This article was originally published on SFFGazette.com - be sure to keep checking that site for the latest on Andor and the wider Star Wars franchise!
The latest episode of Andor wasn't quite on the same level as what we've seen from the show in recent weeks, but it did do a great job of setting the stage for a finale that promises to be a must-see.
Cassian and Melshi manage to avoid the Empire, eventually finding salvation courtesy of some locals who agree to take them to Niamos, the planet where the future Rebel's stash of weapons and money remains hidden. It's a rather uneventful escape, and we get no insight into whether Andy Serkis' Kino Loy or the other prisoners also survived.
Back on Ferrix, it's revealed that Maarva Andor has died (off-screen), leaving poor B2EMO distraught. The ISB decides to allow the funeral to go ahead in the hope it might draw Cassian back to the planet.
At the same time, Sergeant Mosk gives Syril a call to let him know what's happened and it seems he too will be attending in the hope of finding the future Rebel (along with Vel and Cinta, both of whom have been tasked with taking Andor out in order to protect Luthen's Rebellion).
Talking of Luthen, he meets with Saw Gerrera to let him know Anto Kreegyr is being sacrificed to the Empire. Saw is shocked, but accepting of the decision, knowing that it's simply part of the war they're fighting. Heading back to Coruscant, Luthen is met by an Imperial ship and shows just how formidable he is, taking down a squadron of TIE Fighters and making short work of their tractor beam before an undeniably stylish escape.
Things aren't going quite as well for Mon Mothma, however, as she confesses to Vel just how much of a mess she's in after financing the Rebellion. It's becoming apparent she has no other choice than to offer her daughter up for marriage, a decision that will likely show us just how much those plotting to overthrow the Empire are willing to sacrifice.
As for Cassian, he and Melshi go their separate ways, with the latter declaring that the Galaxy needs to know what happened to them on Narkina-5. Poor Cassian is a little distracted, though, because he's just learned about his mother's death. Is he about to fall into the multiple traps being laid for him?
We'll find out next Wednesday.