Exclusive: NBC News Studios today announced it has partnered with Westbrook Studios and BET Studios to co-produce the feature documentary The Debutantes, directed by Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker Contessa Gayles. The Debutantes is the story of an intergenerational group of Black women and girls in Canton, Ohio revitalizing the debutante ball, a once popular tradition of the Black middle class.
Contessa is a non-fiction film director, Dp, editor and an Emmy-nominated producer. She tells stories about identity, socio-political movement, healing, Black liberation and radical imagination. As an independent filmmaker, her work has been supported by Impact Partners, Field of Vision, Artemis Rising Foundation, the International Documentary Association, the California Arts Council and Queen Latifah’s Queen Collective.
Filmed at the 2022 Cotillion, this coming-of-age film follows Canton’s first group of Black debutantes in over a decade as they prepare for their formal debut to society as young women. Long considered a symbol of middle class respectability,...
Contessa is a non-fiction film director, Dp, editor and an Emmy-nominated producer. She tells stories about identity, socio-political movement, healing, Black liberation and radical imagination. As an independent filmmaker, her work has been supported by Impact Partners, Field of Vision, Artemis Rising Foundation, the International Documentary Association, the California Arts Council and Queen Latifah’s Queen Collective.
Filmed at the 2022 Cotillion, this coming-of-age film follows Canton’s first group of Black debutantes in over a decade as they prepare for their formal debut to society as young women. Long considered a symbol of middle class respectability,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
In a 20-minute conversation about creating the fearsome Dedra Meero for “Andor,” actor Denise Gough mentions the show’s writing exactly seven times.
Nine times, if you count the last mention — “The writing, the writing, the writing!” — as multiple, but it’s hard to fault the Irish actor for being so thoroughly enamored with the scripts by Tony Gilroy, Dan Gilroy, Beau Willimon, and Stephen Schiff.
“It’s like a great play,” she told IndieWire over Zoom, speaking of how everything on “Andor” came together with the writing as its foundation. “Get out of the way. Don’t overthink it, don’t try and manage things or get out in front of it. You let it carry you along.”
Gough comes from the theater, where Gilroy saw her on stage a few years ago. “He saw Dedra then,” she said. “He’s the one that saw each of us and...
Nine times, if you count the last mention — “The writing, the writing, the writing!” — as multiple, but it’s hard to fault the Irish actor for being so thoroughly enamored with the scripts by Tony Gilroy, Dan Gilroy, Beau Willimon, and Stephen Schiff.
“It’s like a great play,” she told IndieWire over Zoom, speaking of how everything on “Andor” came together with the writing as its foundation. “Get out of the way. Don’t overthink it, don’t try and manage things or get out in front of it. You let it carry you along.”
Gough comes from the theater, where Gilroy saw her on stage a few years ago. “He saw Dedra then,” she said. “He’s the one that saw each of us and...
- 12/8/2022
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Warning: Contains Andor Season 1 spoilers
Shortly after receiving the scripts for Andor Season 2, Denise Gough. “I said, ‘Hello, boss!’ I thought, if anyone took a picture of this, it’s so brilliant – Dedra having an undercover meeting with the Emperor in Notting Hill.” In the Skywalker Saga, Palpatine was the Empire’s fearsome figurehead, always looming in the shadows. But in Andor, Dedra is out in front – a dangerously driven Imperial officer with a desire for order stronger than the tractor beam of an Arrestor Cruiser. Star Wars has a new face of evil – and it’s the face of Dedra Meero.
That face is one of her primary weapons. Unlike Vader, Palpatine, and Kylo Ren, Dedra isn’t a Force-user. She has no lightsaber, nor the Darksaber. She has no cloak to swoosh, no grand evil designs; just an unwavering dedication to the Empire’s ideologies, and a stare...
Shortly after receiving the scripts for Andor Season 2, Denise Gough. “I said, ‘Hello, boss!’ I thought, if anyone took a picture of this, it’s so brilliant – Dedra having an undercover meeting with the Emperor in Notting Hill.” In the Skywalker Saga, Palpatine was the Empire’s fearsome figurehead, always looming in the shadows. But in Andor, Dedra is out in front – a dangerously driven Imperial officer with a desire for order stronger than the tractor beam of an Arrestor Cruiser. Star Wars has a new face of evil – and it’s the face of Dedra Meero.
That face is one of her primary weapons. Unlike Vader, Palpatine, and Kylo Ren, Dedra isn’t a Force-user. She has no lightsaber, nor the Darksaber. She has no cloak to swoosh, no grand evil designs; just an unwavering dedication to the Empire’s ideologies, and a stare...
- 11/29/2022
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - TV
Major spoilers ahead for the "Andor" season finale.
Syril (Kyle Soller) and Dedra (Denise Gough) are the ickiest couple to exist in a Star Wars project, and that includes Luke and Leia after the audience learned that they were related. This particular "Andor" ship is horrifying. Dedra is a cold-blooded bureaucrat in the Isb who cares about nothing but order and putting down the rebels. Syril is an order-obsessed toady who is clearly stalking her as a substitute for his monster of an overbearing mother (Kathryn Hunter). He admires her to the point of devotion. Yes, they both worship order, but the idea of a relationship between them is horrifying.
... So why do we want them to kiss already?
