Every time an episode of Star Wars: Andor lands, Fantha Tracks will be giving their responses, and here are our initial gut feelings, deep dives and thoughts on episode five of season one, ‘The Axe Forgets’. Beware of spoilerific elements in here.
Brad Boutilier
Episode 5 is in the books and we near the culmination of the second arc in this first season. A lot of character building takes place this episode and all the pieces for the heist are put in place. I almost hesitate to call what we saw in this episode character building because that implies they’re something that has been constructed. The primary characters in Andor feel like real people living out their lives somewhere in a real galaxy, rather than constructs pieced together on paper and portrayed on screen. Character exploration feels like a more appropriate term.
So, let’s talk about that character exploration shall we. Syril Karn continues to be the most interesting and complex character the series has introduced so far. In this episode we explore his relationship with his mother, an overbearing and critical woman who wishes to dictate her son’s life. Syril seems to harbour some serious resentment towards his mother, but also seems to have a desperate desire to please her and earn her approval. These diametrically opposed feelings come together to create great inner conflict and turmoil for Syril and go a long way to explaining how he became the man he is today. An upbringing by a woman like his mother is a prime recipe for creating the sort of various neuroses we’ve seen Syril display thus far in the series, and I’m excited to explore more of this fascinating character.
Over on Aldhani the gang is hanging out and going through some bonding, trust, and leadership exercises. Of those in the group, Cassian and Skeen have the most apparent trust issues. Their opening scene in this episode was great, it was like watching a pair of expert boxers duck and weave one another’s skillfully placed strikes, except the punches and jabs were metaphors and pointed words. Neither landed a blow in that round, but we knew eventually that things would come to a head, and come to a head it did, both metaphorically and literally. Skeen wrapped his arm around Cassian’s head, pulling it back to expose his neck which he promptly held a blade to. In her greatest test of leadership yet Vel verbally intervenes, and after a tense moment, the parties oblige and respect her wishes, laying down their arms. For me this was a pivotal moment as while no one ever really challenged her leadership, it wasn’t entirely clear that everyone, particularly Skeen, respected her authority. Later that evening, at the behest of Vel, Skeen approaches Cassian and offers up an apology. The writers did an excellent job crafting this bit of dialogue, and it was masterfully played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
Skeen appeared uncomfortable, the delivery half-hearted and that of a man who would rather be doing about anything else, but it came through as genuine and that he knew he was doing the right thing, no matter how hard it was for him. It had the distinct feeling of someone attending their first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and meekly introducing themselves and telling their story, at the behest of their loved one who forced them to be there. It really was a great scene.
The big question I keep mulling over is this- who dies during the heist next week? I think Skeen and Nemik are the most likely candidates, but I could also see everyone barring Cassian die. Killing the whole crew could be a major event that cements Cassian’s commitment to the Rebellion, and having the Imperials employ particularly gruesome methods to accomplish the task could really cement his hatred of the Empire. Nemik reminds me a lot of Gale Boetticher from Breaking Bad, both in looks and character. His delivery and nerdy nature is very reminiscent of Gale, and I keep waiting for him to break out into a spontaneous recitation of Walt Whitman’s ‘When I heard the Learn’d Astronomer’, but alas, it hasn’t happened yet.
One can hold out hope.
I must say, I was a bit confused and underwhelmed by the plot developments with Mon Mothma this episode. When we left off last week it seemed certain that we would be seeing the dinner party they planned during that episode, and the way events with her unfolded this week felt very disjointed and abrupt. What was she meant to be doing with her daughter? Where were her and her husband returning from in the space car scene? Was it from the event she was seemingly meant to attend with her daughter? Was it the previously set up dinner party? Was it another function entirely? We just don’t know. Maybe we’ll get some answers in coming episodes, but with the way they ended her plot line in episode 4, not addressing the dinner party at all felt very odd. Combined with not setting up what was happening with any of the events related to her in this episode I was left further confused and wondering what was going on, to the point it was detrimental to her story in this episode. I found myself trying to figure out what was going on, wondering if I’d missed something, rather than paying attention to what was unfolding in front of me. That’s unfortunate because in this episode they did a lot of work establishing an interesting dynamic between her and her family, one which poses some interesting questions about Mon. Namely, Is Mon Mothma the prototypical politician, marrying based on a person’s position and connections, and to have someone to provide you with a child that can be used as a political prop? It seems that could possibly be the case, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out. It would be an interesting development and make her story even more interesting. I just hope the writing snafu I complained about above is a one off.
