Editor’s note: The following recap includes spoilers for <em>Andor</em> Season 2 Episode 12. After an extensive journey of approximately six years and six months since Andor was first announced, the series has officially concluded. The final episode, crafted by Tom Bissell and directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios, encapsulates the profound meanings developed over the past two seasons. Although the narrative was always heading towards a tragic climax — with Season 2 relentlessly steering towards the events of Rogue One — the finale does not feel like a definitive conclusion. While Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is destined for a pivotal moment on Scarif, Andor has populated Yavin with fresh characters whose futures remain uncertain. Notably, the series finale also introduces a brand-new character whose possibilities are entirely open-ended.

Episode 12 begins on the bustling planet of Coruscant, where Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau) expresses her sorrow over the “bitter ending” that awaits her on Yavin, but Cassian reassures her that this is not truly an end. She has been instrumental in keeping Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård) alive. Though Kleya fears being treated like a prisoner on Yavin, Cassian insists that she is a hero. He believes it is crucial for her to witness the fruits of her labor, and Melshi (Duncan Pow) argues that she should be the one to inform the Rebel Alliance about the knowledge she has gained. As they prepare to part ways with the safehouse that has sheltered them over the years, Cassian takes the decisive action of destroying the radio, while Melshi ensures that Kleya is equipped and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Meanwhile, at the ISB, Major Partagaz (Anton Lesser) and his team monitoring communications identify tactical line failures across the Tactical Assault Command (TAC) on the ground — a development attributed to K-2SO (Alan Tudyk) having taken down all personnel in his relentless pursuit to rescue Cassian and Melshi. Within the confines of an apartment complex, Supervisor Heert (Jacob James Beswick) is hastily pushing operations forward, exerting pressure on Sergeant Gharial (Andrew Brooke) to expedite their actions. He is eager to capitalize on what he perceives as a victory. As they near the safehouse, Melshi inadvertently walks into their line of sight, prompting them to order him to raise his hands. Instead of complying, he retreats back inside, where Cassian and Kleya are hidden, preparing for the ensuing confrontation.

Cassian urgently warns Melshi against closing the door, indicating that doing so would trap them inside the safehouse. Although he is correct, this decision ultimately turns out to be a tactical misstep for the trio. The troops respond by throwing a stun grenade into the unit, incapacitating Kleya and leaving Cassian and Melshi momentarily disoriented. Cassian shields Kleya’s unconscious body while Melshi positions himself by the doorway, attempting to fend off the troopers as best as they can. Fortunately, assistance arrives in the form of K-2SO, who seizes Heert and employs him as a human shield, a move that Gharial does not hesitate to counter as he attempts to eliminate the droid.

By the time the ISB realizes the need for additional TAC teams to provide backup at the safehouse, it is already too late. Melshi carries Kleya to the ship, flanked by Cassian and K-2, successfully escaping back to Yavin, evading the attention of the TAC teams. K-2 attempts to coax a simple “thank you” from Cassian, but Cassian remains unimpressed. Finally, we witness the true essence of Cassian, the steadfast rebel fueled by a significant cause.

Cassian Creates Another “Situation” for the Rebellion in the ‘Andor’ Series Finale

On Yavin, tensions escalate between Saw Gerrera (Forrest Whitaker) and the Rebel Alliance. Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), General Draven (Alistair Petrie), and Bail Organa (Benjamin Bratt) engage with him via hologram in an effort to persuade him to reconsider his recent series of reckless decisions. Mon admonishes Saw for targeting Imperial transports on Jedha, actions that have provoked peril for the entire alliance. However, Saw is preoccupied with discussing the spies and infiltrators that he believes are being dispatched to infiltrate the Partisans. His paranoia reflects precisely who he is in Rogue One. He abruptly cuts off the transmission before they can delve deeper into the issue, which is fortuitous, as a greater crisis is unfolding.

Lieutenant Poyle (Terique Jarrett) approaches Draven with urgent news regarding Admiral Raddus (James Henri-Thomas), who wishes to discuss the unauthorized approach of a missing U-wing. Bail is acutely aware of Captain Andor’s past actions, and this particular incident seems to have triggered a strong reaction in him. Mon quips that their responsibilities on Yavin are far more challenging than dealing with the Senate, an observation that rings true. While Raddus and Draven convene to address the imminent arrival, Raddus remarks that had General Merrick been present, he would have ordered the ship to be shot down, a sentiment echoed by K-2, who is anxious as the base has yet to establish contact with the U-wing despite his repeated attempts for communication. They dispatch a pair of X-wings to escort the U-wing to the base, prompting K-2 to humorously suggest that he’ll tell them he was abducted, but Cassian does not find the situation amusing.

