Andorproved to be one ofStar Wars’best TV shows, and these 10 scenes from season 2 are the standouts even within an overall brilliant season. It’s no secret thatStar Warshas struggled with reception in recent years, be it movies likeStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalkeror shows likeThe Acolyte. Although other shows, likeStar Wars: Skeleton Crew, were ultimately much better received, there really hasn’t been a show as highly praised asAndorsinceThe Mandalorian(and, even then, that’s primarily seasons 1 and 2, not season 3).
There are myriad reasonsAndorwas so much more popular than severalStar Warsmovies and TV showsreleased over the last decade. Among those is the ability of the show to chart truly new territory without making audiences feel as though the franchise was being changed or ‘ruined’—a sentiment which at times feels valid and at others feels like an easy way to hate on a show or movie. Regardless,Andormore than earned its title as one ofStar Wars’best shows, and these 10 scenes in particular are the best in season 2.
10Cassian Stealing The TIE Avenger
The On-Screen Debut Of This TIE Was Perfect
Andorseason 2 began with an action-packed sequence right away, revealing that Cassian Andor had gone undercover within the Imperial ranks. With this ploy, Cassian was able to steal a TIE Avenger, which marked that ship’s first on-screen appearance. In addition to how cool it was to see that TIE, this scene was also thrilling to watch and revealed just how far Cassian had come since the beginning ofAndorseason 1.
This was also a delightful callback to the sequel trilogy, as Finn and Poe Dameron stole a TIE together at the beginning ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens. Again, many consider the sequels to be amongStar Wars’worst movies, so perhaps not everyone was delighted by this connection, but for those who love Finn, Poe, orThe Force Awakens, this was a nice ‘rhyme’ between the two. Particularlyseeing Cassian in this role, where he was creating significant problems for the Empire and showing off his skill set, made it one of the best scenes inAndorseason 2.
9Cassian Having No Idea Who Syril Is
This Was A Devastating Moment For Syril
From the beginning ofAndorseason 1, Syril Karn was dedicated to hunting down Cassian Andor, whom he knew to be responsible for the death of two officers (shown in the very first episode ofAndor). In fact, Syril had even risked his job because he was so driven to bring the truth to light despite his superior officer wanting to cover it up and avoid any further attention. Even as Syril rose through the ranks of the Empire throughoutAndorseasons 1 and 2, Cassian remained a focus for Syril.
Yet, in one of the best scenes inAndorseason 2, when Syril and Cassian finally came face-to-face,Cassian had absolutely no idea who Syril was, and it was devastating for Syril. While this was a major and meaningful moment for Syril, to Cassian, he was just another Imperial, and the awareness that he had meant so little visibly crushed Syril. After seeing the Empire, Syril included, do so much harm, it was so satisfying to see Syril knocked down several pegs.
8Bix Caleen Getting Her Revenge
It Was So Satisfying To See Bix Get Revenge For This Horrible Trauma
Bix Caleen’sStar Warsstory is arguably one of the saddest, as she experienced so much trauma and heartbreak throughoutAndor. Although there was plenty added to that painful history inAndorseason 2, such as the rape attempt by an Imperial officer, in season 1, Bix had already suffered a massive trauma when she was tortured by the Empire. Towards the end ofAndorseason 1, it was clear that Bix was going to be traumatized long term because of what happened to her.
Andorseason 2 revealed the damage that horrific event caused her in even greater detail, as she was exhibiting signs of PTSD years later. Yet,Andorgave Bix Caleen an incredibly satisfying arc relating to this torture, wherein she got to kill the very man who had tortured her. In fact, she first got to subject him to the very same torture he’d inflicted upon her. This felt akin to Princess Leia choking Jabba the Hutt to death with her own chains, but this was arguably even more satisfying because her revenge mirrored the exact way she had suffered.
7Dedra And Syril’s Dinner With Syril’s Mother
This Was An Odd Moment Of Levity And Relatability
Syril Karn and Dedra Meero are unquestionably villains inAndor, and even with Syril beginning to see the error of his ways before his death inAndorseason 2, neither one really deserves any sympathy. However, one hilariousAndorseason 2 scene did show that, underneath it all, they were just as human as anyone else. Specifically, Dedra and Syril go to visit Syril’s mother, Eedy, and their awkward family dinner felt incredibly relatable.
For one, this scene essentially showed Dedra with an awful mother-in-law, which is a real-life connection (although it is also a stereotype). Even funnier was Syril being completely depleted by the whole situation, and sprawling out on his bed in utter defeat. This doesn’t change how evil and unforgivable these characters are, but it was one ofAndor’sfunniest and best scenes, and it was a welcome moment of levity and relatability in an unexpected place.
6Kleya And Luthen’s Attack On Naboo
This Was A Major Return To Naboo And A Key Event For Kleya And Luthen
InAndorseason 2, the relationship between Kleya and Luthen was explored in much more depth, revealing that Kleya had essentially been raised as Luthen’s daughter. This was no ordinary father-daughter relationship, though, even byStar Wars’standards, as the pair had evidently been carrying out acts of terrorism against the Empire since Kleya was a child. One scene in particular showed Kleya and Luthen carrying out an attack on Naboo—the planet’s first significant on-screen appearance in live-action since the prequel trilogy.
