Editor’s note: The recap below contains spoilers for Andor Season 2 Episode 3.

Andor Season 2 is innovating in several ways. We are experiencing three-episode releases weekly, with each set of episodes covering a year in Cassian Andor’s ( Diego Luna ) life before the series jumps ahead another year as it progresses toward the events of Rogue One. This structure means Tony Gilroy has less than an hour to conclude everything in Episode 3, resulting in outcomes that are both heartbreaking and enlightening.

The episode begins with Cassian aboard a TIE Fighter, escaping his encounter with the Maya Pei Brigade. He eventually connects with Kleya ( Elizabeth Dulau ) at the gallery, expressing his frustration over the situation since leaving Sienar. He indicates a desire to return to Mina-Rau, but Kleya discreetly informs him that his home planet is “crowded” and that a frequency blockade is obstructing her from providing a reliable “weather report.” Ignoring her subtle warning, Cassian ends the call, determined to return home regardless.

Mon Mothma Faces the Consequences of Shepherding a Rebellion (Again)

Season 1 established Mon Mothma’s ( Genevieve O’Reilly ) complex relationship with her daughter, Leida ( Bronte Carmichael ), which has not improved with the latter’s upcoming wedding. In an attempt to connect before the ceremony, Mon shares her own wedding day experience, recalling her mother’s drunken state and her subsequent understanding of that turmoil. She reassures Leida that they can cancel the wedding if she’s not ready, framing it as a courageous act, but Leida dismisses her mother’s concerns. She wishes Mon were drunk instead, avoiding this conversation. Mon composes herself, wiping away tears, and proceeds with her responsibilities.

As with Episode 2, Andor showcases Chandrillian customs in a fresh light. Leida steps over a branch held by the Sculduns and approaches her fiancé, who stands in a circle. This recurring circular imagery symbolizes significant themes throughout the first three episodes. Similar to Jedi traditions, Chandrillian brides have their braids cut off by their fiancé during the ceremony. The wedding proceeds smoothly, but the celebration that follows is less fortunate.

Before the festivities commence, Davo Sculdun ( Richard Dillane ) presents a rare Chandi Merle — a temple figure stolen from the planet centuries ago — as a wedding gift. This act signifies the union of their families, facilitated by Luthen ( Stellan Skarsgård ). This valuable piece also highlights Sculdun’s immense wealth, contrasting with Tay Kolma’s ( Ben Miles ) financial struggles. As in previous episodes, the party is filled with subtle details, including Mon’s assistant Erskin ( Pierro Neil-Mee ), who is not originally from Chandrila but the child of a Naboo and a Ghor, hinting at Mon’s moral support for Ghorman.

Mon observes Tay drinking heavily again and learns of his interactions with Sculdun, heightening the threat to the Foundation and the Rebellion. It seems she is beginning to grasp Luthen’s perspective on the matter. When they discuss it again, Luthen bluntly states that Mon knows what has to happen regarding Tay. It’s then that she realizes the only way out is for Tay to be removed permanently. This realization sends Mon into despair, prompting her to drink and dance at the wedding, attempting to forget her friend’s fate. Tay departs early and is surprised by an unfamiliar driver, who is Cinta ( Varada Sethu ). Luthen has expedited the plan to deal with Tay. As Cinta takes Tay away, she locks eyes with Vel ( Faye Marsay ), but it appears we will have to wait another year for their paths to cross again.

Mother Knows Best, Until She Meets Her Match

The meeting that Syril ( Kyle Soller ) and Dedra ( Denise Gough ) were postponing turns out to be a gathering with his mother, Eedy ( Kathryn Hunter ), a character many would prefer to avoid. Eedy continues her trend from Season 1, delivering backhanded compliments and negativity toward Syril. Her arrival offers insights into Syril and Dedra’s dynamics. Rather than donning her crisp uniform, Dedra opts for an all-black outfit, practicing her smile in the mirror, while Syril wears a drab outfit that accentuates his insecurities, reflecting his mother’s influence.