I get a serious House of Cards vibe from this show, and I absolutely love it. House of Cards is one of my favourite series of all time. Tony Gilroy did a lot of work on that show and Beau Willimon, who was one of the primary minds behind it, also wrote a trio of episodes for Andor. The main Andor theme music has hints of the House of Cards theme, the way music is used in the episode, the way several complex story lines are elegantly weaved together, beautiful cinematography, it’s all reminiscent of House of Cards. Mon Mothma also reminds me of Claire, they both share a stoic poise and sense of elegance. I look forward to seeing Beau Willimon’s episodes, which appear to be episodes 7-9.
Becca Benjamin
Episode 5 of Andor, The Axe Forgets dropped on Wednesday and did not disappoint. If anything, the fifth installment strengthens the storytelling of Andor by using familiar themes that Star Wars is known for; family.
Biological or found, family is a prominent theme in Star Wars storytelling. Even if it’s dysfunctional or disgruntled, the family dynamic is essential when it comes to the foundation or backstory of the chess pieces fighting for their place in all of this.
And in The Axe Forgets, it’s ‘definitely’ dysfunctional. Especially for Syril Karn and his ‘mommy’ Eedy. Let’s face it, she’s anything but supportive. She greets him with a smack across his face in episode four and then continues to degrade him verbally as she goes about physically coddling his breakfast needs. It’s an unhealthy mix of control and nurture, and it’s apparent that Eedy’s interference is suffocating Syril. If this continues, I do not doubt that he will explode and take his mother with him. Like his ‘Coruscant Crispies,’ Snap, Crackle, POP!
As the episode continues, so does the dysfunction. Even the Mothmas are not immune to family disorders. Perrin is definitely in line for the ‘worst husband’ of the galaxy award, and possibly father, too. It’s sad to see, but he has succeeded at pitting their daughter, Lieda, against Mon as well as she chastises her mother for making everything into a ‘you’ situation. The lack of support in the family dynamic is disturbing and shows a cancerous catalyst in the making.
Last, but certainly not least, we have the found family between Cassian (Clem) and Vel’s makeshift Rebel Cell. Trust seems to be the big issue here, and it stands to reason. After all, Vel does just dump Clem into their laps without any warning or explanation.
And, well, Clem seems to have a knack or talent for reading people. As that aptitude becomes more apparent, the group becomes warier for their newcomer. Skeen even makes an observation of his own and calls Clem out on his interests in Cinta by saying, “She already shares a blanket.” As that tension builds, Skeen grows aggressive and threatens Clem by placing a knife to his throat, revealing the Sky-Kyber pendant from Luthen Rael. Talk about a cutthroat mission. Yikes!
All in all, great episode! I’m looking forward to Andor Wednesday!
Eric Onkenhout
This review will be one of two minds. The first time I watched The Axe Forgets, it felt frustrating. The pace started to bother me. I appreciate the slower pace, which feels more adult instead of the pew-pew that is the norm. I’m thankful for the increased dialogue up to this point. It lets us know the characters, their thoughts and feelings, and why they decided to join the fight against the Empire, but Andor has nearly reached its halfway point, nothing has happened, and the dialogue is beginning to wear on me.
Typically, I’m not bothered by changes in Star Wars. I appreciated The Last Jedi’s attempt to take Star Wars in a different direction, and likewise I really love Andor for what it’s doing. However, The Axe Forgets was the first time I felt the dialogue sounded like singular lines loosely linked together by some vague comment about who knows what. Not everything has to be a riddle; just say what you mean. Not to mention the constant snapping at each other in the scenes on Aldahni. Yeah, I get there is tension. There’s a lot on the line, but they’re all fighting for the same cause. Chill out, and let’s work together. It just feels like the conflict is forced to create tension. I found the Mon Mothma scenes to be way more interesting.
The Mon Mothma scenes are absolutely fascinating. How she and Perrin interact shows how difficult her situation is, especially when even her teenage daughter, Leida, is indifferent to her mother’s struggle. It’s obvious Perrin has brainwashed Leida into agreeing with him. It’s so sad to watch Perrin gloat. His satisfaction with what he has taught his daughter is creepy and infuriating, and speaking of Leida, is it a coincidence that her name is one letter away from Leia? Was that a subtle nod to her friend Padme and her daughter Leia? Mon’s friendship with Bail Organa would allow her to know Padme’s children. I always love to put everything in perspective as far as the timeline. If this is five years before A New Hope, that makes Mon Mothma 41 years old, as she was born the same year as Padme. And if she was married at 16, that means she was married two years after The Phantom Menace. Leida’s age has not been confirmed, although she looks about 17-18. However, the actress playing her, Bronte Carmichael, is only 12!
