Andor (1×05) The Axe Forgets Review

For our review of the last episode of Andor, click here.

Once again Andor keeps proving its merits, and yes this may be another slow episode that some may be turned away by but The Axe Forgets is nonetheless another great example of why Andor is one of the best Star Wars Disney+ series to date.

This week’s episode sees Andor and Val’s band of misfitted rebels, begin their final preparations for their assault on the the Empire’s garrison on Alhani. But as Andor finds out, the group aren’t as experienced as he was led to believe.

Sitting with the group is no doubt where this episode shines, each character gets their chance to shine and develop, making audiences care for them. Seeing Andor interact with each member as they continue not to trust him or his intentions was brilliant and built up a tremendous amount of tension. More specifically seeing Skeen (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Andor being most at odds in this episode as Skeen attempts to find every which way to catch Andor out. However, Andor does eventually tell the group why he is helping them hoping that he can be trusted a little more and to help him survive the very risky assault.

Seeing Syril Karn out of his police officer’s uniform and in a very low place was a great, as the series is very clearly teasing that he will join the Galactic Empire later down the line.

Mon Mothra doesn’t play a huge part in this episode but she is in a troubled place. With her daughter lashing out against her and her husband thinking that she is hiding something from him which can possibly lead to her husband betraying and destroying her political career and influence.

Seeing Luthen pop up at the end of the episode was very exciting as he anxiously awaits a call from Andor and his rebels. His presence was surely missed in this episode as he only appeared in the last few minutes, but hopefully soon Mon Mothra and Luthen will work together to hatch a plan to take down the Galactic Empire from the inside.

This episode is simply continuing the build up for what’s to come which isn’t a bad thing by any stretch but many fans are sure to be rubbed the wrong way by this. The assault on the Garrison gets the most setup, but it also teases that Karn will soon join the Galactic Empire, Mothra is in deep trouble and Dedra Meero will eventually solve the mystery of the stolen starpath and who is behind it.

There may not be an epic or tense fight scene here, but this episode is still filled with deep tension, as audiences witness the deep mistrust that the Val’s group of Rebels have for Andor. Similarly, the tension felt in the scenes with Mon Mothra and her husband is undeniable.

The Axe Forgets is another great episode in this brilliantly slow Star Wars series. Although it is not the episode of the series nor tries to be but instead sets up storylines viewers should be very excited for.

*still courtesy of Disney

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Olly Dyche

Journalist, Writer, Film Critic and Professional Nerd. You will probably find Olly at the cinema chomping down on some popcorn and taking in the glorious visuals of the latest theatrical release.