Highlights
Star Wars: Andor's season finale, "Rix Road," had a powerful moment that surprised even the series creator Tony Gilroy.
The inclusion of the brick scene, where Brasso utilizes a weapon crafted from Maarva's ashes, was not initially scripted. This spontaneous and captivating moment exemplifies Andor's remarkable talent for storytelling.
Star Wars: Andor has garnered praise from both long-time Star Wars fans and newcomers alike. Despite its meticulous construction, series creator Tony Gilroy was still taken aback by a powerful moment within the show.
In the season finale of Andor titled "Rix Road," multiple storylines reached their climax, leading to heightened tensions within the Star Wars universe. This particular episode centered around the funeral of Maarva (Fiona Shaw), who had been Cassian Andor's (Diego Luna) adoptive mother for as long as he could remember. When asked about their favorite moment, fans often choose a scene from this episode, including one that nearly broke a profanity record for the Star Wars franchise. Additionally, there is another intense moment during the ensuing riot at the funeral that not only gripped the audience but also garnered a reaction from others involved in the production.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Tony Gilroy, the creator of Andor, discussed his initial reaction to a pivotal scene in the show. In the scene, Cassian's friend Brasso used a brick made from Maarva's ashes to attack an Imperial lackey, a practice rooted in funeral traditions on her home planet Ferrix. Gilroy expressed his surprise and excitement when he saw the scene on tape, as it showcased the immense energy and creativity that went into the production. This organic and powerful moment was not originally planned, but it exemplifies the unexpected and captivating elements that can arise during the moviemaking process.
The impact of the brick scene goes beyond its significance within the narrative. It represents one of many instances where unexpected moments evolved, such as the love fans developed for Andy Serkis' character, Kino Loy. Gilroy also discussed how the scriptwriting itself had its fair share of surprises. Initially, he was not fully aware of how many characters would be introduced and the complexities it would bring. However, once the characters were established, it became essential to have them collide in the finale. Each character's presence is motivated by different factors, creating a diverse and multi-faceted representation of the show's themes and ideas.
Andor emerged as a compelling rebellion narrative, portraying Cassian's radicalization in the presence of the Galactic Empire's fascism. It resonated with the current reality as it mirrored oppressive tactics. The show's affable characters added to its appeal, contributing to its success as a captivating story. This is evident in unexpected moments like the shocking brick smash, which even surprised Gilroy. Initial skepticism about Andor turned into admiration and affection for both new and familiar characters, along with the show's contributions to the Star Wars universe. Achieving this feat once again in season 2 would be greatly appreciated.
Star Wars: Andor is available to stream on Disney Plus.
Source: Vanity Fair