Andor 1×07 Review: “Announcement”

The aftermath of the Rebellion’s successful Aldhani heist has varying impacts on Empire and the wider galaxy in “Announcement.”

With the Rebellion heist under “The Eye” successful, the aftermath sends a ripple effect through the Empire and the wider galaxy in “Announcement.” As Dedra (Denise Gough) surmises during the episode, the heist is an announcement to the Empire of the Rebellion’s presence. Though the Empire increases efforts to squash the Rebellion, the heist also inspires others to rebel against the Empire.

The Empire’s security convenes, and Emperor Palpatine demands heightened security in the aftermath of the heist. Though the Empire has already been a threat, their increased interest in surveillance and policing makes them even more terrifying. Dedra uses the emergency legislation to get access to reports from the other sector that she isn’t in charge of. Though her coworker confronts her about her overreach, Dedra is ultimately granted access to investigate the fledgling Rebellion in the other sector.

Syril (Kyle Soller) takes a new job after his mother (Kathryn Hunter) calls his uncle for a favor. Though he begrudgingly accepts the new position in the Empire, he is still fixated on locating Cassian (Diego Luna). While Syril has lost access to the Imperial’s force, it’s clear that he remains a threat that won’t go anywhere anytime soon.

On the Rebellion side of things, Senator Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) confronts Luthen (Stellan Skarsgard) about the robbery. Luthen tells her that the Rebellion is expensive, and Mothma asks friend Tay (Ben Miles) to assist her in discreetly accessing her family funds. Meanwhile, Luthen’s assistant Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau) meets up with Vel (Faye Marsay) and warns her to take care of Cassian, or “Clem.”

In the most compelling storyline of the episode, Cassian goes home to his adoptive mother Maarva (Fiona Shaw), and lovable droid B2EMO (Dave Chapman). The town has been filled with Empire surveillance since Cassian and Luthen’s escape, and Cassian wants to take them somewhere safe from the Empire. However, Maarva refuses to leave and makes a stirring speech about how the recent heist on Aldhani has inspired her to stay and fight back against the Empire. The two have an emotional goodbye and Cassian sneaks out of the town without being caught by the Empire.

The ending of ‘Announcement’, the timing of which is confusing, has Cassian at a vacation resort under the alias of “Keef.” He gets caught up in a criminal investigation, and his suspicious appearance leads to his detainment. While the droid that confronts Cassian looks like Rogue One ally K-2SO, it appears to be a different droid. The Imperial judge ups Cassian’s sentence to six years due to his protests. Though it’s a somber ending to the episode, it will be interesting to see how Cassian gets out of custody and how he will eventually rejoin the Rebellion.

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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