- "He's a messenger. There's some place he needs to be."
- ―Force healer to Bix Caleen, about Cassian Andor
"Messenger" is the seventh episode of the second season of the web-TV series Andor. The episode was written by Dan Gilroy and directed by Janus Metz, and aired on May 6, 2025 as part of a three-episode block.
Official description[]
Yavin is growing. Wilmon comes for help. Dedra's on Ghorman. Cassian heeds the call.
Plot summary[]
Yavin IV[]
The episode is set one year later in 2 BBY. It opens with a wide landscape shot of a few starships flying over a lake on Yavin IV. The ships land and several Rebel soldiers get off. One of the them is Wilmon Paak, who walks through the barracks in a jungle encampment. Cassian Andor and Bix Caleen are seen in a tree hut outside the base. Caleen is applying a form of ointment to Andor's right shoulder when Paak walks in. Andor and Caleen say that they've missed Paak.
Caleen leads him in, followed by Andor. Andor asks Paak where he has been, but Paak avoids the question. Paak tells Andor that Luthen Rael wants to know when Andor will be ready to work. This aggravates Andor, he says that the time to act alone has passed and the Rebel Alliance needs him more. During the meeting, Paak tells Andor and Caleen that he has been taking part in side runs. Andor questions Rael's methods but Paak counters that the Galactic Empire are the ones who are torching the place.
When Andor asks Paak what Rael needs him for, Paak retrieves a datapad from his pack. Paak tells Andor that Rael wants him to assassinate Imperial Security Bureau (ISB) Supervisor Dedra Meero. Paak reminds Andor and Caleen that Meero destroyed Ferrix and killed his father. He reveals that Meero has been reassigned to the planet Ghorman. Paak urges Andor to assassinate Meero once and for all because she is hunting Rael and the group of them. Paak also attempts to convince Caleen. Andor refuses and says that he's late for his briefing and leaves. Paak says that Andor is treating Rael like the bad guy. To which Andor responds, "that would be easier." Andor exits the hut while Paak speaks with Caleen, telling her that Meero is a monster who needs to be "destroyed." Caleen listens while hiding a tense expression.
Growing resistance on Ghorman[]
Meanwhile on Ghorman, a new Imperial tower looms large over the Palmo Plaza. A news report claims that "inexplicable" Ghorman "terrorist" attacks continue to plague the planet. Following attacks three weeks ago in Corei and Jel-Novi, the reporter says that a firebombing occurred last night at the Naval Terminal in Palmo. A second reporter says that Admiral Tyzen is expected to issue a statement later today and that Imperial forces are escalating their response. Amidst the media reports, Syril Karn heads into work at the Imperial Bureau of Standards's Ghorman Field Office. A female journalist in red says that local leaders are urging calm and that nobody has claimed credit for these attacks.
He passes several reporters who are speaking on a recent bombing in Palmo's docks. He enters the building and heads to Dedra Meero's office. He asks of her location, but is denied entry. Inside, Meero is meeting with Major Lio Partagaz regarding the Ghorman Front. He tells Meero that the Empire will be proceeding with their original plan since they cannot find a substitute for the Ghorman substrate material. Partagaz says that there will not be much left of the planet once the mining operation is complete. Partagaz states that the Imperial fleet will be ready above Ghorman in forty-eight hours and that the Empire will need a declaration of martial domain. He also reveals that the Empire plans to resettle Ghorman's population based on Director Orson Callan Krennic's schedule.
Meanwhile, Karn finds the entrance to Meero's office blocked by ISB Agent Grymish, who tells her that Meero is unavailable. Another Imperial officer in a black uniform stands at a nearby doorway. Partagaz tells Meero that Captain Kaido is now on Ghorman. Meero asks who he is to which Partagaz responds that he is a crisis specialist. He promises Meero a place with the Empire if she does well with the Ghorman assignment. Partagaz says that Kaido will be answering to Meero but that Kaido will have control over tactical details. Meero says that the insurgents now have weapons. Partagaz says that they're counting on that.
