Ryan Shoots First: Andor (S1 Ep9) “Nobody’s Listening”

Andor continues to be a master class in subtle storytelling and building tension. This week served as the middle piece of the three-episode “prison break” arc. Beyond that though Dedra’s interrogation of Bix provided some excellent tension as well as really showing the sadistic side of the Empire. If there were any fans still passively rooting for Dedra this week she took a step full on into villainy. One of he most unnerving things about the show is how effective the Empire can be, we have always thought of them to be slightly doofs that are incapable of seeing the bigger picture but the ISB here are ruthlessly efficient and will do whatever to get results. 

On the other end is the prison where we do see a more traditional Empire, relying solely on brute force and their overwhelming might to maintain order. In the episode one if the inmates is telling Cassian to be quiet to which he says they are not listening. They have no reason to no one is getting out. This is made painfully clear later in the episode as word travels about a development in another block on the other side of the building. As hope is lost desperation sets in that will culminate in next weeks episode. 

We also get to check in with Syril whose arc is so great, while everyone else is involved in espionage and rebellion he is just trying to get his mother off his back and eat his breakfast in peace. It’s a shocking contrast then whenever we focus on his story I can’t help but be intrigued as even these mundane circumstances are developing who he is becoming as a character in the show. And I believe Incel Basement Dwelling Creeper is what they are shooting for. 

I continue to love the show the way Mon Mothma is feeling the walls closing in, the way the Rebellion is becoming real to so many people and seeing how the Empire operated at the height of its power are all so interesting from a world building and storytelling perspective. I look forward to seeing the jail break next week. 

Observations

• I need a playlist of just these openings
• It’s good to see Cassian thriving. 
• Dang this is all super messed up
• Wow that transition from Bix to the drill
• Many politicians feel what Mon is feeling
• Ahh interesting
• The thing most unnerving is Imperials are supposed to be overreaching idiots but ISB has their stuff together here.
• They made that cereal slurping noise so loud on purpose
• Mon is all about Val’s snark
• Do you know how creepy you need to be to creep out the ISB
• Kreeger reference that’s cool for the few Resistance fans out there. 
• Snoke is coming around
• Loved that ending a great bit of storytelling.