Andor Season 1 Episode 10 Review: One Way Out
Andor is really starting to cook. With gas! All season long it has shown shades of a fantastic series, and all of the best elements culminate in Episode 10.
Andor Season 1 Episode 10, “One Way Out,” is a masterclass of a television episode in nearly every way. Connections and motivations are revealed, actors give some of their best performances, and better yet — there’s a massive prison break.
On Andor Season 1 Episode 9, “Nobody’s Listening”, Cassian helps Kino come to the realization that none of those prisoners are ever getting out of that prison alive. Andy Serkis gives such a strong performance.
That performance is compounded in “One Way Out.” Kino’s leadership and rapport with the men is absolutely essential to the escape effort. With Kino behind them, the men can taste success.
And boy does Andy Serkis deliver a mesmerizing performance. It’s high time he’s recognized for more than his motion capture work — the man can act without a special suit. Kino’s range of heartbreak, desperation, and determination are all easily recognizable through little more than Serkis’ facial expression — a tremendous credit to him.
There are many heartbreaking moments throughout the Star Wars galaxy. Few of them, however, compare to the prisoners arriving at the top of the prison to swim for their lives, only for Kino to hang back.
Kino Loy: I can’t swim.
A devastating, heartbreaking moment that could be felt throughout the galaxy. Fans remain hopeful to not have seen the last of Kino — but either way the character was the perfect catalyst to one of the more exciting television sequences of 2022.
Of course, Serkis is not the only actor with some quiet, subtle scenery to chew.
Genevieve O’Reilly’s Mon Mothma and Stellan Skarsgård’s Luthen Rael both give subtle, powerful performances throughout “One Way Out.”
O’Reilly’s Mothma says a lot by saying very little. Her turn from politics to rebellion becomes clearer as time goes on. As time goes on, she becomes less convinced that her way (the political way) is the right way — but instead of saying it you can see it on her face.
Not dissimilar is the plight of Luthen Rael, who knows he’s in the right despite who may question him. Skarsgård plays Rael as calm on the surface, but you can feel the tension underneath.
It’s honestly tough to choose between Serkis, O’Reilly, and Skarsgård for who gives the best performance on “One Way Out.” Honestly, it might be all three.
But Skarsgård leaves viewers with a powerful monologue to one of Rael’s inside men. A speech meant to recognize what rebel leaders sometimes have to give up, and a reminder of why they do it.
Luthen Rael: I burn my life to make a sunrise that I know I’ll never see
Honestly, “One Way Out” may give Star Wars fans more than one iconic quote to latch on to.
Andor is cooking so nicely that it’s certainly close to catching fire. Great performances spurn more great performances, and each episode gets better than the last at building tension and capturing political unrest. “One Way Out” is the best yet, period.
A few stray thoughts:
- All of the performances on “One Way Out” are so mesmerizing that the main character is nearly cast aside. But Diego Luna’s performance remains top notch.
- In all the excitement, I realized that we got no updates on Syril or his “Syreal” this week. I’ll have some Cocoa Puffs with blue milk, please!
- Any Game of Thrones fans in the house feel like “I can’t swim” was a little bit of a “hold the door” moment?
- It’s honestly difficult to wait and see what happens next. Andor has gone from slow burn to must-see in 10 weeks time.
What did you think of this episode of Andor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Andor streams Wednesdays on Disney+.
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.