'Andor' Episode 5: "The Axe Forgets" Recap and Review
There is tension in the Air as distrust threatens to derail the rebels before they can even get moving
WARNING: Contains Spoilers
In a way, most of this episode can be classified as filler. There is minimal development in terms of story as most situations are in the same state that they were when the episode began. What keeps this episode from being completely filler is the exploration of interpersonal relationships that seems to be the focus this week. Every major character featured in this episode experiences some form of conflict with someone close to them. The conflicts range from muted simmering rage at the sound of her voice to a knife to the throat but with all this tension being built it should be an entertaining watch when the rope finally snaps. So, at least this episode gave us somthing to look forward to.
The episode begins in the wading melancholy of Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) as he watches the sun peak through the buildings from his mother’s house on Coruscant. At breakfast with his mother Eedy (Kathryn Hunter), Syril quietly seethes as she heaps loving criticism upon him, before bringing up a Uncle Harlow that could help him. On Aldhani, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), still going by Clem, wakes in a panic to find Skeen (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) going through his bag. Apparently Vel (Faye Marsay) asked him to do so, but Skeen also takes the time to vet Cassian a bit only to continue to not trust him. Morning on Coruscant for Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) begins with an argument between her and her daughter about her plans for the day that her daughter no longer wants to be a part of. Back on Aldhani, Cassian bonds with the youngest of the Rebel group Karis Nemik (Alex Lawther) before being called away by Vel and Taramyn Barcona (Gershwyn Eustache Jnr). The two ask Cassian a few specifics before Cassian realizes they are not as prepared as he thought, he decides it would best if he flies the getaway vehicle. Outside of the Imperial Garrison, Lieutenant Gorn (Sule Rami) tricks the Imperial officers into preparing the Rebels infiltration route. Meanwhile, Taramyn instructs Cassian on how to look like a soldier. On Planet Ferix, the Imperials tend to the damage caused by Cassian and Luthen and Lieutenant Supervisor Blevin (Ben Bailey Smith) solidifies the Imperial presence on the planet. The Rebels’ practice is interrupted by a passing Tie-Fighter. Back at camp, tensions rise between Cassian and Skeen as they prepare to move towards the Imperial Garrison. On Coruscant, Lieutenant Deedra Meero (Denise Gough) continues to piece together the evidence of a unified Rebellion. At night on Aldhani, the Rebel group toast to the Rebellion one last time before they start their pilgrimage to the Garrison. Another morning with the Karns, another lecture from Eedy to Syril about Uncle Harlow. Inside the Garrison, Lieutenant Gorn successfully secures a skeleton crew for the night of the heist. As the rebels brake, Skeen decides there is no time like the present and pulls a knife on Cassian and reveals the Kyber Crystal necklace given to him by Luthen, to keep from things getting worse Cassian admits to being a Mercenary and only doing the job for money. More struggles for Mon Mothma as her and her husband clash over their lack of communication. The night before brings tension to all, Skeen apologizes to Cassian, Syril seeths while looking at Cassian’s face, and Luthen worries for the Rebel group. The next day, the heist begins.
What keeps the interest in this episode are the performances of the actors and the writing prepared for them. The lack of trust in Cassian by mostly Skeen is extremely well written and performed. Each conversation between the two is a verbal tug-of-war as the two try to pull information out of each other from each other. The chemistry between the two actors is great and highlights the skill of both Luna and Moss-Bachrach. One terrifying yet entertaining element of the episode is the rage that is building under the skin of Syril Karn as his mother continues to lecture him. Kyle Soller brings this sort of serial killer vibe to the role, that he is just going to snap at any moment and do somthing horrific to his poor nagging mother. The final moment with Syril does successfully direct that rage towards Cassian but one has to be concerned for Eedy’s health after that episode. Not much else really happened in the episode, Mon Mothma is having trouble at home, Lt. Meero continues to piece together evidence of a rebellion, Luthen is seen for just long enough to be counted as being in the episode, and we barely see the aftermath on Ferix. It was clear that the writers struggled to fill the episode with events not taking place on Aldhani. If it wasn’t for the impeccable writing, the episode had the potential to drag a little bit.
Next episode should be a doozy given the amount of time spent in this episode building towards it. In fact, this episode is more of a part one than an actual episode. There isn’t any shame at labeling an episode as a part one, two episode arcs are common in the episodic sitcom world but less so in the long-form movie-style shows that have become the norm for streaming. But without that part one label, this episode is left to be judged on its own merits and on it’s own, the episode is lacking. It’s a disappointment too, so far the series has been excellent but this hiccup in momentum shouldn’t last long given how much the next episode has been built up.