Andor Narkina 5 Review: Rounding up the rebels

Narkina 5 continues to hone in on the Empire’s response to the heist on Aldhani. The most significant impact felt by the Empire’s iron grip is felt in Farrix and the prison planet Narkina 5.

Narkina 5 adopts a pace similar to the first episode of the series. The rebels aren’t capitalizing on the momentum from Aldahni.

Cassian is in prison and the bulk of Narkina 5 focuses on how the inhuman prison system creates dire competitiveness. Bix is trying to find Cassian while skirting around the increased presence of the empire. Mon Mothma is hosting another party and finding it difficult to access her family funds. Luthen is trying to foster more support. However, a meeting with Saw Gerrera shows the divisions amongst the rebel factions remain fractured.

Meanwhile, the Empire is taking steps to squash the rebellion. Dedra Meera questions Syril Karn about his investigation of Cassian. She also uses Bix’s sympathies against her.

Cassian’s storyline, the ISB taking a more active role and Luthen’s struggle advances the story forward enough. However, Mothma’s party on Coruscant grinds the episode to a halt. Genevieve O’Reilly is terrific as Mothma, but the only addition to this story was the reveal of her arranged marriage to Perrin. She still can’t access her funds and her daughter doesn’t like her.

With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the elements that stood in Narkina 5. There may be some minor spoilers. Andor is available to stream on Disney Plus.

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Welcome to Narkina 5

Cassian spends most of the episode in shock. Diego Luna utters very few lines in Narkina 5, but utter shock and hopelessness creep across Cassian’s face. If there’s an escape plan brewing, it’s not apparent yet.

The hope of escaping is fleeting at best. The planet is surrounded by water. There’s no need for doors on the cells as the floor itself can electrocute prisoners to the point of death. Cassian and his fellow inmates aren’t given much time to comprehend their situation let alone formulate a plan.

The prison system revolves around prison labor. Every unit is divided into multiple groups that must complete projects on time. The fastest groups receive rewards like flavor in their food. The slowest groups are electrocuted.

Unit Manager Kino Roy played in an intimidating fashion by Andy Serkis runs Cassian’s unit. Yes, the same Serkis who provided the voice and motion capture for Supreme Leader Snoke returns in a different role. Serkis is perfect in this role.

Divergent Alliance

Luthen is struggling to cut ties he’s made to Bix on Farrix. Bix calls Luthen for help finding Cassian. Luthen wants to answer the call. However, Kleya reminds Luthen he should of cut ties with Bix the moment he left Farrix. Luthen doesn’t answer the call. Luthen does have eyes on Bix in a manner of speaking.

Vel and Cinta are on Farrix. They’re trying to hunt down Cassian and using Bix to try to pick up his trail. Narkina 5 provides some background on Vel. Cinta is clearly the most ardent to the cause. She cares for Vel, but not over the needs of the rebellion. Vel comes from wealth but ran away to join the rebellion. I just wish we had more time to dive into Vel’s background.

Meanwhile, Luthen leaves Coruscant for a meeting with Saw Gurrera. He wants Saw to work with another leader in the rebellion. Saw isn’t able to overcome his distrust and refuses Luthen’s offers. The dialogue and performances by Stellan Skarsgård and Forest Whitaker are terrific.

Now that The Empire knows about a potential resistant force, the disorganization of the rebel factions is beginning to show. Skarsgård continues to deliver one of the most nuanced performances in Star Wars since Alec Guiness. The performances and writing are simply better than anything Star Wars has produced maybe ever.

Empire Closes in

Syril Karn has started his new position at the ISB. Since starting, he’s submitted multiple reports related to Cassian. Dedra has seen those reports. She then interviews him to get him more on her side, showing Syril the report he was forbidden from reading. After Syril tells her what she wants to know, Dedra cuts him loose. She warns Syril not to submit any more reports.

Dedra’s efforts don’t stop at the ISB. She also pays Farrix a visit. She captures Bix and a friend of hers. Dedra waits long enough for Bix to catch a glimpse of her friend being tortured. She seems to reprimand her men. Of course, she orders her subordinates to make sure Bix saw her captured friend.

The Empire’s grip is present on Coruscant as well. Mon Mothma’s friend is trying to access Mothma’s family funds. Unfortunately, the Empire is making the process difficult. The only other information gleaned is Mothma’s arranged marriage to Perrin.

Denise Gough continues to make Dedra an interesting foe. Her intelligence and resourcefulness make her a worthy adversary. Kyle Soller is excelling at making Syril insufferable. Dedra’s ability to manipulate others is fantastic to watch. While Mothma’s marriage woes don’t measure up to the other storylines in the episode.

Narkina 5 Final Thoughts

Narkina 5 continues to deliver strong dialogue and performances. The pace weakens when it reverts back to Mothma’s party. However, guest performances by Serkis and Whitaker elevate the episode above that minor issue. Add in the impressive deep dive into the inner workings of The Empire and you have another deep, dark installment in a galaxy, far, far, away.

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