Now for the other mind. I watched The Axe Forgets the next night and had a much different perspective. I found the pace satisfying. Cassian, Vel Sartha, Arvel Skeen, Taramyn Barcona, Cinta Kaz, and Karis Nemik are still arguing constantly, but it feels like their way of discussing their plan to infiltrate the Imperial garrison. Nemik stands out as the calm, thoughtful, but extremely passionate member of the group. His line, “So much going on, so much to say, and all of it happening so quickly,” is a microcosm of today’s world. And “the pace of repression outstrips our ability to understand it.” What other Star Wars movie or series would ever have such thoughtful dialogue?
Skeen’s “apology” felt refreshing because it wasn’t an insult or a snarky comment. Instead, he was somber and reflective, and Cassian also appreciated it. And the group as a whole will start to appreciate Cassian more once they see his talents on display.
Things should start to ramp up during the next episode as they trek toward the garrison. Lieutenant Gorn is turning into an intriguing character who plays both sides of the coin., as is ISB Agent Deedra Meero, who continues to get railroaded for doing what she thinks is right but is staying the course. Syril’s situation appears to be going nowhere, so it’s likely to play a critical role very soon. It’s a misdirection. He’s obsessed with Cassian, and things are about to boil over. Lastly, watching Luthen using some sort of ancient communication device was super cool. It had French Resistance vibes.
The Axe Forgets is a slow burn within a slow burn. Andor is literally Star Wars without the Force, Jedi, Sith, or lightsabers. Other Star Wars content claimed to be that (The Mandalorian, Rogue One), but so far, Andor is the only one to actually see it through. And it’s better for it.
Ross Hollebon
It’s the night before the attack and everyone associated with the team of rebels on Aldhani has some nature of emotional stress and frayed nerves. Luthen’s calculations regarding Cassian appear to be correct. The art dealing, fledgling rebellion leader is currently on Coruscant worrying about the attack on the remote garrison he admits he “wanted it too much.” He hurried Cassian’s first mission to ensure the new asset was part of the team on Aldhani, admitting in retrospect that he “wasn’t careful” with how he forced it. Luthen knows they need to make an impact of significance, so he added Cassian to the mission—in part to improve the success rate but more importantly, to activate ‘Clem’ as a rebel—being embedded with the highly-committed team about to strike against the Empire.
Cassian is an attentive sponge and Luthen wants him to soak up the cause—and the reasons why Vel, Cinta, Taramyn, Skeen, and Lieutenant Gorn are willing to go up against such great odds. Nemik may be the most important character in this regard. His ideals and ability to see the big picture, along with writing his own manifesto, might be just the thing to latch on to Cassian—especially should something prevent the young rebel from leaving Aldhani. I can imagine ‘Clem’ picking up the message from an inspirational and lost Nemik and ensuring the ideals are preserved and shared. But, then again, what could go wrong (other than having an issue with getting the transport off the rails)?
The episode title, The Axe Forgets, could also play a longer game with numerous characters in this episode. We learn why most of the rebels and Lieutenant Gorn are anti-Empire—and it’s easy to focus on their pain, loss, and desire for revenge. These bare truths are poured out like waterfalls through the green hills of Aldhani, but there is an even more critical “face-to-face” that could hamper Cassian and the rebels—Syril Karn as a remembering tree. Syril seems to have lost it all based on his encounter with Cassian. The criminal he sought to bring to corporate justice on Ferrix, who held him at blaster point before tying him up, has brought about his temporary downfall, complete with ridicule. Syril’s mom remains harsh and judgmental in the most passive-aggressive of ways towards her needy, helpless son. Scorn and plotting show in Syril’s eyes as he studies the holo of Cassian—and he’ll want his chance at revenge.
P.S. – I am always happy to see Meiloorun fruit—especially in live-action.
Daniel Lo
Polaroid SX-70. That’s what Nemik’s old navigation device is based on. I only know this because my brother Ivan is a camera historian, and when he texted me a photo of the camera from his private collection, I instantly knew he was caught up on episode 5 of Andor. “By the way,” he continued, “the camera is technically an SX-70 Sonar due to the extra plate it has. It’s part of Polaroid’s sound-based auto focus system which bounces soundwaves to measure distance. Hence, the Sonar name.” And so continues the Star Wars tradition of camera-based props.
