Andor 1×05 Review: “The Axe Forgets”

Cassian learns more about the other rebels as they work together to prepare for their upcoming mission in “The Axe Forgets.”

Though Cassian (Diego Luna) has officially become part of his first Rebellion mission in “Aldhani,” preparations for the mission are still underway in “The Axe Forgets.” The episode shows the careful planning and training needed to undertake such a high-stakes mission, and wisely focuses on character moments as Cassian joins the group of rebels.

At the rebels’ camp, Cassian, still going by the alias of “Clem,” begins to work the others. He is invasive in talking about himself and comes across as standoffish. Though the audience has grown to love Cassian, it’s easy to see why the other rebels, particularly Arvel (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), are wary of him at first. On the other hand, it’s also easy to understand Cassian’s attitude given all that we’ve learned about him and his past.

Of the group of rebels, Karis (Alex Lawther) is the standout with his youthful hope and his musings on the Empire. Though there is some implication of Vel (Faye Marsay) and Cinta (Varada Sethu) being a couple, the series needs to be clearer about their status if they want credit for including queer representation.

Cassian quickly proves himself to be an asset to the mission throughout their training. Upon realizing that the other rebels don’t know how to get the Imperial ship off its mounting, he insists on being the one to pilot it. As the group is training to blend in as Imperial soldiers, Cassian proves how observant he is as he makes suggestions for formations based on each person’s handedness. Though Cassian has a long way to go before becoming the Rebel spy that we meet in Rogue One, it’s easy to see his potential.

Elsewhere, Syril (Kyle Stoller) struggles with his failure as he goes home to his mother (Kathryn Hunter). Though his mother is eager to help him find another job in between berating him, Syril is clearly still set on pursuing Cassian. Imperial officer Dedra (Denise Gough) analyzes a series of seemingly unrelated break-ins and concludes that they must be connected. Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) has tension with her family as she goes about her daily life. Though not a lot happens in these subplots, they continue to showcase the compelling world-building and character development of Andor.

Back in Aldhani, tensions arise when Arvel interrogates Cassian about the Kyber crystal given to him by Luthen (Stellan Skarsgard). Cassian admits that he’s being paid for the mission but provides no other details about himself. It’s enough to assuage Arvel’s worries, as he opens up about his brother’s death at the hands of the Empire. Though viewers must wait a little longer for Cassian’s first mission, “The Axe Forgets” succeeds in letting character moments take the spotlight.

Author: Jessica Wolff

Jessica Wolff is a graduate of Drexel University with a BS in Film/Video. She has a passion for entertainment and representation in entertainment. She currently resides outside of Washington, DC.

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