Upon landing, they are greeted with hostility from Draven and a dozen officers, all of whom have their blasters aimed at Cassian and the other passengers of the U-wing. Cassian desperately pleads for Kleya to be taken to the infirmary, a request that Draven complies with, but then orders Melshi to remain with the ship and commands K-2 to power down until further notice. Cassian, however, is escorted directly to the Alliance High Command. Although a quorum is not present to make any formal decisions, Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, Admiral Raddus, Nower Jebel (Jonathan Aris), and Tynnra Pamlo (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) are present to hear Cassian’s account.

Bail is the first to address Cassian, pointing out that he has breached every rule they uphold. Cassian, however, views his actions differently; he believes he is guilty only of attempting to rescue an old friend. But Bail knows that Cassian’s true intention was to assist Luthen Rael, and he has strong opinions about Luthen. When Cassian reveals that Luthen is dead, Mon’s silence speaks volumes as she processes this shocking news. Cassian explains that they ultimately rescued Kleya, who possesses crucial information. However, the alliance dismisses the intelligence Cassian provides, characterizing it as nothing more than Luthen’s paranoid delusions. In particular, Bail fixates on the fact that the information intersects with the energy program, which the Senate has been funding for years, although Mon points out that they were funding it without transparency in their reports. Frustrated by their apathy, Cassian reminds them that Luthen sacrificed his life for this information, but this plea does not earn him any respect. Bail highlights that both Cassian and Mon have a long history with Luthen, making them incapable of being objective.

Pamlo describes Luthen as a “thorn” in the Rebellion’s side, which incites Cassian’s anger. He reminds them that, aside from Mon, none of them understand how much they personally owe Luthen. He witnessed both Luthen’s greatest and most troubling traits up close, ultimately making the choice to join the Rebellion two years prior. Cassian is appalled that they are dismissing Luthen’s contributions when none of them have sacrificed even a fraction of what Luthen gave for the greater good. Bail continues to undermine Luthen’s intelligence, pressing Cassian on when he last spoke with Luthen (it was a year ago when he rescued Mon). Bail asserts that much can change in a year. Rumors had circulated that the ISB was closing in on Luthen, and he suggests that the information Cassian received was part of their operation. Mon visibly shifts uncomfortably as her colleagues label Luthen as paranoid and a casualty of the web of doubts he created. Ultimately, they decide to postpone any formal decisions regarding the situation until Generals Dodonna and Merrick return the next day. In the meantime, Captain Andor is barred from accessing his ship and confined to his quarters. Cassian requests permission to visit the infirmary, and before anyone can object, Mon consents.

All Roads Lead to ‘Rogue One’ in the ‘Andor’ Season 2 Finale

Draven escorts Cassian to the infirmary, where he informs him that within the last ten hours, they have received three urgent messages from Cassian’s contact, Tivik, who is embedded among Saw’s Partisans. Cassian notes that Saw is currently on Jedha, which seems inconsistent with Tivik’s reported location, prompting Draven to remind him that he is not in a position to offer suggestions. Draven subsequently returns to the command center, where yet another message from Tivik comes through, stating that he will only communicate with Cassian. Upon reuniting with Kleya, Cassian finds her unresponsive to his attempts to communicate. He comments on the lack of the hero’s welcome he promised her, doing his best to gently break the news about the alliance’s disbelief in their intel. He reassures her that he is trying to convince them of its validity, but acknowledges that it’s a lot of information to digest. After leaving the infirmary, Cassian encounters Wil (Muhannad Bhaier), delivering the devastating news that Luthen has died, but he assures Wil that it was not in vain. Cassian embraces Wil, providing comfort as they both grapple with this significant loss.

Vel (Faye Marsay) is cleaning up when Mon comes to see her, clearly surprised as they had breakfast plans. Vel quickly senses something is amiss when Mon reveals Luthen’s death. Mon explains that Cassian brought Kleya to the base, which has resulted in him being grounded for the time being, prompting Vel to quip that “he should really stop saving people.” Mon confides that she has come to see Vel for a specific reason. Cassian has returned with intriguing information, but she wants to hear it from him directly, so Vel can form her own opinion. Mon seeks Vel’s help in believing him.