I can practically feel you shuddering over the internet, but you know it's true. In the final episode of "Andor" season 1, Dedra is caught up in the Ferrix riot during Maarva's...
Syril (Kyle Soller) and Dedra (Denise Gough) are the ickiest couple to exist in a Star Wars project, and that includes Luke and Leia after the audience learned that they were related. This particular "Andor" ship is horrifying. Dedra is a cold-blooded bureaucrat in the Isb who cares about nothing but order and putting down the rebels. Syril is an order-obsessed toady who is clearly stalking her as a substitute for his monster of an overbearing mother (Kathryn Hunter). He admires her to the point of devotion. Yes, they both worship order, but the idea of a relationship between them is horrifying.
... So why do we want them to kiss already?
I can practically feel you shuddering over the internet, but you know it's true. In the final episode of "Andor" season 1, Dedra is caught up in the Ferrix riot during Maarva's...
- 11/28/2022
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
“Andor” Season 1 starts and ends with Ferrix.
Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) adopted home planet is where his journey began, as “a nobody…who’s fucked it all up.” The Season 1 finale, written by Tony Gilroy and directed by Benjamin Caron, covers the funeral proceedings of Cassian’s mother figure Maarva Andor (Fiona Shaw), as all the characters converge on what they know will be a pivotal moment.
It’s the first time everyone on “Andor” — with the minor exception of Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), who has her own agenda and troubles brewing — is so singularly focused on the same thing for the same reason. Luthen (Stellan Skårsgard) and his rebels always had their missions, Syril (Kyle Soller) and Dedra (Denise Gough) had their own methods of enforcing Empiric agenda, and civilians steered clear of it all — including Cassian himself. He returns home knowing the risk and that there’s a target on his back,...
Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) adopted home planet is where his journey began, as “a nobody…who’s fucked it all up.” The Season 1 finale, written by Tony Gilroy and directed by Benjamin Caron, covers the funeral proceedings of Cassian’s mother figure Maarva Andor (Fiona Shaw), as all the characters converge on what they know will be a pivotal moment.
It’s the first time everyone on “Andor” — with the minor exception of Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), who has her own agenda and troubles brewing — is so singularly focused on the same thing for the same reason. Luthen (Stellan Skårsgard) and his rebels always had their missions, Syril (Kyle Soller) and Dedra (Denise Gough) had their own methods of enforcing Empiric agenda, and civilians steered clear of it all — including Cassian himself. He returns home knowing the risk and that there’s a target on his back,...
- 11/23/2022
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Andor Finale Recap: 'Eyes Open, Possibilities Everywhere' — Plus, What Did Mid-Credits Scene Reveal?
In Andor‘s Season 1 finale, the tension in the air was thick as the people of Ferrix gathered for Maarva’s funeral, while others lay in wait hoping to catch (or kill) Cassian….
Arriving in Ferrix for a possible appearance by the late Maarva’s son were Isb supervisor Dedra, who promptly went undercover with Corv to patrol the streets herself… Syril, with Sergeant Mosk… Vel, who found Cinta a little too focused on the manhunt… Luthen, clad in a cloak… and Cassian himself.
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Arriving in Ferrix for a possible appearance by the late Maarva’s son were Isb supervisor Dedra, who promptly went undercover with Corv to patrol the streets herself… Syril, with Sergeant Mosk… Vel, who found Cinta a little too focused on the manhunt… Luthen, clad in a cloak… and Cassian himself.
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- 11/23/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
This Star Wars: Andor contains spoilers.
Andor Episode 12
In the season 1 finale of Andor, characters previously siloed to different parts of the galaxy converge on a funeral on Ferrix, and all hell breaks loose. By the end of it all, Cassian and Luthen arrive at a similar emotional place as they did in episode 3, but back then, Cassian was resisting the call to adventure in his hero’s journey. By the end of season 1, the message of Andor’s finale is clear: Cassian is ready to embrace his destiny and the Rebellion is about to heat up big time. And stick around until the end for a post-credits scene that finally answers what Cassian and the other prisoners on Narkina 5 were building all along…
After separating from Melshi, Cassian heads back to Ferrix to attend Maarva’s funeral, and in the process, he also plans to rescue Bix from the...
Andor Episode 12
In the season 1 finale of Andor, characters previously siloed to different parts of the galaxy converge on a funeral on Ferrix, and all hell breaks loose. By the end of it all, Cassian and Luthen arrive at a similar emotional place as they did in episode 3, but back then, Cassian was resisting the call to adventure in his hero’s journey. By the end of season 1, the message of Andor’s finale is clear: Cassian is ready to embrace his destiny and the Rebellion is about to heat up big time. And stick around until the end for a post-credits scene that finally answers what Cassian and the other prisoners on Narkina 5 were building all along…
After separating from Melshi, Cassian heads back to Ferrix to attend Maarva’s funeral, and in the process, he also plans to rescue Bix from the...
- 11/23/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
This post contains spoilers for the entire first season of Andor, which is streaming now on Disney+.
A lot of memorable things happen in the Andor Season One finale. Marva (Fiona Shaw) digitally rises from the dead, as her impassioned, pre-recorded funeral speech inspires the people of Ferrix to rise up against their Imperial oppressors. The riot that ensues is, like so much of Andor, visceral and tactile in a way that very little of Star Wars has been since the original trilogy. At one point, disgraced ex-security guard Syril...
