I Have Friends Everywhere

There is plenty going on in I Have Friends Everywhere and it's all very well done.

Cassian's arc significantly gathers momentum from the previous episode. I like the character development shown in his portrayal as an intelligent rebel spy, especially with some of his decision making.

Saw Gerrera and the Onderons have more screen time and the scenes are strongly plotted and benefit from the star quality of Forest Whitaker. I hope these characters have more involvement in significant rebel activities as this one promises plenty.

The scenes involving characters with unknown destinies like Dedra, Syril, and Luthen continue to be some of the most intriguing aspects. It makes me want to find out if the Imperial couple will continue down the current path or if there will there be a twist. Likewise Bix's fate is compelling, as what we see here fills me with dread.

As ever the visuals are excellent and the performances are strong. For me Whitaker stands out with the most charisma.

À very slow but well crafted and nuanced picture of life under oppressive government with excessive over reach and unattractive lives of rebels who give up everything for a cause.

On Cassian's mission to Ghorman, we gain a deeper look at the city. Its culture, dress style, and street design evoke World War II Europe, particularly occupied France, and the large, realistic crowds in these scenes are truly impressive.

Furthermore, we witness firsthand how the rebels are inadvertently playing into the Imperials' hands, with Syril playing a significant role in this dynamic. However, the narrative reveals layers of plans, sometimes overwhelming those in charge and at other times, traps are carefully crafted. This complexity effectively builds out the intricate network of rebels and the counterinsurgency agencies operating within the Empire's vast bureaucracy.

Spycraft is on full display here, and we continue to see the fallout as individuals grapple with their multiple lives and the sheer volume of information they must manage. The acting remains strong; Forrest Whitaker delivers a chilling and unpredictable portrayal of Saw Gerrera, the eccentric revolutionary, and his interaction with Wilmon is particularly compelling.

The attention to detail is noteworthy, from the growing number of protesters in Palmo's city center to the ambiance of the coffee shop and the fashionable outfits. Even the hotel employee in Ghorman provides crucial exposition, highlighting how the planet's people have been stripped of their dignity and forced to overlook injustices for the sake of trade and economic stability.

This one is interesting. It further develops characters and relationships. It's got a more business like feel overall. With Cassian in what passes for a suit in that part of the Galaxy.

I'm still on the fence with Forest Whitaker's character. I can't tell what he is going for really. But then that kind of fits in with this series. Sometimes it hops around so much, and there is often not a pay off for so long, that I lose track of people and threads of intrigue.

Nevertheless he is kind of coming off like an intoxicated Nick Cage cameo. Which. Isn't. Always. A. Bad. Thing.

But here does feel too camp.

The part at the end did not make sense to me with the huffing fumes. I don't do spoilers so I won't dissect it. Just putting it out there that the stuff at the end was nonsense. Enough that it kind of kicked me out of suspension of disbelief and I'm no longer watching, I'm looking at it saying what the?

Other than that it's par for course. The cinematography is spot on. I love the production design. The retro-futurism aspects remind me a lot of Loki. Everything is streamlined into little consoles with lots of clackety bits. But it also doesn't have much of that beat on for decades look like other Star Wars. Well not all of it.

It does drag a bit here and there during this series overall. However this episode maintains a consistent forward momentum.

I like that we are seeing threads connecting and things getting closer. Like I said this show is all delayed reward. They make you wait a long time for a punch line. Or rather an action sequence.

I do think I'm going to have to watch the whole series over again. I'm often not remembering character's names or why they are suddenly shooting.

Another fantastic episode setting up what is sure to be a fantastic finale to the arc.

The political suspicion and planning continue. There are eyes and ears everywhere.

There isn't much action in this episode, yet I'm locked in all the same. I can feel the shadow of something sinister cooking. Andor has doubled down on the gritty feeling it is known for.

Andor truly is the best Star Wars has to offer. It doubles down on the great dialogue and character work. I applaud the team behind this and the many hours that it definitely took.

Everything is shaking up for a great finale. Great decision releasing them 3 at a time.

Quite liked the episode but Mr F. Whitaker is awful... and I am a fan. Pacing was better, felt a little forced and contrived but that is par for the course in the Wars. Those X-Wings got me in the feelers though and for that alone this gets a thumbs up... oh 1977 I was there but too young. But still here I am :-) woot!

Apparently this isn't long enough which is a little bit silly because now I have to waffle. It's about time a certain druid appeared and Cassian needs to roll out some badassary, so far his finger tickling KFC love scene is tithe highlight of this arc... and come on that ain't working for anyone.