The stinger is the first thing we have to do. Lucasfilm is known for dabbling in the end credits scenes (see The Mandalorian, second-season’s stunner). We didn’t expect one to appear in Star Wars : andor. However, its appearance speaks more about Cassian’s character than any franchise expansion.
Camera pulls away from a group of tinkering robots. Installing gizmos in a heptagonal space array. The array is a heptagonal shape. We immediately recognize its construction, and we know the pieces that make it up. Cassian’s ( Diego Luna ) unwittingly constructed the Death Star with his Narkina 5 fellow inmates. andor is a prequel that has left fans with a feeling of dread.
This sci-fi weapon was the dominant theme throughout. Rogue One is what we’ve watched. Cassian’s tale ends with the Death Star’s beam of destruction, but it’s also important that he provides the information necessary to eventually bring the Death Star down. It’s more of a “damn” than a “dun dun dunn” when the totally-nota-moon is revealed during andor‘s final sequence.
The confirmation of Cassian’s role as an unconscious builder of the Death Star cements his fate. This plays right into Tony Gilroy ‘s philosophy of prequels. We never get the sequel. We’re all on the same path, with a blaster pressed against our heads. It’s inevitable. Luthen’s ( Stellan Skarsgard ) cruel words to his Imperial spy in the previous episode made it clear that we are always fighting for an unattainable future.
The death of Cassian, which is a result of his actions, sounds like the andor episode 12 proper ending sequence where Cassian places another device to destroy in Luthen’s hand. Cassian, as everyone expected him to do, returned to Ferrix for Maarva’s ( Fiona Shaw ) funeral. As he hides beneath the sewers, Luthen’s rebels are hunting for Narkina 5, while the Imperials search the area. Cassian’s death is what the Rebel leader wants before the Empire can torture him.
Cassian is the first to spot Luthen. He knows instinctively why this Machiavellian brute is stepping out of the shadows. Cassian is too knowledgeable. He might cause problems for the better. Accept him as collateral as soon as you can.
Cassian saves Bix from her prison cell while everyone is watching the Rix Road riot. He then reunites with Brass0, B2EMO, and Jezzi. The droids beg him to come with them, and he agrees. Cassian refuses to give him or us this pleasure. B is asked to take care of Bix, and B assures him that the goodest boy will always come through. Cassian turns his back on them, and then jets away in the other direction.