Andor (1×08) Narkina 5 Review

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

Andor once again keeps proving its merits. Narkina 5 delivers another well-written and exciting episode that may not be the best but bringing back a fan favorite character as well as an awesome addition to the cast.

This week’s episode mostly focuses on Cassian Andor as he serves his six year prison sentence on Narkina 5 which is more of an Imperial slave factory as opposed to an actual prison. Narkina 5 is nothing short of a nightmare. 12 hour shifts, no breaks, and the workers can only eat and drink before and after their shift. Some of the new characters introduced are very interesting and one can look forward to learning more about this characters. Similarly, audiences are treated to a surprising yet exciting inclusion from the brilliant Andy Serkis as the prison labor boss, Kino Loy. Sure, this may feel a little odd considering Serkis played Supreme Leader Snoke in the sequel trilogy. However, his appearance here was most definitely welcome and far better compared to Snoke.

Narkina 5 shows audiences more of the power and control that The Empire has on the galaxy as they are still in pursuit of the rebels. This is the first time the Empire have a lead and are actively searching for Andor, as Syril Karn consistently keeps requesting that the Bureau of Standards Data Center search for him. His requests have been consistently denied and have caught the attention of the Empire and Dedra Meero for whom he convinces to join the search for Andor.

Meanwhile on Coruscant, Mon Mothra continues her surge in political power during another party. Tay Kolma (Ben Miles) returns to inform Mothra that the Imperials have made it near impossible to gather the funds that Mothra needs for the Rebellion. Seeing the growth of the character within the Star Wars universe is one of the highlights of the series as Genevieve O’Reilly delivers an incredibly compelling performance as Mothra.

Over on Ferrix, Maarva has become sick leading Bix Caleen (Adria Arjona) to call out to Luthen to request Andor’s whereabouts and inform him of Meera. Unsuccessful, the Imperials discover the signal and eventually find Bix and take her to Meera to be interrogated.

The most exciting moment of the series was easily when Luthen met Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker). Fans will undoubtedly be excited for his appearance. Sure, its not a secret that he would appear but actually seeing him in live-action again is sure to make many giddy with excitement.

In the end, Narkina 5 was yet another brilliant episode thus continuing to prove that Andor truly can’t do any wrong. This week’s episode is again mostly build up but with brilliant writing and exceptional character arcs, this latest journey is just as engaging and exciting as the moments that the series builds up too.

*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.