A lot of memorable things happen in the Andor Season One finale. Marva (Fiona Shaw) digitally rises from the dead, as her impassioned, pre-recorded funeral speech inspires the people of Ferrix to rise up against their Imperial oppressors. The riot that ensues is, like so much of Andor, visceral and tactile in a way that very little of Star Wars has been since the original trilogy. At one point, disgraced ex-security guard Syril...
- 11/23/2022
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
This Star Wars: Andor article contains spoilers.
Twelve episodes later, Cassian is at a crossroads on Andor. After murdering two Pre-Mor officers and fleeing capture on Ferrix, things haven’t gotten any easier for our protagonist. Although he hoped to enjoy an extended vacation on the party planet of Niamos after pulling off the heist on Aldhani, he soon witnesses firsthand the terrible atrocities being committed by the Empire under the galaxy’s very nose in the prison on Narkina 5. It’s no surprise that in the season finale, Cassian decides that simply running and surviving is no longer enough. It’s time to take the fight to the Empire.
Star Wars fans waited 10 long weeks for that final scene between Rebel leader Luthen Rael and Cassian, who finally accepted his destiny as the freedom fighter we already know he’ll become. We’re four in-universe years away from Cassian...
Twelve episodes later, Cassian is at a crossroads on Andor. After murdering two Pre-Mor officers and fleeing capture on Ferrix, things haven’t gotten any easier for our protagonist. Although he hoped to enjoy an extended vacation on the party planet of Niamos after pulling off the heist on Aldhani, he soon witnesses firsthand the terrible atrocities being committed by the Empire under the galaxy’s very nose in the prison on Narkina 5. It’s no surprise that in the season finale, Cassian decides that simply running and surviving is no longer enough. It’s time to take the fight to the Empire.
Star Wars fans waited 10 long weeks for that final scene between Rebel leader Luthen Rael and Cassian, who finally accepted his destiny as the freedom fighter we already know he’ll become. We’re four in-universe years away from Cassian...
- 11/23/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Bespin, Outer Rim — Star Wars fans across the globe concurred on Wednesday that the 11th episode of Andor was the Disney+ series’ “best one yet, dude,” due to its inclusion of a way-cool space battle and rubbery aliens that spoke funny.
“Um, best Andor episode ever!” said Dale Wilhoit, president of the long-dormant Sweattoc (Star Wars Enthusiasts Against Taxation-Themed Opening Crawls), in a phone interview with TVLine. “After all these weeks of deftly exploring class solidarity, colonialism and the slow but steady rise of fascism, wow, did you see how the Fondor’s laser thing sliced that Tie fighter in half?...
“Um, best Andor episode ever!” said Dale Wilhoit, president of the long-dormant Sweattoc (Star Wars Enthusiasts Against Taxation-Themed Opening Crawls), in a phone interview with TVLine. “After all these weeks of deftly exploring class solidarity, colonialism and the slow but steady rise of fascism, wow, did you see how the Fondor’s laser thing sliced that Tie fighter in half?...
- 11/17/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
One of the more interesting characters on "Andor" is Dedra Meero, the Imperial Security Bureau officer played by Denise Gough. When we first meet Dedra, the audience learns to identify with her through the challenges she faces in her job. It just so happens that she works for the Empire, traditionally the villains of the "Star Wars" universe. Yet "Andor" is already a show built around a Rebel "hero" whose first act when we met him in "Rogue One" was to kill an injured informant in cold blood. The series has continued to explore the gray areas in-between the conventional, clear-cut, black-or-white divisions of "Star Wars."
Even in the the original "Star Wars" trilogy, there were Imperial officers you could root for, like Admiral Piett (Kenneth Colley), if only because their position was so precarious at all times. One wrong move and Darth Vader was liable to permanently relieve them...
Even in the the original "Star Wars" trilogy, there were Imperial officers you could root for, like Admiral Piett (Kenneth Colley), if only because their position was so precarious at all times. One wrong move and Darth Vader was liable to permanently relieve them...
- 11/12/2022
- by Joshua Meyer
- Slash Film
Warning: spoilers for "Andor" season 1 ahead. Proceed with caution.
We are rapidly approaching the end of "Andor" season 1 and, with the most recent arc, the show has truly come into focus. This is a gritty, dark, serious show the likes of which "Star Wars" has not seen before. About the only thing connecting this show to the larger galaxy is Diego Luna's Cassian Andor, who audiences came to know in "Rogue One." That movie, as fans surely recall, was all about how the rebels managed to steal the Death Star plans, ultimately paving the way for the weapon's destruction. But does this show also have a connection to the infamous, planet-killing weapon?
Fans have been theorizing that the Imperial prison we've seen in episodes nine and ten, titled "Nobody's Listening" and "One Way Out," is actually being used to build parts for the Death Star. Cassian and the other...
We are rapidly approaching the end of "Andor" season 1 and, with the most recent arc, the show has truly come into focus. This is a gritty, dark, serious show the likes of which "Star Wars" has not seen before. About the only thing connecting this show to the larger galaxy is Diego Luna's Cassian Andor, who audiences came to know in "Rogue One." That movie, as fans surely recall, was all about how the rebels managed to steal the Death Star plans, ultimately paving the way for the weapon's destruction. But does this show also have a connection to the infamous, planet-killing weapon?
