Review of Andor Season 2 Episodes 7 and 8

It’s a bit surprising to think back to when Andor first started as a straightforward crime drama. Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna) finds himself in a dark place, committing acts like killing two corporate security officers. While his earlier crimes could easily fade into the bureaucratic shadows, Cyril Karn (Kyle Soller), the ambitious figure, sees a chance for personal advancement. Unfortunately for Cyril, his plans backfire dramatically, turning his aspirations into something almost tragic.

Episode Insights

In Episode 8, titled “Who are you?”, the stage is set for a significant confrontation between Cassian and Cyril. Cyril briefly seems to have the upper hand over the rebel spies, but a line Cassian delivers leaves him momentarily shaken. This tense dynamic plays out against the backdrop of their violent encounter in a coffee shop, where there’s still confusion about the identity and motives of the Empire’s agents.

Cassian’s question, “Who are you?” hangs heavy in the air. Cyril’s horrified pause creates an opening for a local leader, Carro Rylanz (Richard Sammel), to act decisively against him.

Showrunner Tony Gilroy shared his nuanced feelings about Cyril. “I genuinely feel for Cyril,” he remarked. “He’s a victim in many respects, a romantic at heart, though trapped in his own chaos. Had he experienced love and light earlier, things might have turned out very differently for him.”

Gilroy elaborated on how Cyril’s obsession with order stems from his traumatic upbringing with an emotionally abusive mother, Eddie (Kathryn Hunter). “His need for structure is fundamental, driven by the chaos he grew up with,” he noted.

This desire for order pulls him into the world of ISB executive Dedra Meero (Denise Gough). Cyril’s dedication to her leads him to ignore glaring signs that he is being manipulated, setting himself up for a fall. Gilroy suggests that in another scenario, Cyril might have formed a partnership with Gorman.

Even as Cyril becomes increasingly entrenched in his worldview, Gilroy implies that he was deceived from the outset. “It’s a basic lie he’s believed all along, which likely frightens him,” he explained.

Cyril’s Final Act

Cyril’s attack on Cassian represents not only years of fixation on the rebels but also an attempt to protect Dedra from an impending threat. However, this moment of triumph quickly spirals into chaos, leading to an unsettling realization for Cyril. “He’s been pursuing something his entire life, yet it doesn’t even recognize him,” Gilroy observed, pointing out the episode’s title, “Who are you?”, reflects Cyril’s identity crisis.

Interestingly, Gilroy also expressed sympathy for Dedra in this storyline. Her emotional breakdown amid chaos feels relatable, especially since everyone deals with their internal turmoil, he suggested.

Yet, as the situation escalates, Dedra’s tactical mind clouds her judgment. “She grapples with whether this is a wise choice,” he noted, hinting at her discomfort with losing control in the situation. “Her feelings about Cyril culminate into a pivotal moment.”

In the end, Dedra’s discovery of Cyril’s demise signifies their shared experiences, however twisted those may be. “Together, they faced their fates,” Gilroy reflected. “He saved her; they shared illumination before that light went out for Cyril.”