Vel visits Cassian, who invites her for a drink in honor of Luthen. She agrees, but only for this occasion. They raise their glasses to lost friends, with Vel naming Gorn, Nemik, Taramyn, the Ghormans, Ferrix, and Maarva, while Cassian toasts to Cinta and Aldhani. As they move deeper into his quarters, Cassian remarks on how people claim to have been present on Aldhani. Vel retorts that she would kill anyone who made that claim, and Cassian believes her. Vel cuts to the chase, stating that she’s there because Mon is eager to know if Cassian’s Luthen story is credible. Cassian emphasizes that Luthen died for this intelligence, and it doesn’t matter what transpired along the way. While Luthen’s mission may have changed him, everything — including their cause — would not exist without him. Kleya’s integrity is not to be questioned. Vel asks for a refill before she’ll consider what Kleya disclosed to Cassian.

Before leaving for the night, Vel advises Cassian to reconnect with Bix (Adria Arjona). When he inquires about her safety, Vel confirms that she has received word from someone in their community since Bix departed a year ago. Cassian expresses skepticism about reaching out to Bix, asserting that she wouldn’t be safe with him. However, Vel reassures him that Bix would likely disagree, emphasizing that she left not out of fear but because she did not want to hinder his mission. Cassian concedes that once things calm down, he might consider contacting her, but he will need to think it over. Vel cautions him not to delay too long. However, it is evident to the audience that this reunion will never occur. Cassian is on the brink of his own demise, and he will not have the opportunity to see what he is leaving behind.

As Cassian and Vel share their grief over their losses, Kleya has managed to escape from the infirmary, and Vel discovers her wandering the base amidst a torrential downpour. The weather seems to mirror the impending sorrow that looms ahead. Vel wraps her coat around Kleya, though it does little to alleviate her rain-soaked appearance. She guides her to her quarters, wraps her in a blanket, and offers her a warm drink. Vel expresses her condolences for Luthen and acknowledges the difficult choices Kleya had to make. Kleya insists that her actions were necessary, and Vel reflects on how exhausting it is to continually justify such decisions. Kleya appears deeply haunted and smaller than she has been throughout the series. She admits to feeling lost, contrasting sharply with Luthen’s previous advice to “know your way out before you go in.” Vel reassures Kleya that she is surrounded by friends — they have allies everywhere, but this does little to uplift her spirits. Vel leaves her to warm up while she seeks out Mon to discuss everything that has transpired.

Before long, Cassian is not alone as he tidies up. K-2 and Melshi arrive, upbeat and joking about their release from custody. Melshi informs Cassian that Draven is waiting outside to speak with him. Cassian steps out to discuss Tivik, who has requested a meeting on Kafrene. Draven inquires whether Cassian trusts Tivik, to which Cassian admits that “he tries,” planting the seeds of doubt that will lead to Cassian’s decision to kill Tivik in Rogue One. Draven reminds Cassian that prior to his return, they had been cautioning Saw about rising tensions on Jedha, which aligns perfectly with the intelligence that the Empire is seeking kyber crystals on the planet. Everything is falling into place, and if this is a trap, it’s a cleverly orchestrated one. Cassian agrees to head to Kafrene, sealing his tragic fate.

Major Partagaz Caves Under the Pressure in the ‘Andor’ Series Finale

On Coruscant, Krennic’s (Ben Mendelsohn) foreboding warning to Partagaz in the previous episode begins to resonate. Partagaz sits in the conference room with a pensive expression as he listens to Nemik’s stirring manifesto:

“There will be times when the struggle seems impossible. I know this already. Alone, unsure, dwarfed by the scale of the enemy. Remember this: Freedom is a pure idea. It occurs spontaneously and without instruction.

Random acts of insurrection are occurring constantly throughout the galaxy. There are whole armies, battalions that have no idea that they’ve already enlisted in the cause. Remember that the frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward.

And then remember this: The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear.”

Supervisor Lagret (Michael Jenn) enters, leading to a brief conversation about whether he has previously encountered the message, to which Partagaz notes its widespread resonance across the galaxy. Lagret informs him that he has been assigned to escort Partagaz to a meeting related to Dedra Meero’s (Denise Gough) poorly managed Axis investigation. Partagaz requests a moment to gather his thoughts; Lagret steps out, seemingly prescient of the impending turn of events. Within the conference room, Partagaz retrieves a blaster from a drawer and takes his own life to evade accountability for his actions — even from the Empire. This marks the second instance in Star Wars history where a character chooses suicide to escape facing the consequences of their actions. The only surprising aspect of Major Partagaz’s demise is its occurrence long before the Empire officially engages in warfare with the Rebellion. While it evokes comparisons to Adolf Hitler’s own suicide, the motivations appear distinct.