Fans have been theorizing that the Imperial prison we've seen in episodes nine and ten, titled "Nobody's Listening" and "One Way Out," is actually being used to build parts for the Death Star. Cassian and the other...
- 11/11/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Spoiler Warning: This story contains discussion of major plot developments through Season 1, Episode 10 of “Andor,” currently streaming on Disney+.
Tony Gilroy knows how people feel about “Andor.” While the veteran screenwriter and director — “The Devil’s Advocate,” the “Bourne” franchise, “Michael Clayton,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” — does not have a presence on social media, he has occasionally dipped into Twitter incognito to see how audiences have been responding to his “Rogue One” prequel series for Disney+.
And? “It’s just the greatest frickin’ thing,” Gilroy says with a massive grin.
As anyone who has watched the show and/or been on Twitter since it debuted Sept. 21 knows, “Andor” has been one of the most enthusiastically well received “Star Wars” projects of the Disney era. Between its sprawling cast and labyrinthine plotting, the 12-episode series has raced headlong into territory many “Star Wars” fans did not know was possible: mature,...
Tony Gilroy knows how people feel about “Andor.” While the veteran screenwriter and director — “The Devil’s Advocate,” the “Bourne” franchise, “Michael Clayton,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” — does not have a presence on social media, he has occasionally dipped into Twitter incognito to see how audiences have been responding to his “Rogue One” prequel series for Disney+.
And? “It’s just the greatest frickin’ thing,” Gilroy says with a massive grin.
As anyone who has watched the show and/or been on Twitter since it debuted Sept. 21 knows, “Andor” has been one of the most enthusiastically well received “Star Wars” projects of the Disney era. Between its sprawling cast and labyrinthine plotting, the 12-episode series has raced headlong into territory many “Star Wars” fans did not know was possible: mature,...
- 11/10/2022
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
This article contains spoilers for Star Wars: Andor
In Star Wars: Andor episode 10, “One Way Out,” we spent quite a bit of time actually getting to know Robert Emms’ character Lonni Jung, an Isb supervisor who has been hanging in the background of the show since the fourth episode. While at first, it seemed that Lonni was meant to just warm a seat in scenes inside the Isb conference chamber, we finally learn the truth about the character in the latest episode. The Star Wars series reveals that this nondescript Imperial intelligence agent has been a Rebel mole all along, working for Luthen Rael. But that might be coming to an end, especially if the Empire discovers his true mission.
As the final scene shows, a nervous Lonni is now having second thoughts about helping Luthen, as the Empire closes in on Rebel leader Anto Kreegyr. Lonni meets with Luthen...
In Star Wars: Andor episode 10, “One Way Out,” we spent quite a bit of time actually getting to know Robert Emms’ character Lonni Jung, an Isb supervisor who has been hanging in the background of the show since the fourth episode. While at first, it seemed that Lonni was meant to just warm a seat in scenes inside the Isb conference chamber, we finally learn the truth about the character in the latest episode. The Star Wars series reveals that this nondescript Imperial intelligence agent has been a Rebel mole all along, working for Luthen Rael. But that might be coming to an end, especially if the Empire discovers his true mission.
As the final scene shows, a nervous Lonni is now having second thoughts about helping Luthen, as the Empire closes in on Rebel leader Anto Kreegyr. Lonni meets with Luthen...
- 11/9/2022
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
This Star Wars: Andor review contains spoilers.
Andor Episode 10
Out of all contemporary Star Wars TV shows, Andor may end up becoming the most interesting rewatch. While the thrills and surprises in The Mandalorian are top-notch, those big moments (like Luke Skywalker going to town in “The Rescue”) don’t really make you feel like going back and watching previous episodes for context. Andor is the opposite. With episode 10, Andor has delivered a massive twist, but this surprise won’t be the thing you’ll want to rewatch. Instead, it will be everything leading up to it. Andor is a show about spies, and that means, with a twist like this, everything you’ve already watched has suddenly changed.
Although “One Way Out” will likely be remembered as “the one where Cassian finally breaks out of prison,” the bigger twist is all about a Rebel spy we didn’t know existed.
Andor Episode 10
Out of all contemporary Star Wars TV shows, Andor may end up becoming the most interesting rewatch. While the thrills and surprises in The Mandalorian are top-notch, those big moments (like Luke Skywalker going to town in “The Rescue”) don’t really make you feel like going back and watching previous episodes for context. Andor is the opposite. With episode 10, Andor has delivered a massive twist, but this surprise won’t be the thing you’ll want to rewatch. Instead, it will be everything leading up to it. Andor is a show about spies, and that means, with a twist like this, everything you’ve already watched has suddenly changed.
Although “One Way Out” will likely be remembered as “the one where Cassian finally breaks out of prison,” the bigger twist is all about a Rebel spy we didn’t know existed.
- 11/9/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
In "Andor," the shadow of the Imperial Empire looms over the galaxy. Entire planets are under their occupation. Their influence is silently felt across the galactic senate. Though "Star Wars" has never been a stranger to political themes, we've never quite seen daily life in this universe seem so bleak. The scale of the show is deliberately more intimate and personal to match our titular Cassian Andor's (Diego Luna) status. Instead of faceless Stormtroopers and powerful Sith Lords, our villains come in the form of the insidious Imperial officer Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and weaselly bootlicker Syril Karn (Kyle Soller).