Outside her office, Meero encounters Karn. He pulls her aside and asks about what's being hidden from him. When Karn asks about the bombing of the Naval Depot, Meero says that it is being investigated. When Karn asks about Kaido, Meero says that there is evidence of outside agitators on Ghorman. Karn says that was what he came here to stop and is upset about being kept in the dark. Meero replies that the Empire is trying to prevent an incident.
When Karn says that his local sources question the Imperial narrative that outside agitators are behind the attacks on Ghorman, Meero tells Karn to pack and be ready to leave when she tells him to. She promises that they will be together on Coruscant. When Meero says they will be rewarded, Karn asks for what. Instead of answering his question, Meero kisses him and warns him to be careful. She tells him to do what he told her.
Rising tension on Coruscant[]
On Coruscant, Senator Mon Mothma and her aide Erskin Semaj arrive outside the Imperial Senate in a limousine airspeeder. Mothma thanks her chauffer Exmar Kloris, who asks if she is planning to go to the office. Mothma says that she intends to go for a walk. Kloris reveals that Senate security wants to verify senators' parking permits. While walking with Semaj, Mothma toys with replacing Kloris with another driver. Semaj advises against it since they would replace him with someone "smart."
As the two approach the Senate Rotunda, several news broadcasters give reports of the insurgent attack on Palmo. One news report says that the Empire is calling for a block of Ghorman until the incident can be explained. The two walk through automated security checkpoints. After clearing the checkpoints, they are greeted by Ghorman Senator Dasi Oran, who seeks to speak with Mothma. In private, Oran tells Mothma that the recent bombing has brought Ghorman to the point of no return. He says that the Empire is lying about the situation on Ghorman. Mothma says that she is working on a petition. Oran says that it takes more than failed legislation to upset him these days. He tells Mothma that he has come to thank her for her constant courage and bravery. Oran tells her that he admires her grace and to protect herself.
We are Ghor[]
Back on Palmo, Meero surveys the Palmo Plaza below. A couple of soldiers patrol the memorial while some civilians walk around the cordoned-off colonnade. At the Ghorman Front headquarters, Dilan tells Carro Rylanz in Ghor to make up his mind since he is the one who started this. Enza Rylanz tells her father that he keeps changing his mind. Carro replies that peaceful resistance is not pretending and is the only thing that carries dignity. Samm responds that they left dignity behind years go. A Ghorman woman asks to what purpose and to where they should take it.
When Dilan asks if Carro has learnt anything, Carro replies that he has learnt that they only good at letting the Imperials provoke them. Enza pleads with her father to listen, adding that he cannot scream the same ideas expecting change. Lezine shouts enough and says that the Empire has poisoned and hurt them. Lezine says he doesn't care whether they respond against Imperial oppression through violence or non-violence. He reminds them that the are Ghor. His fellow comrades silently reflect on Lezine's words about national identity and unity.
Later that night, Karn catches up with Enza in a Palmo alley at night. Enza is reluctant to see Karn. Karn explains that the Imperials are convinced that the Ghorman resistance is being coordinated by outside agitators. Karn attempts to offer a "way out" but Enza slaps him in the face before storming off. She walks up a staircase.
The Force healer[]
On Yavin 4, Caleen and Andor walk through the rebel settlement towards a hut occupied by a female Force healer with silver hair. Several rebels are gathered outside the hut. Andor is reluctant to see a Force healer since he and Maarva Andor had a bad experience with a Force healer ten years ago. Caleen convinces him to give the Force healer a try, suggesting that it could work. She tells Andor that she prefers to seek help for her pain while Andor pretends that nothing is wrong. She asks what is the risk.
The woman takes an interest in Andor, who is about to leave. She tells her other patients to give them a moment and she will be back. She glances at Andor and Caleen. The woman is curious about how she knows them despite not meeting them. Andor tries to leave but Caleen says that he has an untreated blaster wound. Through the Force, the woman senses that it is in his right shoulder. Caleen tells Andor to show her. The healer steps behind Andor and rests her hand on his bad shoulder. She closes her eyes before slowly removing her hand.
The Force healer tells Andor and Caleen that she has experienced a moment of clarity. She senses that Andor has been gathering the sense of spirit and asks if he feels it. Andor nervously says that he will work on that before leaving. Caleen spends time with the Force healer. Caleen says that the Force healer scared him, prompting her to apologize. When the Force healer asks who is Andor, Caleen tells her that he is a pilot and a soldier. When Caleen asks what she saw, the Force healer says that she saw Andor under the weight of pain, fear and need.