The Polaroid scene is one example of the many detailed moments I enjoyed in this episode. One aspect that separates Star Wars from science fiction is there generally isn’t much emphasis on, well, science. Technology in the Star Wars universe is usually taken for granted and rarely explained, which applies to everything from lightsabers to hyperdrives. The conversation between Nemik and Cassian isn’t terribly detailed in the grand scheme of things but is a rare exchange of its kind and provides an extra layer of realism. This episode is full of similar types of moments that we don’t often see in Star Wars, including but not limited to Karn’s mom being a mom, Imperial officers staying late at work, Vel not knowing how to input the freighter weight, Cassian revealing his observation skills, Mon Mothma removing her earrings after an event, and Kleya reminding Luthen that they have clients in the morning.
Speaking of staying late at work, Dedra is starting to remind me a little of Colonel Hans Landa from Inglorious Basterds. Like the charismatically sinister SS officer, she seems to have a knack for putting herself in the shoes of her opponents when her colleagues can’t. What is striking to me about this scene is if all context is removed, there isn’t a whole lot that gives away that Dedra and Heert are “the bad guys“. They are simply two people staying late at the office to solve a problem. As we know, a well-written villain wholeheartedly believes they are doing the right thing and this scene is a particularly good example of that. Dedra taking space caffeine pills is the cherry on top.
I don’t have too much to say about it but do want to note that the evolving tension and subsequent resolution between Skeen and Cassian is well portrayed. It’s convincing and rich in detail, including peripheral scenes such as Cassian waking up in his hammock and realizing his stuff is missing. It’s also interesting that Cassian admits to the group that he is being paid. I don’t think he was supposed to do that. While things appear to be smoothed out between Skeen and Cassian by the time the episode wraps, it remains to be seen if this revelation will play a factor on game day.
It’s interesting to note that by this point, the show seems to have done away with comic relief. Mon Mothma’s “It’s charitable” is probably the closest we get. While I’m always down for a good laugh, I actually did not miss it at all and in fact failed to even notice its absence until nearly 24 hours after the first viewing. I often hear about the gritty realism cited as a reason why the show does not “feel like Star Wars“, but for whatever reason it doesn’t register that way to me. As I’ve mentioned for the past two weeks straight, Andor is indeed nothing like any Star Wars that came before it. However, it still manages to feel distinctly Star Wars to me, just viewed through an unfamiliar lens.
Having said all that, my favorite scene from the episode also happens to be the most Star Wars-esque. Having worked in close proximity to insanely fast and loud MotoGP bikes on a number of occasions, I really appreciate the realism portrayed in the TIE fighter scene. Its low pass over Cassian and the Aldhani rebels, sending them reeling and covering their ears, is completely believable. I again appreciate how the characters have a healthy fear and respect for the potential lethality of a single TIE fighter, a ship that has so often served as cannon fodder.
Perhaps the most disconnected scenes in this episode are the ones involving Mon Mothma. There are few, if any, concrete ties to the known storyline and seem to mainly serve as glimpses into her private life. It isn’t clear where Mon Mothma plans on taking her daughter in the morning, nor where she and her husband are coming back from on their evening ride home. What’s most illuminating about these scenes is further confirmation of her rocky relationships with her family.
The episode wraps up with three mini cliffhangers. The first and by far shortest one is Karn sitting in his room, studying the hologram of Cassian again. Did he steal the projector, or was it always his? It seems unlikely that he will be a factor in the Aldhani heist, but the scene does make it clear that we have not seen the last of him. The second is the main one: the Aldhani rebels giving the final evening signal, Skeen and Cassian ironing out their differences, and Vel and Cinta parting ways in preparation for the mission. The third and final cliffhanger takes us back to the art gallery. Luthen nervously listens for eleventh hour updates that never come and appears to express doubts about involving Cassian. This is the first time we see Luthen in a vulnerable state, while Kleya seems much more composed and pragmatic. Luthen’s final line, “Or it’ll just be starting“, serves as a compelling setup for the upcoming sub-finale.
Mark Newbold and Mark Mulcaster discuss episode 5 on Making Tracks Reaction Chats.
Brian Cameron discusses episode 5 on Good Morning Tatooine.
- Hardcover Book
- Knox, Kelly (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 64 Pages - 07/12/2022 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)