Though mostly separated for the first few acts of the series, in episode 8, Syril and Dedra finally cross paths. Brought in for questioning over his obsessive pursuit of Cassian Andor, Dedra sees something potentially valuable in his quest for vengeance. Though there was some speculation that Syril could eventually defect to the rebels,...
Though mostly separated for the first few acts of the series, in episode 8, Syril and Dedra finally cross paths. Brought in for questioning over his obsessive pursuit of Cassian Andor, Dedra sees something potentially valuable in his quest for vengeance. Though there was some speculation that Syril could eventually defect to the rebels,...
- 11/4/2022
- by Tyler Llewyn Taing
- Slash Film
This piece contains spoilers for episode 9 of "Andor."
As "Andor" season 1 approaches its last act, pieces are slowly starting to fall together and build up the show's incoming climax. One thread we've been seeing a lot more screen time for in the second half of the series is centered around the crossing of paths between Imperial Lieutenant Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and the bootlicking, space weasel we love to hate: Syril Karn (Kyle Soller).
Both Imperials have their hearts set on capturing and detaining our titular rebel-in-the-making, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna); Dedra has been using all of her security power to investigate rebel activity in Aldhani, meanwhile, Syril's embarrassment of Ferrix has led him to working for the Imperial Bureau of Standards on Coruscant, filing false claims in complete obsession the rebel who slipped past his grasp.
Though they're both agents of galactic Imperial fascism, the two characters could not come from more different worlds.
As "Andor" season 1 approaches its last act, pieces are slowly starting to fall together and build up the show's incoming climax. One thread we've been seeing a lot more screen time for in the second half of the series is centered around the crossing of paths between Imperial Lieutenant Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and the bootlicking, space weasel we love to hate: Syril Karn (Kyle Soller).
Both Imperials have their hearts set on capturing and detaining our titular rebel-in-the-making, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna); Dedra has been using all of her security power to investigate rebel activity in Aldhani, meanwhile, Syril's embarrassment of Ferrix has led him to working for the Imperial Bureau of Standards on Coruscant, filing false claims in complete obsession the rebel who slipped past his grasp.
Though they're both agents of galactic Imperial fascism, the two characters could not come from more different worlds.
- 11/3/2022
- by Tyler Llewyn Taing
- Slash Film
"Andor" is doing an awful lot to restore good will with many disenfranchised "Star Wars" fans. While the show might not be pulling in the viewership numbers that "The Mandalorian" or "Obi-Wan Kenobi" did (which is understandable), those who have been enjoying it are enjoying it thoroughly. There are many, many reasons for that, but chief among them is that we are getting some of the most enjoyable and compelling new characters in this universe that we've had in quite some time. Near or at the very top of that list? Syril Karn.
As played by actor Kyle Soller, Karn started out as a hard-nosed, devoted member of the Empire, and through one of the most unexpected character arcs of this franchise in years, he was beaten down and dejected. Syril is now living with his mom and desperately trying to get his life back. The layers Soller has brought...
As played by actor Kyle Soller, Karn started out as a hard-nosed, devoted member of the Empire, and through one of the most unexpected character arcs of this franchise in years, he was beaten down and dejected. Syril is now living with his mom and desperately trying to get his life back. The layers Soller has brought...
- 11/3/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
This week on Disney+’s Andor, a harrowing rumor spread access Narkina 5, while Dedra put the screws to Bix and Vel’s family ties were revealed.
Across the board, the tension got ratcheted up high in Episode 9, starting with Dedra’s interrogating of Bix with a level of brutality that would make Grand Moff Tarkin blanche. The Ferrix scrap yard owner put up the good fight, refusing to confirm or divulge anything about her arrangement with Salman Paak and his hidden radio. Alas, Paak had already sold out Bix, so Dedra, sensing blood in the water, called on Dr. Gorst...
Across the board, the tension got ratcheted up high in Episode 9, starting with Dedra’s interrogating of Bix with a level of brutality that would make Grand Moff Tarkin blanche. The Ferrix scrap yard owner put up the good fight, refusing to confirm or divulge anything about her arrangement with Salman Paak and his hidden radio. Alas, Paak had already sold out Bix, so Dedra, sensing blood in the water, called on Dr. Gorst...
- 11/2/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
This post contains spoilers for "Andor" episode 9.
It's a credit to the creatives on "Andor" that the "Rogue One" prequel-spinoff series has found a way to expose the true depravity of the Galactic Empire while barely shedding even a single drop of blood. That extended to last week's bummer of an episode, which ended with Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona) being captured by the Imperials on Ferrix. The last we saw of her, Cassian's former (?) girlfriend and faithful ally was about to be tortured by Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and her associates. Exactly what sickening interrogation tactics would the Imperial Security Bureau subject our hero to?
No, Bix didn't have to listen to the digital mixtape that Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) has definitely made to try and impress Dedra, based on the pair's deeply uncomfortable interaction in this week's episode, "Nobody's Listening." Instead, after Dedra makes it clear that she's...
