Messenger

Messenger sets the scene nicely following the next time jump. It sets in motion what feels like an exciting plot involving characters we have invested in over the past season and a half.

Events involving characters such as Cassian, Dedra, and Syril are at the forefront of everything and it leads compellingly into whatever comes next.

Certain aspects of Andor are now starting to connect strongly to Rogue One and also the original trilogy. I can feel the prelude to a massive nerdgasm, as the recognisable backdrops, characters, and foreshadowing all feature good storytelling opposed to just fan service.

Powerful and intense. The tension is palpable and the stakes are at an all time high. The next two episodes of this arc will be generational. The pieces are moving forward and the storm is coming.

Not only was this episode incredible at raising the stakes but it also had some very moving scenes.

Everything with the force healer, Cassian, and Bix was so profound. Its the first time this shows writing has really dealt with the force and it was used to bring such meaning to Cassian. Trying to understand your purpose in life, not knowing how to express your pent up emotions, very strong writing. So excited for the next episodes.

Well, I did not expect another time jump again, but I guess this is the formula. But I'm not sure if I like this format as much as I did the first season, where every 3-episode arc was roughly close to one another in timeline.

But, once again, this episode serves as a setup episode for the new story arc and does a good job, and is engaging as ever, but not a lot happens as expected.

They do a good job of showing us where each character is, shedding some clarity on how much knowledge of what's happening some characters have, and introducing new plotlines and setting up for the next two episodes.

Overall, I think the episode is pretty decent, but probably the weakest so far in the season, let alone the whole show, but that doesn't mean it's bad.

But so far, I feel like this season as a whole hasn't felt like it's on par with the previous season, which became legendary by the halfway point. One reason, in my opinion, is that the first season had a gradual increase in tension and plot moving forward every episode, leading to a crescendo. But in this season, every 3 episodes, the storylines reset and the tension comes to a halt, and they have to build it back up again.

If the events of each arc were closer chronologically and a direct continuation of each other, maybe this season wouldn't feel so different. But considering everyone who saw the season fully said this is the best season ever, I'm sure it's gonna get better, and I can't wait to see what Gilroy has cooked for us.

One of Andor's strengths lies in its nuanced character development. We witness Cassian's gradual transformation into the rebel spy we know from Rogue One.

Seeing Bix and Cassian in a different context reminds us that he begins as a reluctant rebel. We also observe his growing adaptability, his ability to become a chameleon.

Furthermore, the introduction of a Force user and their interaction with Cassian subtly foreshadow his destiny.

Meanwhile, Mon Mothma navigates the intricate political landscape of Coruscant as Ghorman faces increasing oppression under Imperial policies, leading to growing unrest among its people.

In stark contrast, we find Syril and Dedra in very different circumstances as their realities collide. Watching them react to forces beyond their control is compelling, with both actors delivering strong performances. Seeing Dedra trying to process her emotions and feelings presents complexity to the character as her humanity shines through.

The scene where the Ghorman senator comes to Mon Mothma carries significant weight, and we feel her complex emotions-fear, pity, and anxiety-powerfully conveyed.

We also see Wilmon evolve into a character more committed to the rebel cause and Luthen's vision than Cassian, as evidenced by his mission to bring Cassian back.

The entire cast delivers fantastic performances, and the sheer number of talented actors contributes to the episode's impressive scale and quality.

History doesn't shift all at once. It pivots quietly, on moments so small they might be missed-a word spoken in frustration, a whisper in a hallway, a mission accepted with quiet resolve. "Andor" has always understood that revolutions begin not with grandeur, but with ripples. And in "Messenger," those ripples gather force, signaling a tide that's about to turn. Cassian Andor's journey started with a search for his sister, a longing to reclaim something lost-his home. In time, he found just that, just not in the form of his family-the Rebellion. And this episode may have just proven why this was always his clear direction.

In an episode that serves largely as a setup for what's next, "Messenger" succeeds most in how it balances momentum with introspection. The Rebels have begun to coalesce, now organizing out of the iconic Yavin IV base. It's thrilling to see the earliest formations of what will become the Rebel Alliance, but this episode doesn't shy away from showing how fragile that unity still is. There's fire in their hearts, but they're still learning how to aim it. The storytelling is deliberate. The pacing refuses to rush, and that patience pays off. On Ghorman, tension simmers beneath every scene. We watch the Empire's sanitized lies clash with the growing unrest of the people-Imperial propaganda woven with the fraying hope of a planet on the brink. The careful setup here gives every character's action weight and meaning, ensuring the payoff to come will land with force. One of the most fascinating additions to this episode is the subtle introduction of the Force. It's a bold move in a series that has thrived in the shadows of Jedi mythology, but it works. There's no mysticism for mysticism's sake. Instead, it's filtered through skepticism and grounded realism, aligning perfectly with the tone of "Andor." The Force is not a miracle-it's a question, and that question lingers powerfully in the minds of those who doubt it. It's handled with care, making its inclusion feel earned. All of this in the hands of Janus Metz and Dan Gilroy makes for a tense episode that clearly sets up great things to come.

"Messenger" reminds us why "Andor" remains a masterclass in world-building and character-driven storytelling. It may be a setup episode, but every frame buzzes with the promise of change. The rebellion is stirring, and Cassian's path forward is becoming clear-one small, weighty step at a time.