In the sophomore installment of "Andor's" maiden season, titled "That Would Be Me," the intricate strands of Cassian Andor's life begin to cinch tighter, ensnaring him further into the labyrinthine web of the nascent rebellion against the oppressive Empire. The episode unfurls with a resumption of the nostalgic flashback to Cassian's youth on the distant planet of Kenari, where a youthful Kassa and his compatriots embark on a perilous quest to rescue survivors from a crashed aircraft, thereby setting the scene for a narrative that will traverse galaxies and span decades.
The flashbacks to Kassa's halcyon days on Kenari stand in stark juxtaposition to the bleak reality of his current circumstances. As the adolescent Kassa and his peers track the doomed aerial vehicle, the audience catches a fleeting glimpse into the harsh, unforgiving terrain that molded Cassian into the man he would eventually become. The ghostly remains of an abandoned mining colony whisper tales of a long-forgotten tragedy, one that has orphaned the village, compelling its children to mature prematurely.
Back on the gritty planet of Ferrix, the friction between Bix Caleen and her lover Timm intensifies. Bix's preoccupation with the impending sale of the NS-9 Starpath unit is palpable, and her dismissive brush-off of Timm's plea for a romantic evening underscores her skewed priorities. Timm's discovery of Syril Karn's message regarding the Pre-Mor Authority's relentless pursuit of Cassian marks a pivotal moment, as his suspicions and jealousy propel him to make a reckless, alcohol-fueled decision to betray Cassian.
Cassian's visit to Maarva's abode is charged with palpable tension as she confronts him with Karn's message, revealing that the Pre-Mor Authority is hot on his trail. Maarva's concern transcends mere anxiety for Cassian's safety; she is also deeply troubled by the exposure of his Kenari heritage, a sensitive detail that could spell disaster. Cassian's confession that he inadvertently revealed his origins layers guilt and urgency onto his precarious situation.
In a clandestine rendezvous at a shadowy cantina, Cassian attempts to backtrack on his deal with Bix, only to be informed that it's already a fait accompli—the buyer is en route. This conversation is fraught with peril, as Timm, in his inebriated stupor, eavesdrops on their hushed conversation and makes the fatal call to the Pre-Mor Authority, thereby sealing Cassian's doom.
The Pre-Mor Authority's response to Timm's tip was swift and unwavering, leaving no room for doubt. The station was soon enveloped in intrigue with the arrival of Syril Karn, who uncovered a bombshell revelation: Cassian's records incorrectly listed his homeworld as Fest, rather than Kenari. Karn's decision to summon a militaristic task force, led by the stern Sergeant Linus Mosk, underscored the dire nature of the situation and the Empire's relentless pursuit of Cassian.
The flashbacks to Kassa's past took a poignant and tragic turn as the Kenari warriors' leader was brutally slain by a soldier they had believed to be deceased. This tragic event served as a spark, igniting a fierce hatred within Kassa and pushing him onto a path of rebellion. The loss of their leader and the betrayal by an enemy from within echoed the themes of the present storyline, where trust was a scarce commodity and betrayal lurked in every shadow.
As Cassian prepared to dispatch the NS-9 Starpath unit to Bix, he inadvertently overheard workers whispering about the abandonment of Kenari, adding another intriguing layer to the mystery shrouding his homeworld. Meanwhile, the enigmatic man's arrival on Ferrix, seemingly on a mission to track down Cassian, raised numerous questions about his identity and intentions. His cryptic conversation with a local aboard the transport ship hinted at a broader and more intricate search, one that had led him to Ferrix in the hope of uncovering what he sought.
"Andor: That Would Be Me" is a mesmerizing continuation of Cassian Andor's tale, skillfully intertwining the threads of his past and present with unparalleled precision. The episode serves as a testament to the show's remarkable ability to balance character development with high-stakes action, all while crafting a world that is both familiar and refreshingly new. As Cassian's past inexorably catches up with him and the Pre-Mor Authority tightens its grip, the stage is set for a breathtaking journey through the shadowy underbelly of the Star Wars universe.