It's a credit to the creatives on "Andor" that the "Rogue One" prequel-spinoff series has found a way to expose the true depravity of the Galactic Empire while barely shedding even a single drop of blood. That extended to last week's bummer of an episode, which ended with Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona) being captured by the Imperials on Ferrix. The last we saw of her, Cassian's former (?) girlfriend and faithful ally was about to be tortured by Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and her associates. Exactly what sickening interrogation tactics would the Imperial Security Bureau subject our hero to?
No, Bix didn't have to listen to the digital mixtape that Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) has definitely made to try and impress Dedra, based on the pair's deeply uncomfortable interaction in this week's episode, "Nobody's Listening." Instead, after Dedra makes it clear that she's...
- 11/2/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
This Star Wars: Andor review contains spoilers.
Andor Episode 9
At the start of Andor episode 9, Dedra threatens Bix by saying, “The very worst thing you can do right now is bore me.” This is just before an interrogation scene, in which the stakes are high, but also muddled. As the first Star Wars TV series or film to really push into gritty and adult territory, the threat Dedra hurls at Bix is also on the mind of this viewer. We like Andor, we like what it’s trying to do and say. But, with only four episodes left in season 1, the worst thing the show can do is bore us.
If there’s one central truth to Andor it’s that much like in real life, nobody knows anything for sure, ever. Dedra doesn’t actually know whether Bix has the information she seeks, so torturing Bix by making her...
Andor Episode 9
At the start of Andor episode 9, Dedra threatens Bix by saying, “The very worst thing you can do right now is bore me.” This is just before an interrogation scene, in which the stakes are high, but also muddled. As the first Star Wars TV series or film to really push into gritty and adult territory, the threat Dedra hurls at Bix is also on the mind of this viewer. We like Andor, we like what it’s trying to do and say. But, with only four episodes left in season 1, the worst thing the show can do is bore us.
If there’s one central truth to Andor it’s that much like in real life, nobody knows anything for sure, ever. Dedra doesn’t actually know whether Bix has the information she seeks, so torturing Bix by making her...
- 11/2/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The Disney+ series "Andor" has the distinction of being called the least Star Wars-y series in the galaxy. With a few small changes, this show could stand alone as an espionage drama. For fans who are feeling a little overwhelmed with the amount of content from the long-running franchise, the show is a big relief.
People still love the Star Wars universe. It's just that some of the recent offerings leaned so heavily on fan service and an "ooh, look at the Easter egg" style of storytelling that the actual narrative can suffer for it. Having a show that is good enough to stand on its own, without much in the way of Jedi or too many familiar characters, might even attract brand-new viewers to Star Wars.
It isn't just the fans who are praising the unfamiliar path that "Andor" is taking. In an interview with Collider late in...
People still love the Star Wars universe. It's just that some of the recent offerings leaned so heavily on fan service and an "ooh, look at the Easter egg" style of storytelling that the actual narrative can suffer for it. Having a show that is good enough to stand on its own, without much in the way of Jedi or too many familiar characters, might even attract brand-new viewers to Star Wars.
It isn't just the fans who are praising the unfamiliar path that "Andor" is taking. In an interview with Collider late in...
- 10/28/2022
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
"Andor" is a story of galactic reckoning. Week by week, we've been watching the slow construction of the Rebel Alliance through the eyes of a young and disillusioned Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) caught in the middle of it. It largely succeeds in its departure from the "Star Wars" status quo by focusing on the political power plays of the galaxy. While Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) bravely seeks financing and diplomatic support within a corrupted Coruscant senate, Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård) is making cold and calculated moves to martyr the lives lost in Aldhani.
Meanwhile, there's yet another recurring thread that we've been following over the course of the last eight episodes of "Andor," and that's the pathetic chase for Imperial validation by Syril Karn (Kyle Soller). After his complete failure to capture and apprehend Cassian for his murder of two Imperial officers on Ferrix, he's been typing away at his job...
Meanwhile, there's yet another recurring thread that we've been following over the course of the last eight episodes of "Andor," and that's the pathetic chase for Imperial validation by Syril Karn (Kyle Soller). After his complete failure to capture and apprehend Cassian for his murder of two Imperial officers on Ferrix, he's been typing away at his job...
- 10/26/2022
- by Tyler Llewyn Taing
- Slash Film
This Star Wars: Andor article contains spoilers.
Andor Episode 8
In episode 8 of Andor, half of the action is a Star Wars version of the Shawshank Redemption, and there’s something about this specific incarceration that feels a bit on the fake side of the Force, like the Disneyland version of a space prison. Andor episode 8 is good, but as we watch humans literally build the cogs that make the machines of the Empire work, one can’t help but wonder, are we getting a bit too granular with the logistics of Star Wars?
At the point at which Cassian gets thrown into a forced-labor Imperial prison, nobody wanted Andor to suddenly turn into Alien 3, but there’s still something a bit too sanitized about these Star Wars prison sequences. Essentially, this Imperial prison motivates the inmates to be really good at building cogs(?) and pits various teams of workers against each other.
Andor Episode 8
In episode 8 of Andor, half of the action is a Star Wars version of the Shawshank Redemption, and there’s something about this specific incarceration that feels a bit on the fake side of the Force, like the Disneyland version of a space prison. Andor episode 8 is good, but as we watch humans literally build the cogs that make the machines of the Empire work, one can’t help but wonder, are we getting a bit too granular with the logistics of Star Wars?
