Andor Season 1 Episode 11 Review: Daughter of Ferrix
Andor is looking more and more like the birth of the Rebel Alliance. At every turn, tensions are boiling over and pieces are falling into place.
Andor Season 1 Episode 11, “Daughter of Ferrix,” navigates between tense and heartbreaking rather deftly. Andor has excelled at tension-building all season long, but heartbreaking is something they’ve merely dipped their toes in until now.
On Andor Season 1 Episode 10, “One Way Out,” fans get a little taste of heartbreak when they see Kino Loy hesitate and then tell Cassian, “I can’t swim.”
But “Daughter of Ferrix” really leans into those heartbreaking moments. Maarva Andor, whose health has been failing for awhile, finally passes on, and her poor droid just absolutely cannot bear the loss.
Some people would argue that droids don’t feel emotions, but Andor‘s creative team clearly believes that is not the case. B2-EMO is a grieving droid who CANNOT EVEN BE LEFT ALONE! Each of B2’s scenes is absolutely gut wrenching to watch, giving viewers a gut wrenching experience they haven’t felt for a robot since The Iron Giant or Wall-e.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of Maarva’s death is that by the time Cassian gets back to a place where he can get word to her, she’s already gone. Diego Luna’s subsequent display of devastation is powerful, and it will only be amplified when he realizes the Empire is going to use her death to try and catch him.
Really, knowing where Cassian is going to end up in terms of the rebellion makes everything that plays out on “Daughter of Ferrix” that much more gut-wrenching.
But unfortunately, the heartbreak doesn’t end with the Andor family.
Genevieve O’Reilly gives a brilliant performance as a terrified, conflicted Mon Mothma who actually seems to be considering marrying off her daughter to get her money problems resolved. Devastating.
Luthen Rael: Call it what you will
Saw Gerrera: Let’s call it…WAR
More devastating still is the conversation between Luthen Rael and Saw Gerrera (pretty sure every show should give Skarsgård and Whitaker scenes together – but I digress). Rael is clearly conflicted that he knows a group of rebels are headed into a trap — but believes the greater good will be served if they let it happen.
As exciting as Andor consistently proves it’s capable of being, leaning into the emotion and devastation on “Daughter of Ferrix” pays off in a big way. It’s likely to pay off even more in the finale.
A few stray thoughts:
- Was someone squatting in Cassian’s house when he went back for his stuff?
- Has anyone seen this theory that Luthen Rael is a Jedi? I would hate for it to be true, but it would also be awesome.
- Tony Gilroy went out of his way to squash rumors of Kino Loy’s demise. Here’s hoping we get to see Andy Serkis chew some more scenery.
- Note to self: If creating a TV show, give Stellan Skarsgård and Forrest Whitaker scenes together. WHEW! They’re incredible.
- DOUBLE BLADED LIGHTSABER ON A SPACESHIP!? WHAT!??!
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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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.