A Few Andor Thoughts Post-Finale

[unspeakablehorror]

Just some thoughts on episode 12:

 

Definitely some surprises for me in this episode, though it wasn't a total shocker, which is good.  I felt that the things that didn't fit my expectations were reasonable, not just the writers putting things in that no one could have guessed just for the sake of unpredictability.

I was pleasantly surprised that Bix lived through this episode and also seemed to liven up a bit during the funeral and her rescue.  I was pretty sure she was going to die, and wasn't sure there was anything left of her even if she didn't.  I noticed on rewatching some earlier episodes that the Empire captured her later than I thought they did, after Cassian had already spent about a month in prison.  I had thought they'd captured her around the time Cassian's prison term started, which contributed to my more pessimistic assessment. Also thought she might suffer the same fate as Salman Paak, given that they were both tortured the same way.  She's clearly been through a lot, but she's still got some fight in her.

Which, speaking of Paak, I enjoyed the subplot with Wilmon, though I had to look up who he was.  At first I thought he was supposed to be a younger Cassian, and was confused because he didn't look like the younger Cassian actor.

Maarva would have relished her funeral riot, I am sure.  Brasso using her brick to smash in that Imperial's head was just A++++. Also enjoyed watching Luthen's expressions there.  Would love to know what was going through his mind watching her.  If I were to venture a guess, it would be something along the lines of 'amazing, inspiring, this is clearly what you would have wanted--you are making this killing your son thing so hard right now, and I'll bet you would have wanted that too'.  

I continue to be utterly fascinated by Mon Mothma's entirely separate dysfunctional family-banking-hiding Rebellion activity melodrama.  I correctly guessed that she would have to accept Sculdun's offer.  I did not anticipate that she'd frame her husband for using the money, though, lol.  That was amusing and clever.

I see Syril got his wish.  I thought there was a good chance he would kick it this episode.  I guess not!  I wonder what will happen to him next season.  I can't imagine watching him actually get an ISB job would be interesting but the only other option I'm seeing is he and Dedra marry and have the most toxic relationship.  Not to mention Dedra also getting a bonus toxic mother-in-law.  I guess we shall find out next season.

Dedra did not catch Cassian, which I anticipated, but she also did not catch Axis.  Not only that, but Ferrix had an anti-Imperial riot break out while she was there.  Am getting the impression she may be in for a demotion or worse.

I was also surprised Luthen didn't die this episode.  Of all the deaths I anticipated, his seemed the most likely to me, as it would present a natural opportunity to pass the baton to Cassian.  I was also extremely confident that he would come to Ferrix for this episode, and on that I was correct.  It seemed like the best way to involve him in the story, and the last episode definitely hinted that he was going to micromanage this mission, despite Kleya's insistence that he stay away from it.  This is also not new for him--his anxiety about Aldhani was what brought him to give them Cassian days before the heist, which he worried constantly about until he was assured of its success, and he insisted on talking personally with Lonnie even though Kleya practically begged to go in his place.  Anyway, Luthen living through this episode introduces the possibility of there being a training montage between him and Cassian.  I guess we'll see how long he lasts through season 2.

Am wondering if we'll see the Ferrix escapees again.  Seems like they might form their own Rebel group.  They're distinctive enough and their storylines have been established memorably enough that it would seem a waste for them to not show up again at some point.