At the point at which Cassian gets thrown into a forced-labor Imperial prison, nobody wanted Andor to suddenly turn into Alien 3, but there’s still something a bit too sanitized about these Star Wars prison sequences. Essentially, this Imperial prison motivates the inmates to be really good at building cogs(?) and pits various teams of workers against each other.
- 10/26/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Jennifer Walters “had a lot more questions” for Marvel overlord K.E.V.I.N. than what viewers got to see in the She-Hulk: Attorney at Law finale, Tatiana Maslany shares in the TVLine video above.
At the start of our post mortem video Q&a, Maslany details why Jen’s face-to-robotic face with Marvel boss K.E.V.I.N. (Knowledge Enhanced Visual Interconnectivity Nexus), voiced by Brian T. Delaney, was her favorite moment from the season finale.
More from TVLineShe-Hulk's K.E.V.I.N. Almost Looked Very Different -- See Early Concept ArtWas Andor's Resort Sequence Possibly a Flashback? Let's Look at the Facts.
At the start of our post mortem video Q&a, Maslany details why Jen’s face-to-robotic face with Marvel boss K.E.V.I.N. (Knowledge Enhanced Visual Interconnectivity Nexus), voiced by Brian T. Delaney, was her favorite moment from the season finale.
More from TVLineShe-Hulk's K.E.V.I.N. Almost Looked Very Different -- See Early Concept ArtWas Andor's Resort Sequence Possibly a Flashback? Let's Look at the Facts.
- 10/22/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
This week on Disney+’s Andor, as the Star Wars series entered the back half of its freshman run, Cassian learned that all the credits in the world can’t restore the life he had, while Mon Mothma and Dedra both saw bold moves pay off.
As the Imperial garrison heist made headlines, Cassian slipped back to Ferrix in the middle of the night, rousing Maarva and Emo from their respective slumbers. Cass announced his intention to spirit everyone away, that night, to a new life, but Maarva begged off, claiming she was too tired. Cass bided his time by checking in on Bix,...
As the Imperial garrison heist made headlines, Cassian slipped back to Ferrix in the middle of the night, rousing Maarva and Emo from their respective slumbers. Cass announced his intention to spirit everyone away, that night, to a new life, but Maarva begged off, claiming she was too tired. Cass bided his time by checking in on Bix,...
- 10/19/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
This post contains spoilers for "Andor" episode seven.
Like it or not, all art is inherently political. It's why any and all variations on the "Keep your politics out of my pop culture" argument always wind up being silly, not least of all when applied to "Star Wars."
Obviously, this is far from a radical notion. The original trilogy of "Star Wars" films is full of iconography and concepts that are not at all subtly modeled after real-life images of Nazi Germany, WWII, and the Vietnam War. If anything, creator George Lucas' prequel trilogy wears its politics even further out on its sleeves, drawing clear parallels between the Galactic Empire's rise to power and the actions of George W. Bush's administration in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. As Vox's Emily St. James noted in 2019, the trilogy's messages about democratic stagnancy fueling the resurgence of fascism have...
Like it or not, all art is inherently political. It's why any and all variations on the "Keep your politics out of my pop culture" argument always wind up being silly, not least of all when applied to "Star Wars."
Obviously, this is far from a radical notion. The original trilogy of "Star Wars" films is full of iconography and concepts that are not at all subtly modeled after real-life images of Nazi Germany, WWII, and the Vietnam War. If anything, creator George Lucas' prequel trilogy wears its politics even further out on its sleeves, drawing clear parallels between the Galactic Empire's rise to power and the actions of George W. Bush's administration in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. As Vox's Emily St. James noted in 2019, the trilogy's messages about democratic stagnancy fueling the resurgence of fascism have...
- 10/19/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
There will be spoilers for "Andor" Episode VII - "Announcement."
Wullf Yularen has been a figure in "Star Wars" since the birth of the series in 1977. The white-uniformed Imperial Security Bureau head could be seen seated at the boardroom table aboard the Death Star as Grand Moff Tarkin and Admiral Motti went round and round about the power they truly held in their hands. He's been laced throughout the canon throughout the years, both in the Legends and current continuity. His name first appeared on a card in the "Star Wars: Customizable Card Game" from Decipher cards and he's been a major player in "Star Wars" ever since.
His presence isn't just an Easter egg, but might have ramifications for the future of "Andor."
Yularen And The Clone Wars
Yularen appeared in the "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" movie and many episodes of the show. He was an officer in...
Wullf Yularen has been a figure in "Star Wars" since the birth of the series in 1977. The white-uniformed Imperial Security Bureau head could be seen seated at the boardroom table aboard the Death Star as Grand Moff Tarkin and Admiral Motti went round and round about the power they truly held in their hands. He's been laced throughout the canon throughout the years, both in the Legends and current continuity. His name first appeared on a card in the "Star Wars: Customizable Card Game" from Decipher cards and he's been a major player in "Star Wars" ever since.
His presence isn't just an Easter egg, but might have ramifications for the future of "Andor."
Yularen And The Clone Wars
Yularen appeared in the "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" movie and many episodes of the show. He was an officer in...