The Force healer says that some people are defined by their past while others are gathering as they go. She says that there is a purpose to it. The Force healer describes Andor as a messenger who needs to be somewhere. She asks Caleen if she has known him long. When Caleen replies that she has known Andor for a long time, she twitches a smile. She tells Caleen that perhaps she is the place where he needs to be. The healer touches Caleen's hand before walking walking away, leaving Caleen to reflect.
Later, Andor finds that his shoulder wound is starting to heal following his meeting with the Force healer. Andor puts his shirt back on and resumes exercising his shoulder muscle. Caleen arrives and notices his healed shoulder. Caleen tells Andor that she told the female healer that he was a pilot. Andor is annoyed that Caleen shared information about him with a stranger. When Andor says that the Force healer is just a cook from the mess hall, Caleen counters that Andor is more than a pilot. Caleen vouches for the Force healer, saying that she could sense Andor's presence from afar. Andor asks Caleen for an explanation but she can't explain how the Force works.
Caleen hints to Andor that she can touch the Force and adds that she experienced dreams about the event. She says that the Force healer described Andor as a messenger. Andor is upset and confused, asking her why is doing this. Caleen replies that she know this is important and understands why Andor is upset. Ando gazes at the jungle. Caleen runs her hand on his left shoulder, telling him to let the lady's message sink in. She gives Andor a hug and embraces him.
An unscheduled departure[]
The following day, General Davits Draven walks through a Temple hall that is being converted into a hangar. He walks past other rebels, droids and several parked X-wing starfighters. He finds Andor loading cargo aboard a U-wing and questions him about leaving without filing a departure plan and naming a destination. Andor claims that he is going on a personal trip. Draven responds that the ship is scheduled to be fitted with hyper-comms the following day. Andor replies that he will be back soon before disconnecting a fuel cable.
Draven warns Andor that leaving without permission is unacceptable, adding that this is not a base for privateers. As Andor prepares the crew for departure, Draven warns him about proclaiming his loyalty to the Rebellion. Andor tells him not to push to hard and warns that he will leave the group if they require him to seek permission to leave. Draven responds that the day is near. Ignoring him, Andor climbs into the starship and seals the side door. Draven walks away while Andor and the co-pilot fly their ship to the dark side of the gas giant Yavin and jump into hyperspace.
Later, Andor and the co-pilot take their U-wing to a green, forested part of Ghorman. They fly at low altitude, frightening the co-pilot. They follow a path consisting of intricate patterns.
Meanwhile, Vel Sartha visits Caleen at her hut on Yavin 4. The two haven't seen each other in a while. Sartha tells Caleen that she has been busy training the new recruits. She says she needed a break because she was getting reckless. When Caleen asks if Sartha is looking for Andor, she explains that Generals Jan Dodonna and Draven sent her to speak with Caleen. While sitting together on the table, Sartha tells Caleen that the rebel leadership needs Andor but they disapprove of his unsanctioned trip. Sartha tells Caleen that she knows her. They have changed from being Luthen Rael's operatives to building a real army. Sartha tells Caleen that Andor is a leader now and that the rebel leadership has invested a lot into him. She emphasizes that Andor needs discipline. Caleen responds that Andor will be there when the rebels need him.
Moving the pieces into place[]
At Palmo Plaza, a detachment of fresh-faced Imperial Army troopers arrive on an armored transport. Captain Kaido inspects the soldiers and is displeased with the disorganized state of the cadets. He speaks to the Sergeant about leadership and discipline. The sergeant orders the soldiers to stand at attention and to march. Watching from a glass building, Supervisor Meero expresses concern about the inexperienced recruits.
By nightfall, the Imperial garrison has installed several search lights and imposed a curfew on Palmo Plaza. Ghormans go through a checkpoint. Andor and Wilmon Paak walk among the columns. Paak explains that things have become worse on Ghorman in the past few months. The two have made preparations to keep in contact via comms. If that fails, Paak tells Andor to meet at the plaza. He says that their secondary meeting place will be on a starship. Gazing at a nearby Imperial office building, Paak confirms that Meero is inside the building. He adds that the locals say that Meero visits the Palmo Plaza at least twice a day.
