Editor’s Note: The recap below contains spoilers for Andor Season 2 Episode 2.

Watching three nearly hour-long episodes of Andor in one go can be overwhelming, but the three-episode rollout allows viewers to dive straight into the gripping narrative of Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) life without the long wait. Episode 2 continues immediately from the premiere, with Cassian held captive by the fragmented Maya Pei Brigade, which is now divided into two factions stranded in their seemingly useless ships. After a chaotic firefight, the surviving members seek to recover their fallen comrades, only to find grim remnants of what was left—severed limbs and scattered clothing—indicating a far more sinister presence lurking in the forest. Clearly, the Brigade is not alone in their plight.

Despite their division, the Maya Pei Brigade continues to bicker amongst themselves, showcasing the inherent chaos within their ranks. Cassian, demonstrating his leadership qualities, attempts to guide the group he is trapped with by advising them to collect rainwater and establish a defensive perimeter in anticipation of potential trouble from the other faction. However, they are hesitant to heed his advice, preferring to test his resilience by offering him spoiled meal bars as rations. As the episode unfolds, Cassian observes that the other group has fallen eerily silent, prompting the Brigade to send Plug (Philip Hill-Pearson) to investigate. He uncovers that Bardi (Benjamin Norris) and his team are covertly positioning a TIE Fighter to target the other faction. In a desperate bid to disrupt their plans, the group with Cassian resorts to firing upon their own comrades, leading to a temporary ceasefire.

While the factions negotiate their tenuous alliance in the field, Cassian finds himself left behind on the ship, guarded by a single soldier. In a moment of dark humor, the two groups decide to settle their differences through a game of rock-paper-scissors to determine the rightful leader of the Brigade. This absurd distraction allows Cassian the opportunity to free himself from his restraints and locate a weapon to overpower his guard. He seizes the moment to escape towards the TIE Fighter, but chaos ensues when a beast from the forest emerges, attacking some members of the Brigade. In the midst of the turmoil, Cassian shows little remorse for abandoning his captors, leaving them to fend for themselves. Although this subplot may not have significant ramifications for future episodes of Andor, it serves as a poignant commentary by creator Tony Gilroy on the infighting that often plagues like-minded groups, distracting them from the greater threats they face.

The Challenges of Marriages of Convenience in Andor’s Narrative

On the planet Chandrilla, the aftermath of the First Night celebrations sees everyone recuperating while gearing up for another day filled with matrimonial festivities. During this time, Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård) and Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau) discuss the arrival of Davo Sculdun’s (Richard Dillane) wedding gift and express their concern over not receiving any updates from Cassian since he departed from Sienar. They also note the impending Imperial inspection on Mina-Rau, which has hindered Bix’s (Adria Arjona) ability to reach out to them. Kleya’s anxiety about losing all forms of communication on Chandrilla prompts her to announce her intention to return to the gallery, revealing that she has already arranged transport off the planet.

In a tense exchange, Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) and Perrin (Alastair Mackenzie) confront the subject of Tay Kolma (Ben Miles), with Perrin suspecting that Mon is having an affair with him. He shares his concerns about Tay’s excessive drinking during the First Night celebrations and the need for him to be escorted home, which greatly alarms Mon. After all, loose lips can jeopardize their covert operations. Earlier, it was established that Tay has faced numerous challenges both personally and professionally, rendering him particularly vulnerable. Mon recognizes the potential danger this poses to the Rebellion and makes a point to meet with Tay later in the evening. Their conversation reveals Tay’s feelings of being undervalued in his partnership with Mon, especially after the Rebellion’s actions have negatively impacted his investments. Mon assures him they will discuss matters further once the wedding festivities conclude, although Luthen’s surveillance suggests otherwise.

While previous Star Wars media has depicted Chandrillan traditions, Andor immerses viewers in the rich tapestry of cultural practices that define Chandrillan marital customs. One notable tradition is the “wedding hike,” where the families of the bride and groom (the Mothmas and Sculduns in this case) trek together to a mountaintop, taking in the view of their ancestral lands while a choir of children sings and the Elders perform purification rituals. During this journey, Mon and Vel (Faye Marsay) reminisce about Mon’s own wedding hike to Perrin and discuss Vel’s relationship with Cinta (Varada Sethu). Over the year that passed between the Season 1 finale and the premiere, the Rebellion has taken a toll on their relationship, resulting in months of silence from Cinta. Vel acknowledges that perfection was never an option, and ultimately, their relationship fell victim to “bad timing.”

As the second night of celebrations unfolds, Luthen and Mon delve into the complications surrounding Tay. Luthen’s concern centers on the possibility of Tay approaching Sculdun with his financial troubles, which could jeopardize everything they have built with the Foundation and the Rebellion. Mon expresses confidence that once she speaks to Tay, they can negotiate a solution to ease his worries, but Luthen remains skeptical. He subtly hints that they may need to take more drastic measures to handle the situation, while Mon seems oblivious to Luthen’s ominous implications regarding Tay’s fate. The evening proceeds as planned, with Perrin delivering a heartfelt speech to the newlyweds about discovering the “music buried beneath the noise.” Although his marriage to Mon is fraught with conflict and dissatisfaction, they once shared happiness, and it seems he hopes that Leida (Bronte Carmichael) will find joy in her marriage. Perhaps he is merely deceiving himself to get through the celebrations.