- 10/19/2022
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
There will be spoilers for "Andor" Episode VII - "Announcement"
"Announcement," the seventh episode of "Andor," shows us that everyone in a fascist galaxy is living in a prison of some kind. As news of the heist on Aldhani reaches Coruscant, the Emperor — by way of the Imperial Security Bureau — cracks down on rebel activity across the galaxy, tightening his grip. Life is made more difficult for every character as the walls close in.
Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) flounders for more allies. Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) struggles to tie up loose ends and keep himself from being exposed. Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) struggles to find a place in a system that discarded him. For his part, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) foolishly goes back home to Ferrix to find out the boot of Imperial oppression is standing on the throats of all of his loved ones. With little recourse and his...
"Announcement," the seventh episode of "Andor," shows us that everyone in a fascist galaxy is living in a prison of some kind. As news of the heist on Aldhani reaches Coruscant, the Emperor — by way of the Imperial Security Bureau — cracks down on rebel activity across the galaxy, tightening his grip. Life is made more difficult for every character as the walls close in.
Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) flounders for more allies. Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) struggles to tie up loose ends and keep himself from being exposed. Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) struggles to find a place in a system that discarded him. For his part, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) foolishly goes back home to Ferrix to find out the boot of Imperial oppression is standing on the throats of all of his loved ones. With little recourse and his...
- 10/19/2022
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
This week on Disney+’s Andor, Vel and her ragtag team readied for their raiding of the Imperial garrison, only to get waylaid by a bit of a bombshell reveal. Oh, and Syril’s mom is a pill!
After getting a less-than-warm welcome from Vel’s band of rebels last episode, Andor woke to find Skeen rifling through his belongings (though the kyber crystal remained safely stuffed in Cass’ pocket). Skeen had all kinds of questions, including from where “Clem” got his corporate-issue blaster. Andor meanwhile clocked shirtless Skeen’s tattoos, which said/indicated “Krayt Head” and “By the Hand,...
After getting a less-than-warm welcome from Vel’s band of rebels last episode, Andor woke to find Skeen rifling through his belongings (though the kyber crystal remained safely stuffed in Cass’ pocket). Skeen had all kinds of questions, including from where “Clem” got his corporate-issue blaster. Andor meanwhile clocked shirtless Skeen’s tattoos, which said/indicated “Krayt Head” and “By the Hand,...
- 10/5/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
There will be spoilers for "Andor" Episode V - "The Axe Forgets."
"The Axe Forgets" is the fifth episode "Andor," the middle part of the Aldhani story-arc. With more characters spreading out across the story, it splits its time between Cassian (Diego Luna) on Aldhani, working toward the heist of the Imperial payroll, Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) and her domestic and political troubles, Dedra (Denise Gough) and her plotting in the Imperial Security Bureau, and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) as he reexamines his future prospects with his overbearing mother.
Each story moves the story forward to its climax for next week, leaving us on one more cliffhanger for this middle chapter. Through the story, motivations of what drive the rebels on Aldhani are revealed, as is Cassian's secret life as a mercenary. Nerves fray as the heist nears, but all systems are go.
Fighting The Distrust Of Fascism
One of...
"The Axe Forgets" is the fifth episode "Andor," the middle part of the Aldhani story-arc. With more characters spreading out across the story, it splits its time between Cassian (Diego Luna) on Aldhani, working toward the heist of the Imperial payroll, Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) and her domestic and political troubles, Dedra (Denise Gough) and her plotting in the Imperial Security Bureau, and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) as he reexamines his future prospects with his overbearing mother.
Each story moves the story forward to its climax for next week, leaving us on one more cliffhanger for this middle chapter. Through the story, motivations of what drive the rebels on Aldhani are revealed, as is Cassian's secret life as a mercenary. Nerves fray as the heist nears, but all systems are go.
Fighting The Distrust Of Fascism
One of...
- 10/5/2022
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
This Star Wars: Andor article contains spoilers.
Andor Episode 5
Just at the very end of Andor episode 5, “The Axe Forgets,” Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) and his assistant on Coruscant, Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau), have a brief discussion about the future of the Rebellion. Luthen is clearly worried that Cassian’s job on the planet Aldhani is going to go south, while Kleya makes it clear that she believes everything is going to work out, one way or another. “It’ll all be over this time tomorrow,” Kleya says. Luthen retorts with, “Or it will just be starting.” If Andor episode 4 was all about dropping us into new environments, then episode 5 is clearly the calm before the storm. But, at this point, the overarching promise of the series seems torn between the two perspectives floated at the end of this episode: This is either just getting started, or it’s not.
As...
Andor Episode 5
Just at the very end of Andor episode 5, “The Axe Forgets,” Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) and his assistant on Coruscant, Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau), have a brief discussion about the future of the Rebellion. Luthen is clearly worried that Cassian’s job on the planet Aldhani is going to go south, while Kleya makes it clear that she believes everything is going to work out, one way or another. “It’ll all be over this time tomorrow,” Kleya says. Luthen retorts with, “Or it will just be starting.” If Andor episode 4 was all about dropping us into new environments, then episode 5 is clearly the calm before the storm. But, at this point, the overarching promise of the series seems torn between the two perspectives floated at the end of this episode: This is either just getting started, or it’s not.
As...
- 10/5/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
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