Andor Season 1 Episode 6 Review: The Eye

Andor has spent the vast majority of Season 1 to this point setting up chess pieces on the board. At times it has been frustrating to watch, but it was easy to tell that an action-packed episode was coming.

Andor Season 1 Episode 6, “The Eye,” is the aforementioned action-packed episode. Cassian Andor and the band of rebels that he joins up with embark on (and somewhat successfully complete) their mission. “The Eye” is full of payoffs that fans have undoubtedly been waiting for. 

“The Eye” is an action-packed thriller of an episode. Even though viewers (those who have seen Rogue One, anyway) know that Cassian makes it out of this mission alive — little else about it is known or expected. 

“The Eye” is a masterful heist story told in the Star Wars universe, but doesn’t feel overtly connected to Jedi or Lightsabers. Even the clear connection to the Empire itself is flimsy. “The Eye” is primarily an exciting heist story, and the connection to the Star Wars universe is secondary.

“The Eye” represents what Star Wars fans have been wanting, which is to expand the universe, rather than tell another story where it’s possible that Luke, Grogu, or Boba Fett will show up. 

But aside from the fact that it’s unique within the universe, “The Eye” is also an incredibly well executed episode. The tension that comes with a mission like this one builds in all the right places — which makes it an exciting watch. 

Since Cassian Andor is the only character who has to make it out alive within the larger universe, Andor has a lot of freedom to tell the story it wants. Even if that means several members of the rebellion or heist team don’t make it out alive. There isn’t a ton of time to truly be attached to these characters, but it is effective at raising the stakes.

With all of the table/chess board setup, it’s been difficult for Andor to have much to say politically, but “The Eye” certainly tackles it head on.

Mon Mothma’s sad little speech on the senate floor as everyone rushes out to deal with the aftermath of the heist is a pretty hefty political statement: violence and action are more effective and garner more attention than politics. Trying to do good work in the proper channels, sometimes, just isn’t as effective.

“The Eye” is clearly the best episode of Andor yet. When binge viewers get to this point, they will absolutely be hooked. It’s a well-crafted, pulse-pounding hour of television.

A few stray thoughts:

• Appreciated a little “great resignation” commentary. “You’ll hang for this.” “Seven years serving you? I deserve worse.”
• The Eye ceremony with the Aldhani people is extremely cool. I hope there’s more attention paid to the natives on that planet.
• The visual effects on “The Eye” are absolutely stunning. Escape flight through a northern lights-esque meteor shower? Yes please!

What did you think of this episode of Andor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Andor airs Wednesdays on Disney+.

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