Andor The Eye Review: A rebellion without a central cause

From action to dialogue to character evolution, The Eye is the best episode of Star Wars television to date.

Susanna White‘s staging of the heist during the meteor shower is one of the most visually stirring moments in the last decade of Star Wars. The only sequence that rivals this scene in The Eye is the Holdo Maneuver in The Last Jedi. The Eye is a longer sequence involving an escape from Tie-Fighters while weaving around comets.

Dan Gilroy pens the script once again. The rebellion is clearly in its infancy and the heist isn’t smooth. The team is a mix of inexperienced and self-indulgent. Cassian, Skeen, Gorn and Teramyn are running away from their pasts toward uncertain futures. They all have a hatred for the Empire, but not a passion for a central cause, which you need to fight a regimented Empire. Vel’s nerves are tested in what looks like her first mission. In spite of the disorganization, the ragtag group is able to complete the heist due to the Empire’s pompous nature.

The Eye maintains a strict focus on the heist mission. Once the heist is completed, then the story shifts to Coruscant, which expands the scope of the story once again.

Gilroy and White’s three-episode arc was sensational. I can’t wait to see where Andor goes next.

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

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The Fat of the Empire

In episode three, Cassian and Luthen Rael have a quick exchange on how Cassian is able to steal from the empire.

They’re so proud of themselves, they don’t even care. They’re so fat and satisfied, they can’t imagine it. That someone like me would ever get inside their house, walk their floors, spit in their food, take their gear.

Cassian

It’s a powerful quote. In The Eye, the audience experiences the aloof Empire firsthand through Commandant Beehaz. The Empire’s dismissive nature of the locals on Aldhani is clear in every line of speech. In his eyes, the locals are so beneath them, they will let the Empire walk all over them. Unfortunately, for Beehaz, Aldhani locals aren’t the only people on the planet.

In a clear homage to Cassian’s line, Beehaz has become so fat his belt no longer fits. His ambition to reach a new station is another recurring theme of Andor. The Empire is so focused on moving forward, they fail to notice the resistance that is forming beneath their feet.

Keeping The Eye on the prize

Cassian, Nemik, Taramyn and Skeen are prepping the mission on one end, while Vel and Cinta sneak underwater. Lieutenant Gorn is playing the role of a hard-nosed commander.

At first, Vel has a hard time giving the go-ahead order due to the risks involved in the mission. The group is able to kidnap Beehaz and his family. In a particularly brutal scene, they even point a gun at Beehaz’s son.

Eventually, the group minus Cinta convinces the Commandant to take them to the payload area. They begin loading the credits onto the ship. Gorn arrives to complete the heist. Suddenly, a curious imperial officer enters the loading bay. He tries to order the official to stand down. Beehaz drops dead due to a heart attack and Gorn is killed by blaster fire.

All hell breaks loose. Cassian makes it to the cockpit. Taramyn is killed after trying to reach Nemik. Nemik, Vel and Skeen reach the ship.

Nemik’s legs are crushed by the credits. In a visually arresting moment, Nemik helps Cassian navigate around the comets with a couple of Tie-Fighters in pursuit.

The heist sequences intercut with the meteor show were a visual feast for sure. The impressive visuals are preceded by incredible tension during the heist. In short, this is Star Wars at its finest.

Rebels with no cause

After the daring escape, Vel wants to leave Namik for dead. Skeen wants to take Namik to a doctor to treat his legs. Cassian sides with Skeen.

Skeen’s impassioned rebel act is a facade. Vel is with Nemik and the doctor. Skeen uses this alone time to make Cassian an offer. He wants to split the credits in half. Andor can go one way and Skeen will go another.

Cassian asks Skeen about his passion for the rebellion. Skeen maintains he is a rebel beholden to no one but himself. Skeen makes an impassioned plea that he and Cassian are one in the same. Without hesitation, Cassian kills Skeen.

Nemik dies due to his injuries. Cassian arrives in the tent and holds her at gunpoint. He demands his payment and reveals Skeen is dead. Vel believes Cassian is a snake. He gives Vel the kyber crystal and tells Vel the truth about Skeen’s deceit. Vel doesn’t believe him at first, but Cassian asks her to consider what he’s saying for just a moment. He leaves the planet to conclude this portion of Cassian’s story.

The Eye Final Thoughts

The Eye is a masterful episode of television that so happens to be set in the Star Wars universe. Terrific visuals, phenomenal performances led by Diego Luna and an important look at the weaknesses of The Empire as well as this early incarnation of the rebellion close out this portion of Andor’s story in style.

Navigating around the meteor shower is a gorgeous visual backed up by real stakes. Luna’s performance does a great job of showcasing Cassian’s journey. The Empire’s overdeveloped, regimented sense of self is a wonderful contrast to the haphazard rebels.

Since Andor‘s season is bunched together in three-episode arcs, it’s going to be interesting see where Cassian’s story goes next.

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