Andor Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Nobody’s Listening

Andor truly has a rebellion cooking now, doesn’t it?

Andor Season 1 Episode 9, “Nobody’s Listening,” really starts to emphasize the oppression that citizens (and prisoners) are facing, and viewers start to see the planted seeds of rebellion start to grow. 

This is most obvious, of course, in the leader of Cassian’s prison unit — Kino Loy (masterfully played by Andy Serkis). Kino begins his time on Andor as someone who believes that if you do your time and do well, you will get out of prison. 

So when Cassian begins badgering him about his designs on escape and how many guards are on each level — Kino doesn’t budge. He believes the system (the same one that imprisoned Cassian for basically no reason) will eventually let him out. 

So what a masterful, powerful illustration it is when Kino realizes this is not the case. He and Cassian watch a member of their unit get euthanized, which leads to them finding out that a released prisoner from one level was simply installed on another level. 

As “Nobody’s Listening” unfolds, viewers get to watch Kino’s faith in the system waver, in real time.

Andy Serkis is a marvelous actor, and to turn him from faithful cog into rebellious inmate is (so far) an exciting journey. The quiet devastation is complemented by Diego Luna’s persistence. More, please!

Cassian Andor: How many guards on each level?

Kino Loy: Never more than twelve

If there’s one complaint about “Nobody’s Listening” it’s because of the “ten-hour movie” phenomenon. “Nobody’s Listening” feels the need to check in on several stories at once, even though it easily could just have been about Cassian, Kino, and the remaining prisoners. 

Dedra Meero, Mon Mothma, Bix, etc., are all compelling characters, but checking in on every single one of them in the same episode diminishes some of the more powerful moments Serkis and Luna have. The prison is the most compelling place for the show to be at present – so that’s where “Nobody’s Listening” should live. 

Still — learning that Mon Mothma and Vel are related is an interesting twist, and even more so when you think that may be a connection that forms the alliance between rebel factions. 

It’s hard to focus on anything other than the masterful, nuanced performances given by Andy Serkis and Diego Luna on “Nobody’s Listening” — which ultimately is the episode’s biggest (albeit minor) flaw.

A few stray thoughts:

• I can’t take credit for this joke, but did anyone else notice Syril was eating cereal? (Or maybe, Syreal?)
• Speaking of Syril – he is clearly crushing on Dedra, right? Which makes him come off even more desperate and creepy than before.
• Poor Bix. She doesn’t deserve the torture for just being associated with Cassian.
• I would like to see some more Forest Whitaker and Stellan Skarsgard – please and thank you. 

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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