Bix Encounters New Dangers as the Empire’s Presence Looms Over Mina-Rau

Brasso’s (Joplin Sibtain) ally Kellen (Ryan Pope) informs him of the arrival of approximately 40 Imperial officers on the surface of Mina-Rau, with an unknown number patrolling the airspace above. The Empire’s stated reason for their presence is to conduct an audit of the grain harvest on the planet, but their true intention is to root out undocumented individuals hiding in the area, posing a significant risk to Bix, Brasso, and Wil (Muhannad Ben Amor), who are operating under false identities. When Kellen inquires if they have heard from Cassian, Brasso admits that they haven’t, and with the blockade now in effect due to the audit, it’s unlikely he can return to Mina-Rau. Kellen shares that the Empire is also investigating other councils (the numbered farm communities across the planet), but this doesn’t stop the Imperial officers from conducting random patrols of their farm.

The Imperial officers arrive just as Wil and Beela (Laura Marcus) share a quiet moment in the fields, away from prying eyes. Wil senses that their time on Mina-Rau is dwindling, and Beela asks him to promise that he will say goodbye before leaving, a promise he fears he may not be able to keep. Despite the uncertainty, their relationship blooms, serving as a poignant reminder that love can flourish even in the darkest times. Andor successfully captures these human experiences, making its narrative resonate deeply with viewers.

When the officers arrive at the farm, Bix—now using the alias Zala—attempts to maintain her composure in the face of their scrutiny. She busily tinkers with equipment, responding to their questions with an air of indifference that only seems to pique the interest of Krole (Alexander Waldmann). He probes her about her visits to the city of Rau, noting its changes since his last visit. It becomes evident that he is seeking something beyond mere census information, which becomes clear when he extends an invitation for her to dinner in the city. Bix tactfully declines, mentioning her husband’s disapproval, yet inadvertently reveals that her husband is off-world for a few days—a detail that Krole keenly notes. He ominously informs her that they “freeze” the zone during audits to prevent anything from “sneaking away,” a veiled threat meant to intimidate her.

Once Krole and the Imperial officers leave, Bix, Brasso, and Wil discuss the alarming news that the Empire has been arresting undocumented workers attempting to escape detection. They realize the urgency of preparing for their own potential escape, while Bix expresses her growing concern for Cassian, who remains uncommunicative since his departure.

Dedra Meero and Syril Karn’s Ascent in the Galactic Hierarchy

Following the foreboding Ghorman meeting in the premiere, Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) returns to Coruscant alongside Major Partagaz (Anton Lesser). She expresses her disinterest in the Ghorman project—not out of any moral qualms, but because she is determined to continue her pursuit of the Axis. Partagaz, however, puts an end to her aspirations, reminding her that once Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) assigns a job, that becomes her responsibility. He advises her that “Ghorman is a gift, take it, and then win it.” Given her recent missteps with Ferrix, Dedra is in desperate need of a victory.

After his absence in Episode 1, Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) makes a dramatic return in Episode 2, and it does not disappoint. He remains at the Bureau of Standards, which now eerily echoes certain contemporary bureaucratic initiatives. Syril has gained some level of seniority, thanks to his uncle Harlo, who helped him secure this position following a previous career blunder on Morlana One. While explaining the Bureau’s mechanisms, he subtly brags about his achievements, including uncovering misallocated funds. Although his role is essentially that of a desk worker, he presents it as vital, informing a newcomer that “there’s a future here for those that dare.”

In their last encounter, Syril saved Dedra from certain death at the hands of rebels on Ferrix. While some fans criticized Syril’s fixation on Dedra, which seemed to stem from his obsession with Cassian, others saw the potential for a unique connection between them. As Episode 2 draws to a close, viewers are granted a glimpse into Dedra’s home, which is characteristically minimalistic and stylish, overlooking the sprawling landscape of Coruscant. She stands by the window, gazing out at the city below, her sleek blonde hair cascading down rather than styled up. Opera music plays softly in the background, almost masking the fact that Dedra is not alone. Syril enters with groceries, anxious about the prospect of pretending she’s still away, indicating that they want to delay confronting something unspoken in their relationship. The revelation of their romantic involvement is a surprising twist that adds complexity to both characters.

Episode 2 of Andor is packed with significant developments, setting the stage for a gripping Episode 3—a whirlwind of terror and suspense. Even at an accelerated pace, Gilroy’s storytelling brilliance continues to define Star Wars narratives, while director Ariel Kleiman expertly crafts a growing sense of dread throughout the episode.

The first three episodes of Season 2 are now available for streaming on Disney+.