Studying the location, Andor says that he will need at least two shots through a her glass window. Paak says that he will find out. The two hug and exchange an oath about Ferrix. Karn walks past nearby but does not recognize the two rebels. At a local hotel, two alien customers sit by a table. Andor enters the hotel and is served by the porter Thela, whom he had met a year earlier. Andor poses as "Ronni Googe"[4][5], a reporter from Mid Rim News. Theela is unfamiliar with the media organization and notices that Andor lacks the entry stamp required for journalists.
Thela tells Andor to sort out his visa issues while a female clerk tells him they have to report journalists lacking the proper visa stamp to the authorities. Since an Alderaanian group has canceled their tour, Thela is able to give Andor a roof with a big window overlooking the plaza. Theela warns of the noise and Andor quips he is a deep sleeper. Thela warns that his colleague is required by Imperial policy to report their guest list to the Empire each afternoon. Andor heads to his room while Thela serves another guest.
Andor switches on the lights and places the suitcase on his bed. He gazes out the window of his hotel room, which gives him a good view of the windows of the second level of the Imperial officer complex. He turns and switches off the overhead lights. At the Ghorman Front headquarters, Paak sits by a table fiddling with his rebel comms. Dreena gives him a flirtatious look and goes to the long table where the Ghorman resistance are helping themselves to bowls of soup.
Paak contacts Andor, using the code name "weather center." He reports that there will be clear skies tonight and says that they will be updating the forecast at first light. Andor promises to listen while Paak says that he will be here. Andor then opens a false bottom inside his suitcase, which reveals a disassembled blaster. The underside contains more concealed devices including his dual cartridge blaster pistol. He grabs a telescope and looks through the window at the Imperial office, spotting Grymish and another ISB officer.
Andor eases opens the sliding door and retrieves a small hand-held mirror. He sees the reflection of stormtroopers standing on the terrace above. Andor collapses the telescope pole and closes the sliding door. He sits on the edge of the bed and contemplates about his mission to take out Dedra Meero.
Credits[]
| Cast | Uncredited cast | Crew | Uncredited crew | Special thanks |
Cast
|
Crew
|
Appearances[]
| Characters | Organisms | Droid models | Events | Locations |
| Organizations and titles | Sentient species | Vehicles and vessels | Weapons and technology | Miscellanea |
Characters
|
Droid models
Events
|
Locations
|
Organizations and titles
|
Sentient species
Vehicles and vessels
Weapons and technology
Miscellanea
Sources[]
First Andor A Star Wars Story Teaser Trailer and Poster Revealed on StarWars.com (backup link)- "Messenger" Episode Guide | Andor A Star Wars Story on StarWars.com (backup link)
- Andor Explained: Episodes 7-9 - "Messenger", "Who Are You?", and "Welcome to the Rebellion" on StarWars.com (backup link)
- Secrets from the Set of Andor Season 2: Week 3 Trivia on StarWars.com (backup link)
- Andor Season 2 Declassified: Star Wars | Contains Spoilers Eps 7-9 on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link)
- The Secrets of Ghorman, Mina-Rau, and More: Creating the Worlds of Andor Season 2 - Updated on StarWars.com (backup link)
- Behind the Seams: The Costumes of Andor Season 2 - Updated on StarWars.com (backup link)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8
First Andor A Star Wars Story Teaser Trailer and Poster Revealed on StarWars.com (backup link)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1
Andor — "Messenger"
- ↑ Andor — "Messenger" dates itself to 2 BBY.
- ↑ https://www.starwars.com/news/andor-season-2-episodes-7-8-9
- ↑ https://www.starwars.com/news/andor-season-2-costume-design
- ↑ April Highlights 2025 on www.independenttalent.com (backup link archived on April 4, 2025)
External links[]
- Andor - WGA Directory on the Writers Guild of America's Directory (June 12, 2024) (backup link archived on June 12, 2024)
- "Messenger" on the Aurebesh Wiki
