Andor Season 1 Episode 5 Review : An exercise in character building

Andor Season 1 Episode 5

THIS RECAP & REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

Deputy Inspector Syril Karn (Kyle Solar) is back home, reflecting on his choices and their consequences. To add salt to his wounds, his mom (Kathryn Hunter) constantly questions him and says she will reach out to a particular uncle Harlo and call in a family favour. Syril knows about Cassian but can’t do much with the knowledge now.

In the camp on Aldhani, Cassian/Clem (Diego Luna) is put through drills to prepare for the mission. He proves his worth by providing them with valuable information and insights to ensure they can pull off the heist. But it's evident that the team still aren't entirely trusting of his inclusion, especially Skeen. This comes to a head when Skeen (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) takes away Clem's kyber crystal at knifepoint and needs to be talked down by Vel (Faye Marsay).

Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) has breakfast with her husband (Alastair Mackenzie) and daughter on Coruscant. Her daughter doesn't give her much respect and constantly defies her. By now, the rift between the Senator and her husband is quite apparent. Dedra (Denise Gough) contemplates the subtle signs she has seen in various sectors that point to a larger scheme. Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård) mulls over the importance of this mission, giving us a sense of how critical it is to the rebellion.

Considering the impending mission is approaching, this episode chooses to slow down to prioritise character building instead. Each person involved in the mission against the Empire appears to have personal stakes. Cassian is probably the only member who seems more motivated by money. But his character can afford it since we know his eventual impact. ‘The Axe Forgets’ makes us care more about all the key players. Rather than fight scenes, there are confrontations or underlying tensions that will surely pay off handsomely down the line.