Cassian Is Ready to Make a Sunrise He Will Never See in the ‘Andor’ Season 2 Finale

After conferring with Cassian and Vel, Draven and Mon meet with Bail to persuade him to trust Luthen’s information. Following this meeting, Bail heads to Cassian’s quarters to engage him regarding the mission. Upon arrival, Cassian is dreaming of his sister, Kerri, and their homeworld, Kenari. Andor commenced with Cassian’s relentless search for his sister, and it concludes with the poignant reminder that Maarva (Fiona Shaw) likely spoke the truth — she has passed away, and he has survived. She was the first in a long line of significant individuals in Cassian’s life with whom he never had the opportunity to say goodbye. Yet, perhaps, witnessing her in his dreams, on the eve of his own death, symbolizes their imminent reunion.

K-2 awakens him, announcing, “the man you do not like is here.” Cassian greets Bail, and they share a brief exchange about their mutual struggles to find rest. Bail informs Cassian that Draven has issued orders and that he has been authorized to proceed to meet his contact on Kafrene. Cassian appears taken aback and queries what has changed. Bail responds, “If I die fighting the Empire, I want to go down swinging.” This serves as a sobering reminder that Cassian is not the only one with a fateful encounter awaiting him. In just a few short days, Bail will meet his end on Alderaan. Amused, Cassian remarks that Bail would have likely meshed well with Luthen’s ideology. They part ways, with Bail offering the weighty farewell, “May the Force be with you.” As Cassian prepares to depart for his mission, Andor lingers on this moment. Cassian dresses himself, methodically putting on each piece of clothing that he is known to wear in Rogue One. Before leaving, he tends to the plants he has managed to nurture since Bix’s departure, evoking heartbreak as these simple actions and routines come to an end the moment he steps away. This is the life he will never return to.

As Cassian strides purposefully towards the tarmac, Andor provides insights into the fates of the characters viewers have grown to care for — and loathe — as the series draws to a close. Melshi is actively training the soldiers he will accompany to Scarif; Wil and Dreena (Ella Pellegrini) share breakfast in their quarters, while Mon and Vel dine together in the mess hall; Kleya awakens in Vel’s barracks, gazing out the window with clarity at what she has contributed to building. On Coruscant, Mon’s husband Perrin (Alastair Mackenzie) appears worse for wear, disheveled and likely hungover, seated in a speeder alongside a dozing Runai Sculdun (Rosalind Halstead), which is hardly surprising given their social escapades. Dedra finds herself on Narkina 5 — or a prison reminiscent of it — grappling with a breakdown over her dismal new reality. Lastly, Krennic oversees the construction of the Death Star, which will ultimately lead to his downfall in the near future.

Cassian encounters the Force healer (Josie Walker) as he approaches his U-wing; they exchange a knowing look and nod in mutual understanding. Both are acutely aware of what lies ahead. This moment represents the culmination of everything Cassian has been striving towards over the years, as he sets out to fulfill the role of the messenger that she always foresaw him becoming. As Cassian boards his ship, K-2 lightens the mood by joking that they actually have a flight plan this time. Cassian brushes off the comment, instructing K-2 to navigate to Kafrene the “quick way.”

‘Andor’s Series Finale Reminds Us What Cassian Is Fighting For

That scene doesn’t signify the end of Andor — at least not yet. Tony Gilroy expertly delivers a poignant and tragic conclusion, bringing not only the series to a close but also encapsulating Cassian’s journey. As Cassian embarks on his mission, the episode reunites us with B2EMO on Mina-Rau, where he plays with a new droid companion along the communal harvest table.

In the distance, Bix strolls through the fields, not alone. She cradles a precious baby, who playfully interacts with the grain as they wander through the swaying stalks. Bix glances towards the skyline, soothing her fussy baby, and smiles, seemingly aware that Cassian is finally achieving his purpose. In a final poignant scene, Andor recontextualizes Rogue One and the sacrifice Cassian makes. Not only does he perish to ensure a brighter future for all he cherishes, but he also creates a sunrise that his child will witness. While Gilroy appears content with Andor marking the end of his journey in the Star Wars universe, the series opens up a realm of storytelling possibilities, particularly since Cassian and Bix’s child is only a few years older than other notable rebel offspring, such as Poe Dameron and Ben Solo. Although Cassian’s journey is concluding, his family’s adventure is just beginning.

The entirety of Andor is now available for streaming on Disney+.