Ahead of Andor Season 2’s debut, showrunner Tony Gilroy described it as the most significant work of his career — and now it’s clear why. This week’s storyline may include the best episode of the entire series, even surpassing “One Way Out,” thanks to the powerful message it delivers: oppressive regimes never stop tightening their grip, constantly finding new ways to commit horrors and conceal the truth in the process.
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Episode 7: “Messenger”
This episode primarily serves as the buildup to the Ghorman Massacre in Episode 8. It reveals that the Rebel Alliance has officially established a base on Yavin IV, and General Draven has now joined their ranks. Meanwhile, Cassian is recovering from a blaster wound and has been sidelined for some time, prompting those around him to help get him back on his feet. Bix takes him to a Force healer, while Luthen dispatches Wilmon and Vell to check in on both Cassian and Bix.
While the scenes involving the Force healer are interesting, the most compelling developments take place on Ghorman. Dedra Meero has taken up a position on the planet, where the main plaza is now closed to civilians. Syril continues collaborating with her by reporting on the activities of the Ghorman Front. Their leader, Carro Rylanz, comes to the painful realization that he can no longer prevent his people from openly defying the Empire. Meanwhile, Dedra is alarmed to discover that Imperial command has chosen to fall back on its initial strategy — the total extermination of the Ghorm.
Cassian arrives the night before the protests kick off, intending to take out Dedra. By then, it seems the entire Ghorman population is rising against the Empire. Even the hotel clerk remembers Cassian from the previous year and discreetly signals that he’s also part of the resistance.
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Episode 8: “Who are you?”
When the Empire reopens the plaza, the people of Ghorman seize the moment to launch a large protest against Imperial rule. However, through Syril’s perspective, it becomes clear that this is exactly what the Empire had planned for. Carro Rylanz makes a last, futile effort to urge his people toward quiet resistance, fully aware that they won’t listen.
The chants from the people of Ghorman are powerful, but it’s their song of defiance that truly stands out—an emotionally moving anthem against Imperial rule. Clearly inspired by revolutionary songs from history, particularly those from the French Revolution, the music and lyrics are stunning. It captures a moment where you’re rooting wholeheartedly for the Ghorm, even knowing their fate is sealed.
The first major turning point in this episode is Syril’s realization that the Empire plans to trap the Ghormans and use them as an example, which leads him to confront Dedra.
She tries to absolve herself of any guilt by claiming she’s simply “following orders,” echoing the defense often used by perpetrators of horrific acts. She also tries to bring Syril down to her level, pointing out how he eagerly accepted his promotions, conveniently ignoring the fact that he did so without realizing he was aiding in her genocidal actions.
This is likely the first real conflict between them, but their love for each other remains. Dedra commands her men to remove Syril from the square before things escalate, but by the time the Imperial troops enter the crowd, it’s already too late.
The scream that follows the first civilian death is haunting. The sound cuts through the silence just before all hell breaks loose. From that point forward, the action is intense as the Ghormans pull out hidden blasters and fight back against the Imperial soldiers. Some attempt to escape but realize they’ve been trapped.
Syril is horrified by the Empire’s actions, but when he sees Cassian Andor, the man he stopped pursuing, aiming his blaster at Dedra, his anger takes over. He tackles Cassian unexpectedly and gains the upper hand. If choking Dedra wasn’t enough to show his physicality, the punches he lands on Cassian make you question who would win in a fight. Eventually, Syril points his gun at Cassian but, in a surprising turn, begins to lower it, perhaps realizing that the criminal he once sought is no worse than the Empire he’s been serving.
Any potential for Syril’s redemption is swiftly dashed when Carro Rylanz betrays his principles and shoots him in the back, adding to the tragic loss the Ghorm have suffered in the massacre.
The remainder of the episode is filled with intense action as Cassian and Wilmon make their escape, dodging blaster fire and witnessing KX security droids forcefully tossing people into the streets. We also learn that one of the droids chasing them will eventually become K-2SO, though it’s cut in half and taken back to the ship.
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Episode 9: “Welcome to the Rebellion”
The 3rd episode of Andor this week focuses on Mon Mothma’s speech and her extraction from Coruscant. The tension escalates as the Ghorman senator is arrested and Mon gets ready to deliver her speech. The build-up is expertly crafted, revealing that the Empire is watching her closely and that her aide has been working with Luthen since her wedding. Bail Organa had arranged a team to take her to Yavin after her speech, but Luthen warns her that the team is compromised and suggests she leave with his people instead.
Mon Mothma faces a difficult decision—how can she trust Luthen after he had Tay killed without hesitation and kept her aide’s connection to him a secret? Her speech becomes the episode’s focal point, and while it would have been preferable to focus solely on her rather than shifting to Cassian’s movements through the Senate Building with her voice echoing over the loudspeakers, the tension is undeniable.
Cassian handles the situation with confidence. Luthen ensures Mon Mothma’s speech is broadcast long enough for her to directly name Palpatine, while Cassian swiftly takes out the mole in Bail’s team. He even shoots Mon’s deceitful driver before flying her to safety. It’s thrilling, much like the Ghorman Massacre, but with a much more uplifting outcome.
The episode concludes with Bix leaving a weary Cassian behind. Her emotional message was deeply moving, especially since it’s uncertain whether they’ll ever reunite, and knowing Cassian’s ultimate fate in Rogue One makes the moment even more poignant.
Overall, episodes 7 to 9 of Andor Season 2 are incredibly engaging, with episode 8 standing out as a true masterpiece. The Ghorman Massacre is one of the most powerful moments in Star Wars, not just in Andor.
‘Andor’ Season 2 Episodes 7-9 Review: The Ghorman Massacre Defines a Masterpiece
Overall, episodes 7 to 9 of Andor Season 2 are incredibly engaging, with episode 8 standing out as a true masterpiece. The Ghorman Massacre is one of the most powerful moments in Star Wars, not just in Andor.
