Understanding the Finale of Andor
It’s quite uncommon to know how a TV show will conclude before the series even starts.
Nonetheless, Andor wrapped up exactly as showrunner Tony Gilroy predicted during its 2022 launch: the narrative leads directly into the film Rogue One, with the final moments showing Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) meeting a source at the Ring of Kafrene, a pivotal location where he acquires crucial information about the Death Star.
However, numerous elements of this critically acclaimed Star Wars series remained uncertain until near the end, including the destinies of Dedra (Denise Gough), Bix (Adria Arjona), and Syril (Kyle Soller). Interestingly, a few notable characters from season one, like Kino Loy and Cassian’s missing sister Kerri, do not make a return.
Insights from Tony Gilroy
The finale features the line “What a bitter ending.” With Bix revealing her pregnancy and Cassian having a son he never knew about, does this make his fate more tragic?
Absolutely. This revelation achieves three things: it intensifies his sacrifice, clarifies Bix’s departure for those unsure about it, and ultimately, I wanted to conclude on a hopeful note. “Rebellions are built on hope” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a message vital for many to hear.
If Bix hadn’t been secretly pregnant, would she still have left Cassian to fight for the cause?
I’m unsure. I believe she was pregnant when she made that choice.
The line about “rebellions are built on hope” comes from a humble hotel clerk. Given how we know Cassian now, that sentiment doesn’t seem like something he would say.
It’s amusing. My office is at home, and my son, a huge Star Wars fan, pointed out that someone needed to say it. I thought it originally came from somewhere else in the film, but it turns out it didn’t. So, he greatly influenced that decision.
Character Developments
Looking back, the massacre on Ghorman was intense. Could Syril have turned to the Rebellion in those moments?
I’ve always perceived him as a romantic dreamer with a complex internal world. People often go where they feel accepted. Syril could have followed a different path, and the chaos during the massacre deeply affected him. Witnessing Cassian, whom he had pursued for years, without recognition, was overwhelming for him.
I initially thought Dedra would be promoted to a position on the Death Star, leading to her unseen doom in A New Hope. What justified her end?
Her downfall was expected. If this were any intelligence agency, a scandal of this magnitude would necessitate a house cleaning. Her fate on Narkina was too compelling to ignore.
On the topic of Imperial prisons, I anticipated Andy Serkis’ Kino Loy appearing as a Rebel leader. Did you ever consider bringing him back?
Andy’s performance was incredible, and I felt it would diminish that powerful moment where he admits, “I can’t swim.” Some suggested ways to incorporate him back, but I didn’t want to create a situation that felt coincidental.
Also absent in the finale: How is Mon Mothma’s daughter faring in her marriage?
[Laughs] Children often cling to more traditional values than their parents. I imagine she leads a relatively comfortable life on Chandrila, though she might not find happiness there.
Visual Storytelling and Future Prospects
My favorite moment of the season was the off-camera suicide of the ISB commander, elegantly portrayed. What are your thoughts?
Indeed, [Michael Jenn] is a remarkable actor.
Given the standout scenes with K-2SO, some fans might wonder why he wasn’t featured more. Was it a creative or financial decision?
Limiting K-2SO derived from the creation process of Rogue One. His presence posed a storytelling challenge, leading to a strategic delay in his introduction to ensure it felt impactful.
Were there any ideas in the script you could not execute?
Economics played a role. Dan Gilroy wrote an exciting episode for #9 with a very different introduction for K-2SO, but we had to reshape it due to budget constraints.
In what way do you hope Andor influences how viewers perceive Rogue One?
What did you think after your re-watch?
I haven’t yet revisited it, but I’m curious. There’s a lot of anticipation about how Cassian and Jyn’s connection evolves, and I’m eager to find out.
Andor is currently streaming all episodes on Disney+. Check out THR’s season coverage.
