REVIEW: Andor – Season 1, Episode 9, “Nobody’s Listening!”

***SPOILERS***

“Nobody’s Listening!” opens on Dedra’s interrogation of Bix. Bix is reluctant to tell her anything, so Dedra hands her over to a doctor with a particularly effective method of questioning. Bix is kept as a witness, and Samuel is executed. Cassian plans an escape with a fellow inmate. Mon Mothma puts forward legislation against the resentencing order, but it falls on deaf ears. Syril gets a promotion at work. He approaches Dedra to thank her, but she warns him against contacting her again. Taye presents Mon Mothma with a banker who can help her, but she’s troubled by his criminal reputation. Ulaf has a stroke on the floor and dies. The doctor who comes to euthanize him tells Kino and Andor that nobody is being released from jail anymore. 

It’s probably a strange detail to comment on, but I appreciate the titles of these episodes. You can tell that thought even goes into the minutiae of the season when titles have multiple meanings. For example, “Nobody’s Listening!” is what Cassian shouts to Kino (Andy Serkis) to prove that the Imperials don’t even pay attention to what they’re talking about. However, it could also be applied to Mon Mothma’s doomed attempts to initiate counter-legislation against the PORD. Heck, you could even say Dedra and the ISB should be listening to Syril, and they’re not. People aren’t watching or listening to Vel closely enough to notice her rebellious activities. “Nobody’s Listening!” reminded me of “The Axe Forgets” from earlier in the season because it similarly winds its themes and subplots around the title. I guess this is the opposite of nitpicking, praising the series for the smallest details. But most shows don’t put this kind of forethought into things like the title or seemingly minor lines of dialogue. 

Andor Nobody

I was surprised to learn that Vel is Mon Mothma’s cousin! When Cinta called her a “spoiled little rich girl,” I assumed she was related to Luthen or maybe had somehow lost a member of her family. This does make sense, though. Obviously, Mon linked Vel and Luthen and may be regretting this to a degree. Her line of questioning would indicate as much, as well as the insistence on Vel acting like a rich girl for a while. I’m sure Mon just doesn’t want her cousin to get hurt or killed and would feel personally responsible if she did. The dinner scene is perfectly uncomfortable as Perrin praises Vel for not “going political” and pries about her marriage prospects. He really doesn’t know anything about Vel, and the sideways glance she exchanges with her cousin makes me suspect Mon is aware of her tendencies.

Andor Nobody

Then, of course, we have Leda calling Taye her mom’s old ex. I’ve been going back and forth on whether I think Perrin suspects Mon of rebellion or infidelity. He seems very bothered and willing to interrupt every time Mon and Taye talk, but previously, I thought it could go either way. If Perrin told their daughter that Mon had a tryst with Taye prior to their marriage (whether it’s true or not), he’s probably jealous and insecure about their friendship. Is he actually so dumb that he thinks all she’s up to is an affair? I don’t get the impression that she’s romantically interested in anybody at this point; not her husband, not Taye, and nobody else. It seems like all she really cares about is helping the citizens of the Empire. But since Perrin doesn’t know what we do, I guess it makes sense to think she’s just humiliating him. I’m so interested in the relationships among the Mothma family, and I can’t wait to see how this all shakes out. Is Mothma actually their surname, or is that just her name? I don’t think they’ve said. 

Andor Nobody

This is the second consecutive episode where they’ve mentioned Antor Creeger by name. I don’t know him, so unless he’s a very minor or book-exclusive character, I think they’re setting up a new player. First, Saw Gerrera refused to meet with him, and now his people have been captured by the Empire. Nothing is meaningless or wasted in Andor, so I assume we will see Antor in the next couple of episodes. 

I just realized something during this episode. Even when the subplot featuring Cassian is great, I’m never worried about or focused on him. So far in this prison arc, I’ve been the most engaged by Kino Loy and poor Ulaf. Personally, I don’t really care, because I never liked this character and there’s plenty else to dig into here. But it’s probably still a fair criticism to observe that the show’s titular antihero is neither likable nor interesting enough to carry it, especially compared to the show’s new characters. Even legacy characters like Mon Mothma and Yularen (if you can call him that) serve the story in a more interesting way. You could make the case that it’s actually a good thing for the ensemble to outshine the lead. Every major character (and many minor ones) is very well developed on this show. However, I don’t think that’s the case here, since Andor himself lacks charisma and likability. I understand he’s not meant to be a hero, especially at this point. But he doesn’t have anything else going on to make up for it, like a big mystery or fun one-liners. I don’t expect one-liners in a show like this, and it probably sounds like I’m really scraping the bottom of the barrel here, but this is the only major problem I have with the show. Diego Luna is an excellent actor, so I really think this is a holdover from the character in Rogue One; he’s just not enjoyable to watch.

Andor Nobody

That brings me to my next point: the prison on Narkina 5 and the other inmates there. Ulaf’s demise in “Nobody’s Listening!” is genuinely heartbreaking. I knew something bad would befall him because of his age; why else would they focus on an elderly, unwell prisoner? But this is dark. He has a stroke, and when Kino begs the medic to help him, he replies, “I can’t help anyone.” This situation is horrible all around; I pity everyone, from the medic with his hands tied to Kino, who genuinely wants to save his worker. This ties into a character arc Kino experiences in “Nobody’s Listening!” that surprised me. Maybe I’m dumb for not seeing this coming, but I didn’t think this character would turn, and certainly not so soon. Cassian spends the whole episode asking Kino for some information on how to get out. From the very beginning, he wishes him luck but won’t tell him anything. After watching Ulaf die, Kino tells Cassian how many guards to anticipate. The implication seems to be that Ulaf’s unceremonious euthanasia and the discovery that he’ll never get out alive pushes Kino to get involved directly. I really like this character and want to see him escape. 

Andor Nobody

This brings us to Dedra and Syril. This is the first time Syril has really lost me; going to Dedra’s job to thank her is too much. He’s already been warned to forget about Andor and Ferrix, and I can understand struggling with that. But really, dude? He shows up at the ISB expecting to be welcomed with open arms. I’m actually with Dedra here; the promotion is thanks enough for the information. I think Syril should (and will) join the ISB at some point, but what a creepy way to pursue the opportunity. Finally, on that note, Bix’s torture scene is genuinely unsettling and the first time I’ve disliked Dedra. I’m sure this is just part of the job for her, but yikes – what a way to remind us that she’s one of the bad guys. 

What is there left to say? Cassian Andor is a weak protagonist, but this is a great show that floors me every week. Can it get any better at this point? I think the only way I could be having a better time is if Andor wasn’t leading into Rogue One. But unless they really flub the final three episodes, this is a great season, and I love the show.

Andor Season 1, Episode 9, "Nobody's Listening!"

Plot - 9
Acting - 10
Progression - 9
Production Design - 10
Character development - 7

9

Great

Cassian Andor is a weak protagonist, but this is a great show that floors me every week. Can it get any better at this point? I think the only way I could be having a better time is if Andor wasn't leading into Rogue One.

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