Spoiler Review Of ‘Star Wars: Andor’ Episode 9 ‘Nobody’s Listening!’

Cassian waits in line with Kino with hands on their heads

Image Source: SuperheroHype

We’re nine episodes into Andor, and in a traditionally structured show with a slotted 12 episodes, we should have a good idea of where the show is going and what the ending will have in store for us. That’s not the case with Andor. Before the show premiered, it was revealed that it would run for two seasons depicting the five years before Rogue One. Season one would be one year, and season two would be four years, running right up to Rogue One.

Despite the strange structure of the two seasons, we should have some indication of where this season will end up, but I don’t think anyone could confidently say what, or where, that is yet. Supervisor Meero’s quest to find Andor, or his contact, Axis, feels like the only arc with a defined target, and it feels like it will bring them all into a collision, but I don’t think that would be a smart move.

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The connection between Luthen and Cassian has often been portrayed as merely transactional. Cassian wants to move on, and Luthen seems willing to be rid of him because he knows too much. If they caught up to Cassian to get to Luthen, is there even enough of a bond for any consequence to matter? I’m just not seeing what it is about this season that would be enough to draw Cassian into a dedicated member of the rebellion. He still seems to just be looking out for himself.

The tension in the episode was undoubtedly palpable on all fronts. The writers are really nailing all the gilded aspects of fascism. “Nobody’s Listening” as a title for the episode was a solid choice, with Cassian’s constant urging that the Empire indeed doesn’t care how disciplined you are for them seems to have to crack through Kino’s play-it-safe-and-do-the-work walls. A criminal is a criminal, and they’ll replace you just as quickly as you left. It shines a light on the corrosive and dark layer of fascism, the one you don’t see but hear the whispers about (or straight up ignore if you’re a shill for the system).

Meero talking closely to Syril Karn

Image Source: Bookstr

The other layer, the one all polished and glimmering to the privileged supporters of the regime, was so cringe you have to hand it to actors Kyle Soller and Denise Gough for their performance. Watching Syril nearly soil his pants over Supervisor Meero, almost to the point of tears, and with more than a hint of his weird fascism fetish. My dinner threatens to come out of my throat at the thought of what is in his private box that mommy dearest Eedy found while creeping into Syril’s room. Fantastic writing.

Let’s not forget Mon. So far this season, she’s kind of had it easy. Yes, she’s had to play dutiful Senator and smile for the elite of the Empire at her hosted events, all while trying to find funding for her back alley rebellion. This week though, it’s revealed that Vel is Mon’s cousin. So, not only is Mon wary of working with Luthen and his more aggressive approach, but now we find out the calls are coming from within the family. Furthermore, she finds out her financial maneuvering is likely to draw attention, and if she wants to avoid it, she’s gonna have to get her hands dirty and deal with some of Chandrilla’s less-than-honorable financiers. That, of course, comes with risks of its own.

Mon Mothma speaking to Vel

Image Source: Den of Geek

This season’s writing has been solid, and it’s made for some of the best TV around, and it’s enough to overcome the ambiguous direction of some of the arcs. The satisfying conversion of Kino to Cassian’s escape plot and Mon’s mounting risks are solid setups for a promising episode next week.

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Source(s): Andor

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