Andor departs from the tradition of previous Disney+ Star Wars TV series that had plenty of Easter eggs. Andor’s main focus is on character building, as the creators portray the cruelty of the Empire on the galaxy, and they won’t think twice before crushing anyone who opposes them. This is epitomized in Episode 9. It continues the prison storyline and builds the pressure on all the characters.
READ ALSO Saw Gerrera, the Partisans, and more ‘Star Wars’ Easter eggs in ‘Andor’ episode 8
Mon Mothma continues to support the Rebel Alliance and runs into serious financial difficulties. She is also constantly at risk of being exposed. Luthen continues making mistakes which leads to ISB after his trial. Cassian Andor — someone who all the characters are looking for — is still imprisoned on Narkina 5, where the Empire’s intention of letting the prisoners die there becomes much clearer. Andor, while being quite vocal about politics and exploring fascism and prejudice, while trying to bring back George Lucas’ ideas of Star Wars.
Let’s look at the references and Easter eggs from Star Wars.
Star Wars’ locations
While many places in Andor’s episode 9 are new to the series, including Steergaard and Spellhaus, there are some calls back to important locations in the Star Wars galaxy. For instance, there is mention of a Separatist rendezvous on Jondara — perhaps a misspelling of the name Jondora — a planet that featured in Star Wars: The Old Republic.
I hope to see you again at The Ring of Kafrene. pic.twitter.com/kxBibhLzUw
— MrBrecken // Andor Time (@MrBrecken) November 15, 2021
Kafrene is another important spot in the Imperial Era. In the Star Wars’ map, the location is in a sector called the Expansion Region, which still carries the wounds of the Clone Wars. The Ring of Kafrene is an asteroid belt mining colony. It was also featured in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Cassian visits the Death Star to learn more from an informant.
Mon Mothma & Vel; Satine Kryze & Bo-Katan
In the 9th episode, Vel Sartha’s identity is finally unveiled, the rebel who was the leader of Aldhani mission. Mon Mothma is her cousin. She prefers to be more direct than her politician cousin. That is why she has joined Luthen. They have a very similar bond to the one between Bo-Katan and Satine Kryze in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. However, Mon Mothma still remains in the shadows about her sister’s involvement with the heist.
#Andor
Star Wars is about family so finding out Mon Mothma and Vel are related is a welcome surprise ☺ Didn’t see that one coming! pic.twitter.com/39O2RQhz5u— StarWarsOnly (@StarWars0nly) November 2, 2022
In fact, Cassian’s involvement in the mission because of Luthen is creating a huge problem with the nascent Rebel Alliance, with the threat of their exposure looming in the air. Admist, Cassian has seen Luthen on his ship, and has worked with Vel. Mon doesn’t know any of this because Luthen has kept her in the dark, which means her involvement can be exposed from a different angle.
It costs what it takes to resist the Empire
This episode sheds light on the importance of its central theme, the Galactic Civil War. Mon is reminded by Vel that the Empire does not rest. We will take what is left. Vel knows that the Empire’s fall can only happen at a great personal cost, and she embraces this side wholeheartedly. The Rebel Alliance was hoping for the Empire to increase its civilian casualties due to the terrorist attacks. Mon is not as burdened as her cousin, as she continues to live a dual lifestyle. While the Empire regards her as a do-gooder who is ineffective and harmless, they are not aware of her financial support for the rebels and her allegiance.
#AndorSpoilers
–
–
–
–
–
–
Cinematography of the lonely scene after vel leaves. pic.twitter.com/Fh06d9lWCp— sabine ☽☾ 63 | andor spoilers!! (@hunterbadbatch) November 2, 2022
But this can’t last long, and Mon knows it as the suspicion is rising. However, her story of personal rebellion is still to unfold. It’s likely she is forced to leave Coruscant, where she travels through the galaxy to teach opposition to Imperial overreach. This could even endanger her relationships with her father, her daughter and other family members. Since Vel isn’t in the Star Wars canon, it means Mon will truly be alone, the ultimate price of going against the Empire.
Fall of fascism
Cassian speaks to his prisoners in the Imperial labour camp, reminding them they must communicate freely without thinking much about an attack as the guards aren’t listening to them. Star Wars often emphasizes the importance of communication in fighting fascism.
Another masterpiece, Episode 9 was Andor. There was so much emotion and tension that you really feel like you’re there.
Andy Serkis has done amazing performances in these two episodes that we have seen.
Can’t wait until they reveal the next steps in their plans #Andor pic.twitter.com/3pq2RIqOJp— Gongasleet 🌟 #GodofWarRagnarök 🏹 (@gongasleet) November 2, 2022
This dialogue is reminiscent of Cassian’s future from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. In that story, he fights for the rebellion alongside Jyn Eso. However, after that, the whole galaxy hears their voices and participates. Star Wars has always reminded its readers and viewers that fascism is defeated when people are open to having a conversation. This is presented even in the original sequel’s trilogy, with nobody helping Leia in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but by Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the entire gallery turns up to defeat the Empire.
READ ALSO Princess Leia’s speech, droids, and more missed Easter eggs in Andor episode 7
Leia’s heroic acts
Andor Spoilers
–
–
–
–
The cutaway from Bix torture scene in episode 9 of Andor is the same as the cut in A New Hope when Vader is torturing Leia… and the same door sound lol #Andor pic.twitter.com/pDtBg1ef8u— Zac (@zacrfarrell) November 2, 2022
When Bix is tortured by the Empire, it is reminiscent of Leia’s interrogation by Darth Vadar. Andor uses a similar shot when a door descends. But the fact that the show portrays the Empire’s methods, and why they are so successful, undermines Leia’s willpower. By the time Andor’s timeline, Star Wars occurs five years later, and the methods by then were even more brutal. Leia survived the collapse of Bix, which proves her strength to defeat the Empire.
