‘Andor’ Episode Twelve Recap: “Rix Road”

*Warning: the following article contains spoilers for episode twelve of Andor*

Well, talk about an explosive finale. Andor‘s last episode pulls out all of the stops with another impeccable action set-piece, even if it doesn’t necessarily give “closure” to the first season, by ending on a cliffhanger ending with a pretty dour post-credit scene to boot. Yes, I appreciated how the show had minimal ties to The Skywalker Saga’s expanded universe, except when necessary. That’s why Saw Gerrera’s (Forest Whitaker) presence is sparse, and name-drops don’t feel like Rick Dalton pointing meme references. They don’t mention The Emperor (Ian McDiarmid) if they have to, just like they don’t name-drop “Canto Bight” until it is revealed that Perrin (Alex Lawther) has a gambling addiction.

I found that rather refreshing, but its post-credit scene, where it’s revealed that the prisoners on Narkina 5 were building material for…dun dun dun…the Death Star, felt utterly pointless. The only time where the show leaned into the glup shitto material, it was trying to avoid. And I will guarantee that there are a plethora of reaction videos of this episode on the internet where people will go crazy at the sight of the Death Star, but my reaction was one big eyeroll. Of course, some will argue that it was necessary because Rogue One: A Star Wars Story‘s main plot centered around the Death Star, and Andor‘s second season will lead up to the events of Rogue One, which is understandable. But even then, it felt tacked on and unnecessary. We know that the Empire is building up its force. Do we need to have it shown when we know that the Death Star is in the works? No, we don’t.

But that’s about the only flaw the episode has, save for a few lingering plot threads that haven’t been resolved by the time it ends. For example, where will Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona) and Brasso (Joplin Sibtain) go to? Are Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) going to get married? (More on that later). Did Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) kill Cassian Andor (Diego Luna)? For the latter, we know that doesn’t happen. But director Benjamin Caron still ends the episode on that note. Luthen has wanted to kill Andor since the aftermath of the Aldhani heist. Seeing that their confrontation ends on a cliffhanger feels a bit underwhelming, especially in the subsequent episodes, post-Aldhani, leading up to that particular moment.

What happened with Vel (Faye Marsay) and Cinta (Varada Sethu)? Way too many plot threads have been introduced throughout the series that it was inevitable that many of them wouldn’t get resolved. Still, I always find that the best seasons of television end with a form of “closure” while also setting up what could arise should another season get made. No matter, though, it gives us many threads to look forward to, mainly how Karn will now inevitably rise in the Empire. He puts himself on the line to save Dedra’s life. Why? Because he knows that if she trusts him, he will be as glorious as his Pre-Mor era. They should’ve kissed, but that’s a story for another time.

And even with these minor nitpicks, Andor‘s finale is incredible. Maarva’s (Fiona Shaw) impassioned speech during her funeral procession leads the town of Ferrix to rise against the Empire and contains some of the grittiest bouts of Star Wars action you’ll ever see. I’ve already praised the action scenes way too many times in these recaps, but they’re truly spectacular. Through Nicholas Britell‘s score, the emotional build-up is second-to-none, and when the blasters start to hit in every direction, you feel them as they hit someone. There’s even a funny moment in the episode, and it’s not supposed to be funny. And yet, it perfectly showcases how badly prepared the Empire is at this, and it will inevitably crumble if more people stand up to their oppression.

Yes, it’s a big climax with a parallel montage: Andor rescues Bix from the Hotel while the people of Ferrix stand up for themselves and revolt against the Empire. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s done in such a meticulously-crafted way that you can’t help but cheer as soon as Maarva says, “Fight the Empire!” and everyone charges against them. And while Andor hasn’t been perfect in its latter episodes, it remains an impeccable piece of Star Wars media that should be the blueprint for every show (and a movie!) that will get released as the franchise expands. With Bob Chapek now out at Disney and Bob Iger back as CEO, there could be hope that Star Wars will be back on the big screen very soon. But Iger shouldn’t forget a success like Andor; a Star Wars show that finally gave me confidence that Star Wars can be great on the small screen. But they must drop unnecessary references and pick up the pace as tension mounts. But I hope the second season arrives on our screen sooner than later. Thankfully, it’s shooting right now, so the wait shouldn’t be too long.

All episodes of Andor are now available to stream on Disney+.