Upon meeting Dedra, Eedy makes a disparaging comment about her not matching her expectations. Although Andor does not specify the timeline of their relationship, it appears Syril has been living with Dedra for some time, making Eedy’s unfamiliarity with her comical. Eedy also expresses disappointment over the lack of spiced tea, subtly implying Syril’s failure to prepare for her visit.

They gather around the table for fondue, but Eedy makes a mess, dripping cheese everywhere, which horrifies Syril. This behavior seems to stem from her frustration over losing her son to Dedra. Eedy attempts to paint herself as a victim, discussing Syril’s absent father, but Dedra remains unmoved, revealing her own challenging upbringing in an Imperial kinderblock. Eedy tries to undermine Dedra by commenting on her lack of maternal love, but Dedra remains unfazed.

Syril eventually reaches a breaking point and excuses himself to lie down, showcasing a relatable moment for his character. While he is away, Dedra asserts her control over Syril’s life to Eedy, stating that she will manage everything from now on, and Eedy will no longer have influence. Dedra mentions having pulled Uncle Harlo’s ISB file, hinting at his criminal past, which Eedy would prefer to keep hidden. When Syril returns, Eedy has shifted her attitude, and the dinner continues without further incident. Transitioning from living with his mother to Dedra seems to be a challenging adjustment for Syril, who needs a strong figure to guide him.

Tragedy Strikes Cassian’s Closest Allies Once More

What makes Andor compelling is that many characters’ fates are predetermined. Cassian will ultimately die in Rogue One, and given the absence of Bix ( Adria Arjona ), Brasso ( Joplin Sibtain ), or Wilmon ( Muhannad Ben Amor ) leading up to his demise, it’s likely they will not survive Season 2. Episode 3 marks the first tragic death.

During harvest season on Mina-Rau, workers gather for a feast, despite the tensions from the Imperial presence. Brasso and Talia ( Claire Brown ) share light-hearted banter, but their celebration is abruptly interrupted by Kellen’s ( Ryan Pope ) alarming news that their council will be inspected next, meaning Imperial officers will return. He explains that the Empire is conducting random visa checks, complicating their situation. Rather than flee, Kellen provides Brasso with an emergency work order from the Council Eight Hundred as an excuse for their departure, revealing his deeper connections and knowledge about Luthen.

As Brasso, Bix, and Wil prepare to leave, Brasso informs B2EMO, who worries about Cassian’s potential return and finding them gone. An Imperial ship flies overhead, prompting Brasso to realize they need to leave quickly. Bix finally receives a signal from Cassian entering the atmosphere, but it’s too late to avert the impending disaster. Unfortunately, Brasso fails to return home in time, and while Wil says goodbye to Beela ( Laura Marcus ), Krole ( Alexander Waldmann ) arrives to begin the audit. He is far more menacing this time, and Bix struggles to maintain control as he comments on her husband’s absence.

Bix fights back against Krole’s advances, managing to injure him, but he ultimately escapes, raising the alarm and leading to chaos. Brasso attempts to flee but is captured by the Empire, seemingly betrayed by Kellen. Bix confronts another Imperial officer, revealing Krole’s assault, but he shows no concern, prompting her to retaliate. Andor boldly addresses the horrors of the Empire, showcasing this particular aspect of fascism, which has not been explored in Star Wars canon until now. Bix’s resistance and triumph against Krole add depth to her character, illustrating the harsh realities faced by women under oppressive regimes.

In the chaos, Brasso breaks free but is pursued by a skilled stormtrooper. Cassian provides aerial support, taking out several Imperial units, but his arrival is too late. Cassian discovers Brasso’s body among the fields, and the tragedy of his death casts a shadow over his reunion with Bix and Wil. They leave Mina-Rau in the TIE Fighter, having to abandon Brasso’s body as they escape with their lives.

Andor Episode 3 concludes with a striking contrast. As Cassian pilots the ship, visibly traumatized, the upbeat music from Leida’s wedding plays in the background, creating a powerful juxtaposition between the horrors of war and those who can celebrate. Mon also endures one of the worst days of her life, underscoring the stark differences in their experiences, even as a dear friend becomes a casualty of the Rebellion.

The first three episodes of Season 2 are currently available to stream on Disney+.

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