Andor Season 1 Episode 10
THIS RECAP & REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!After trying to convince Kino Loy (Andy Serkis), Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) finally manages to get through to him. Kino comes to accept that he will die in prison if he doesn’t make an attempt to break out. Outside of the prison break, Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) focuses on drawing out the Rebellion, while Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) has to, figuratively, dance around a probable investor to fund the cause.
The buildup to the escape is well fleshed out, as each prisoner we’ve come to know over the past two episodes has a role to play. Irrespective of whether they make it out or not, their impact is felt. Andy Serkis delivers a rousing speech as Kino stirs the prisoners into action. Even though we don’t know much about his background, the slow realisation Kino comes to have is palpable. Serkis gives it his all in this episode, and if we don’t see more of Kino Loy, the actor certainly leaves a lasting impact as this relatively mysterious character.
Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård) meets with Dedra’s colleague, who turns out to be working for the Rebellion undercover for at least 6 years. The man, now a father, no longer wants to get out of being a spy, but Luthen unapologetically gives him no choice, telling him exactly what’s on the line for them. Skarsgård makes a firm case for what it takes for Luthen to form a rebellion, even if it may seem like there’s not much personal risk for the character.
‘Andor’s prison break episode is one for the ages. An edge-of-the-seat thriller that constantly reminds us of the choices and sacrifices that need to be made to catalyse significant change. This isn’t just an origin for Cassian Andor, but for the Rebellion cause itself. Impeccably written and powerfully performed against an exhilarating background score, the episode is entertaining and inspiring in a rare manner that has been lacking from this franchise for a long, long time.