, the lack of a central story gives the episode a haphazard quality at times. Also, Maarva’s death lacks the impact it should have.