In addition to this being a key scene that showcased the complex dynamic between Kleya and Luthen,it was incredible to see Naboo on theStar Warsscreen again. Of course, this was bittersweet. Although Naboo was under attack inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, it had always been represented as beautiful. It was heartbreaking to see it under Imperial control, but this was still one of the most brilliant scenes inAndorseason 2.
5The Ghorman Massacre
This Event Was Brutal To Watch But So Meaningful And Important
It’s important to note thatbest doesn’t always mean fun, thrilling, or even enjoyable. In the case ofthe Ghorman Massacre, this was one of the best scenes inAndorseason 2 because it had such a massive impact and was so meaningful in terms of the largerStar Warsstory. The Ghorman Massacre was originally a Legends event with the same name, although that version of this massacre was re-canonized instead asthe Tarkin Massacre.
Neither the Tarkin nor the Ghorman Massacre had been shown on screen, but that all changed inAndorseason 2, which saw the horrific Ghorman Massacre unfold. During this massacre, Imperials slaughtered peaceful protesters, who, before the attack began, had just been singing a song important to their culture. This was arguably even worse than Order 66, which had previously been the most horrifyingStar Warsevent. Even so, it was an absolutely critical moment inAndorseason 2, and it was so important to see it on screen.
4Dedra Getting The Ending She Deserves
Few Endings Have Been As Satisfying As Dedra’s
While Syril Karn met his end during the Ghorman Massacre, his former romantic partner, Dedra Meero, had an even more satisfying ending to herAndorseason 2 story. Although Dedra had been loyal to the Empire throughoutAndorseasons 1 and 2—obsessively so—and had been raised by the Empire itself,Dedra was ultimately accused of helping the Rebels and betraying the Empire, and it landed her in jail. This gaveCassian AndorStar Wars’best revenge, as Dedra ended up in a prison just like the one he’d been thrown in duringAndorseason 1.
It was also simply satisfying to see as a viewer because it meant Dedra coming to terms with the fact that she believed the Empire wouldn’t turn against her and harm her the way it harmed the galaxy. In that sense, Dedra became the perfect example of someone partaking in a horrible, violent regime and not realizing it would come for her too in the end, which is something that has an overt real-life message as well. Getting to see Dedra first questioned by Orson Krennic and then thrown in jail really was one of the best scenes inAndor.
Dedra became the perfect example of someone partaking in a horrible, violent regime and not realizing it would come for her too in the end.
3The Final Shot Of Bix Holding The Baby
This Moment Perfectly Symbolized Hope For The Future
Bix and Cassian’s babyended up being a very controversial twist intheAndorseason 2 endingfor various reasons, including the argument that she was being sidelined as a character. Even with the discourse surrounding the decision to give Bix a baby, though,seeing Bix standing in the wheat fields on Mina Rau holding the baby she’d had with Cassian really was one of the best scenes inAndor. For one, just asAndorshowrunner Tony Gilroy had explained, this baby perfectly embodied hope for the future.
This baby perfectly embodied hope for the future.
Even outside the baby, though, this scene was wonderful, as we got to see Bix truly happy, safe, and at peace—something she’d more than earned throughout the two seasons ofAndor. There was also a clear visual similarity between this scene and the scene showing Cassian’s death inRogue One: A Star Wars Story. This has even led some to believe they were happening simultaneously, which is devastating but beautiful.
2Mon Mothma’s Dance At Leida’s Wedding
There Was So Much More Happening Beneath The Surface Of This Dance
Mon Mothma was already a key character inAndorseason 1 (and long before it), butAndorseason 2 really proved just how pivotal Mon Mothma was to the Rebellion. She had a massive hand in the pushback against the Empire, especially when it came to the anti-Imperial movement within the Senate itself. However,Andorseason 2 also focused on Mon’s personal life, especially in the first three-episode arc of the season. This was specifically done in relation to her daughter, Leida’s, wedding.
Mon fought to prevent her 14-year-old daughter from getting married, for obvious reasons, but in the end, Leida was married after all. At the end ofAndorseason 2, episode 3, Mon is essentially having a breakdown, realizing how much she was sacrificing for this fight against the Empire. Rather than yelling, sobbing, or having some other type of breakdown, though, Mon is shown losing control and dancing. This scene was both beautiful and relatable, making it one ofAndorseason 2’s best.
1Mon Mothma’s Speech Before The Senate
This Was An Incredible And Critical Moment For The Rebellion
The single best scene inAndorseason 2 is Mon Mothma’s speech in the Senate, calling the Empire and Palpatine out by name. ThroughoutAndorseason 2, it was clear that Palpatine had somehow managed to convince the larger galaxy (though of course not everyone) that he wasn’t part of the horrors the Empire was carrying out. This was even shown in a conversation with a Ghorman politician, who told Syril he believed Palpatine had no idea what was being done in his name.
In her impassioned speech, Mon Mothma openly broke this illusion, declaring that Palpatine was behind the Ghorman Massacre and was the true evil, or, as she said,“monster.“This was a critical moment for the formation of the Rebel Alliance, and it showed how brave Mon really was. Of all the brilliant scenes inAndorseason 2, this was easily the very best.
