Andor "Make it Stop" Review - Season Two Episode 10

13 May 2025
To truly grasp the significance of "Make it Stop," one must consider the preceding nine episodes of Andor Season 2. 

The season has meticulously built a climate of escalating Imperial oppression, a fertile ground for the seeds of rebellion to take root. 


The brutal Ghorman Massacre served as a stark catalyst, its repercussions rippling across the galaxy. Senator Dasi Oran's subsequent arrest underscored the Empire's iron grip on dissent. This pivotal event galvanized Senator Mon Mothma, pushing her to openly condemn Emperor Palpatine – a courageous act that marked a significant escalation in her defiance. This public stance made her a prime Imperial target, necessitating a clandestine escape from Coruscant orchestrated with the crucial assistance of Cassian Andor. Cassian's involvement in Mon Mothma's extraction highlights his deepening commitment to the rebel cause, a transformative arc central to the series. His willingness to risk everything for the rebellion signifies a profound departure from his earlier self-serving motivations, powerfully foreshadowing his ultimate sacrifice in Rogue One.

The relentless personal toll of rebellion has been a persistent and poignant theme throughout the season. Bix Caleen's heartbreaking decision to sever her connection with Cassian underscored this sacrifice. Recognizing Cassian's vital role in the larger rebellion, she prioritized the greater cause above their personal bond, a recurring motif of individual loss for collective liberation within Andor.

 Adding a layer of rich connective tissue to the wider Star Wars saga was the subtle yet significant reactivation of a KX-series security droid – the nascent form of the future K-2SO, Cassian's dry-witted companion in Rogue One. This development acts as a knowing nod to the future, hinting at the unlikely alliances Cassian will forge amidst the growing conflict.

In the shadows, Luthen Rael continued his increasingly perilous and morally ambiguous operations. His reliance on the compromised ISB agent Lonni Jung exemplified the risky gambits undertaken by the early rebellion

Simultaneously, Luthen remained acutely aware of ISB officer Dedra Meero's relentless pursuit of the elusive rebel operative "Axis," creating a palpable sense of danger and the constant threat of exposure. Dedra's ascendance within the ISB demonstrated the formidable and intelligent opposition the rebellion faced, illustrating that the fight was not against an impersonal force but against determined individuals dedicated to upholding Imperial authority. 

The cumulative impact of these interwoven narratives – political upheaval, profound personal sacrifices, and the tightening Imperial noose – forged a sense of urgency and anticipation leading directly into the critical events and character focus of "Make it Stop." 

"Make it Stop" masterfully delves into several core themes, conveyed through its compelling narrative structure, resonant dialogue, and evocative visual storytelling. 

The profound theme of sacrifice for the greater good takes center stage. 

The episode, in a move that solidified its impact, opens not with action but with the quiet aftermath of Luthen Rael's demise. Whether a final act of self-sacrifice or a strategic elimination by unseen forces, Luthen's absence casts a long shadow over the episode, underscoring the immense personal cost demanded by the fight against tyranny. This somber opening establishes the episode's tone and reinforces the high stakes involved in challenging the Empire's might.

The episode powerfully conveys the theme of the burgeoning and increasingly widespread rebellion. Luthen Rael's defiant final words to Dedra Meero resonate deeply:

You're too late. The rebellion isn't here anymore. It's flown far away; they're everywhere now.

This isn't mere bravado; it's a potent reflection of the season's narrative trajectory. The isolated acts of defiance have coalesced and spread, transforming into a more unified and expansive movement that poses a significant threat to the Empire's authority. Even if visually implied rather than explicitly shown in every scene, Luthen's words underscore the cumulative impact of individual acts of resistance igniting a galaxy-wide fire.

"Make it Stop" also delves into the fundamental and often morally ambiguous nature of rebellion, encapsulated in a poignant flashback where Luthen tells a young Kleya, "We are who we have to be." 

This theme explores the difficult compromises and the shedding of former selves that individuals often undergo when joining a resistance movement. 

It suggests that the fight against tyranny can force people to embrace roles and actions that might otherwise be unthinkable. 

This line provides crucial context for understanding the pragmatic and sometimes ruthless approach adopted by Luthen and Kleya in their struggle against the Empire. Andor consistently grapples with the ethical complexities inherent in rebellion, portraying the conflict not as a simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil but as a complex struggle with significant moral costs on all sides.

The perilous world of espionage and infiltration remains a central theme, powerfully exemplified by Kleya Marki's daring mission to infiltrate a Coruscant hospital. 

This plotline underscores the clandestine and high-stakes nature of the rebellion's operations, highlighting their reliance on intelligence gathering and covert actions to undermine the Empire from within. Kleya's mission showcases the vital skills and immense risks associated with espionage, a critical element of the rebellion's strategy given their limited resources and direct military capabilities at this stage. The tension surrounding her infiltration further emphasizes the constant danger faced by those working against the Empire.

She does it for love of Luthen more than anything. 

Furthermore, "Make it Stop" continues to champion the theme of unsung heroes through its continued focus on characters like Lonni Jung, Luthen's invaluable double agent within the ISB. Lonni's character embodies Andor's commitment to portraying the often-overlooked contributions of ordinary individuals to the rebellion. His position within the Empire's intelligence apparatus makes him a critical source of information, and his unwavering loyalty, despite the extreme personal risks, highlights the quiet heroism of those operating in the shadows.

Luthen Rael's character arc, though seemingly concluded, leaves a lasting impact on the episode. His final, defiant interaction with ISB supervisor Dedra Meero in his shop, even in the face of capture or worse, underscores his unwavering commitment to the rebellion and his profound belief in its inevitable success. His cryptic and symbolic pronouncements serve as a final act of defiance, solidifying his legendary status within the burgeoning resistance.

Kleya Marki's character arc is further illuminated in "Make it Stop," offering deeper insights into her past and motivations. The episode features poignant flashbacks to her formative years and her initial encounter with Luthen, revealing their unconventional mentor-mentee relationship and how Luthen indoctrinated her into the ways of rebellion. Kleya's dangerous espionage mission within the Coruscant hospital showcases her honed skills in disguise and stealth. These flashbacks deepen our understanding of her unwavering loyalty to Luthen and her absolute dedication to the rebel cause, reinforced by Luthen's enduring lesson that supporting the rebellion supersedes all other considerations.

Lonni Jung's role in this episode proves to be pivotal, marking his final, emotionally charged meeting with Luthen Rael. In this crucial encounter, Lonni delivers vital intelligence that directly connects to the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. This includes specific details regarding the Empire's utilization of Ghorman’s kalkite in the construction of the superweapon known as the Death Star, the existence and significance of kyber crystals on Jedha, the crucial involvement of Galen Erso in the weapon's development, and the location of Director Orson Krennic’s highly sought-after Death Star plans on the Imperial archives planet of Scarif. This exchange underscores Lonni's immense value as an informant within the ISB and his indispensable contribution to the Rebel Alliance's growing understanding of the Empire's most dangerous projects.

Notably, Cassian Andor is absent from "Make it Stop." This narrative decision strategically shifts the focus to the other crucial players within the rebellion, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of their individual arcs and the intricate workings of the resistance movement at this critical juncture. Cassian's absence underscores the ensemble nature of Andor and highlights the vital contributions of other characters in the broader fight against the Empire. Check out what happens in Epsiode 11 'Who Else Knows'

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My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

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