BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — In the universe of “Andor,” from the “Star Wars” saga, the spotlight shifts away from iconic dark lords like Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine to focus instead on the minor villains — bureaucrats, schemers, and mid-level operatives who enable the machinery of tyranny. The Disney+ series presents a detailed portrayal of characters such as Dedra Meero and Syril Karn, whose ambition places them in the orbit of Diego Luna’s mysterious Cassian Andor.
“What viewers see are villains operating within a morally ambiguous space, showcasing an unseen facet of the empire,” says Kyle Soller, the actor portraying Karn. “It’s an insightful look at the everyday workings of the imperial machine, from those in its lowest ranks to its higher-ups.” Denise Gough, who plays Meero, concurs: “An empire relies not only on brute force. It thrives on a tapestry of covert maneuvers and ripple effects, crafting a nuanced strategy.”
Gough, an Irish actor at 45, currently shares screens in Hulu’s thriller “The Stolen Girl.” Opposite her, Connecticut-born Soller, 41, lives in London with his wife, actress Phoebe Fox. Within “Andor,” their characters converge in Season 1 over mutual interests in capturing the elusive Andor, as both Meero from state operations and Karn from the policing side.
The gripping narrative of Season 2 gravitates toward the planet Ghorman, where the Galactic Empire seeks its vital minerals for the Death Star, risking the displacement and demise of the native population. Rebel tensions simmer as imperial agents, including a returning Orson Krennic, portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn, discreetly convene to coordinate the planet’s subjugation. Though a senior figure, Krennic operates under the unpredictable mandates of the regime’s ultimate leadership. Tony Gilroy, the mind behind “Andor,” compares this gathering to a historical meeting of Nazi Germany officials, emphasizing its chilling bureaucratic efficiency.
In one pivotal exchange, Krennic consults Meero about destabilizing Ghorman, to which she insightfully suggests inciting the rebellion into self-defeat. Meero articulates, “Propaganda has limits. You need rebels predictably inclined to err,” a remark that crystallizes the pervasive, manipulative empire ethos. Throughout these developments, both Karn and Meero accidentally tread moral boundaries, even at the risk of defecting for loftier ideals.
“The underlings’ perspective is crucial,” explains Soller. “No matter their achievements, they remain pawns of the system, manipulated and ultimately expendable.” Gough describes the empire as a “gang” juxtaposed against the “tribe” of the rebellion, noting how loyalty, and solidarity define one while the other falters under opportunistic self-interest.
An intriguing subplot involves Meero and Karn’s evolving relationship, peppered with romantic tension. While initially apprehensive of clichéd story arcs, Gough remarks, “Their love story takes an unexpectedly bizarre turn.” Growing within a restrictive, cult-like society, they’ve had no role models for affection, evolving into complex beings struggling with intimacy, even amidst everyday scenes juxtaposed with quirky elements like Karn’s domineering mother, vividly played by Kathryn Hunter.
Though seemingly peripheral, their relationship dynamics play a profound role in the overarching narrative, feeding into their respective character developments and choices. “It’s a deeper narrative thread,” muses Soller. “When dovetailed with ‘Rogue One’ and the original trilogy, it layers an enriched history to the empire’s portrayal.”
Season 2 of “Andor” is modernly distributed on Disney+ in distinctive trios of episodes, refreshing each Tuesday at specified regional timings, culminating in a finale on May 13. The release schedule unfolds as follows:
April 22: Episodes 1-3
April 29: Episodes 4-6
May 6: Episodes 7-9
May 13: Episodes 10-12