Make It Stop

An episode that was no less than phenomenal that didn't even need Cassian to work so effectively and appropriately. The scene between Daedra and Lothan is no less than brilliant, and the action and tension here kicks in so quickly without giving us a moment to breathe. It's crazy that this episode was based on only three central characters from the series, and still managed to be one of the best in it. The use of flashbacks this time, unlike the opening of the series where it worked less well in my opinion, does a very significant service to the plot and narrative, and especially to the character of Kleya, who stole the show in this episode and provided an unforgettable show. It's funny to say this every week, but Andor deserves all the superlatives, all the wins that can be given to it at the Emmys, and especially to be recognized as the best content we've seen in recent years.

Holy crap this was amazing. I keep reading all these comments slamming the show because there's "too much talking." I'd given up on SW since the original batch of prequels came out. It's like a quality, character driven, story that doesn't paint by numbers and contain Jar Jar Binks offends a specific subset of the fanbase. My favorite line from this episode or the one that follows is SO applicable in our world today; "don't look away." I wish Dis+ would have dropped these episodes a week at a time. This is the kind of show that's fun to reflect and talk to friends about. If Gilroy can make a show of this quality/nuance why wouldn't Disney Greenlight similar projects. This is SO much better than any of the Asoka or Mando I was willing to try (and I gave Mando a chance - watched a whole season.

Just when I thought this show couldn't get any better - it did. I had a feeling some characters would get their moment to shine, but I never could have imagined it would unfold in such a bittersweet, powerful way. Here I am, stunned and overwhelmed with emotions. It just couldn't get any better than this!!!

What made this episode so remarkable is how effortlessly it balanced closure with surprise. The writing is thoughtful which has been the case this entire season, giving this arcs the emotional payoff it deserves without feeling forced. Every scene feels intentional, every line delivered with weight. There's a quiet brilliance in how joy and sorrow coexist here - it lingers with you, like the final notes of a haunting melody. This is the kind of storytelling that stays with you long after the credits roll.

This might be my favourite episode so far. After the large canvas drama of the last two, this is so contained, focused and taut. The tension never lets up and it is genuinely moving at the end too.

It's also brilliant to see an apparently peripheral character Kleya thrown into centre stage, given a backstory and perhaps the most difficult 'mission' to complete. Elizabeth Dulau rises to the challenge brilliantly, as does her character.

In the context of the show as a whole, this episode shows the confidence of the creators that they can do 'small' as well as they can do 'big' and carry on surprising you even at this late stage.

Honestly, Star Wars by Disney has no right being this good. It almost feels like the attention to details, story and cinematic experience is taken from some very high-end kino and put into a major name brand show. By all accounts anything branded Star Wars should have been more like Marvel films - a ton of action, cheapskate humor every minute or so, nothing deeper than skin level. But this was so good it almost feels inappropriate. When you're used to McDonalds hollywood meals and you're suddenly given a michelin star Paris restaurant experience, it does feel baffling. It's fascinating that this came to be, and at the same time it's sad because that's probably as good as it is ever going to get in Star Wars. A one-time experience like true love, it is to be cherished and let go.

This show is an anomaly - a beautiful flower growing amongst some radioactive ruin which is Disney. It baffles the mind for how it came to be. A high you will never get again, no matter how you chase it.