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In one of the episodes of Disney+’s “Andor,” a writer disclosed that Emperor Palpatine played a hidden role in shaping the climactic storyline. Throughout five years, viewers followed Diego Luna’s character Cassian Andor as he progressed from an unassuming smuggler to a Captain within the Rebel Alliance. However, for a brief moment during Season 2’s closing episodes, the spotlight shifted away from our Star Wars protagonist to focus on Stellan Skarsgård’s Luthen Rael and Elizabeth Dulau’s Kleya—two characters who had been instrumental in organizing much of the Rebel activity shown in the series up until then.

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In an unexpected twist, it was revealed that the Emperor played a pivotal part in the climactic storyline between Kleya and Luthen in the final arc of the series, despite remaining off-screen throughout. While his influence had been subtly hinted at earlier in the show, it wasn’t until Season 2, episodes 10 to 12, that we truly felt his hidden hand at work, shaping the narrative in ways previously unimagined.

In an interview with Backstory Magazine, writer Tom Bissell shared that The Emperor had a significant part to play in the final stages of the hit Disney+ series, Andor.

In Season 2, Episode 10, Bissell explained the creation of the flashback scenes where fans learned about Luthen Rael’s initial encounter with his assistant Kelya in their rebellious activities. The team decided to portray their first act as terrorists against the Empire, and it was Bissell who suggested that the scene be set on Naboo.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it as: “If Luthen were to address the public for the first time, I’d wager he’d deliver a jab that would sting his most despised adversary right in the eye.

It has been established that Kleya and Luthen were planning their first act of terrorism together. I suggested this should occur on Naboo, as it is the Emperor’s home planet, and since Luthen would be making his first public statement, it seemed logical he would aim to cause maximum damage to the one he despises the most. When Tony learned about my rationale, he agreed, saying, “I like that idea. Let’s go ahead with it.

The concept of placing that specific flashback on Naboo arose because Luthen’s mission against the Empire, particularly Emperor Palpatine, was so clearly communicated throughout the galaxy.

In addition, Bissell pointed out that the initial act of terror on Naboo was echoed in Luthen’s last move. Kleya employed a similar strategy to divert the Imperial guards guarding the Rebel leader’s body in the Coruscant hospital, as depicted in the same episode.

In our subsequent return to the hospital setting, I had already escorted Kleya up to the upper level, and a thought crossed my mind: “How on earth do I get her to Luthen’s room?” Then another idea struck me: “The first thing he taught her is likely the final skill she will employ to aid him. And looking back from that explosion of the bridge to her setting off all the speeders in the parking ramps, something we hadn’t discussed in the room, was an insight I had when pondering over it. I believe it ties together quite elegantly, given the nature of terrorism.

In its second season, the highly praised series “Andor,” created by renowned Star Wars mastermind Tony Gilroy (most famously known for his contributions to the 2016 film “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”), continues. The esteemed Disney+ production brings back Diego Luna reprising his “Rogue One” character, Cassian Andor, who finds himself embroiled in a larger-scale galactic struggle, transforming from a petty criminal to an integral part of the Rebel Alliance.

In a fitting conclusion on May 13th, Season 2 concluded just as Rogue One started, leading Cassian towards his tragic demise. This fateful event marked the beginning of the Rebels’ first substantial attack against the Empire, as they pilfered the Death Star plans and ultimately destroyed the Empire’s powerful weapon.

Why The Emperor Is Andor’s Secret Villain

Despite Ian McDiarmid’s Emperor Palpatine character not physically appearing or being audibly heard in seasons 1 and 2 of Andor, he remains a powerful antagonist for the show’s principal characters on both sides of the Rebel/Empire conflict.

Indeed, from the perspective of characters such as Cassian Andor, Luthen Rael, and Mon Mothma, he can be considered the antagonist because they are all part of the Rebel alliance that is in conflict with the Empire, which Palpatine leads.

Although he doesn’t physically appear throughout the series, his actions significantly impact it, as evidenced by major events such as the introduction of the Public Order Resentencing Directive (PORD), which led Diego Luna’s character to Narkina-5 prison in Season 1, and the creation of anti-Ghorman sentiment that eventually resulted in the Ghorman Massacre. These actions have been instrumental in shaping the show’s narrative and providing obstacles for its heroes to overcome.

Nevertheless, beyond Star Wars’ ethical boundary, The Emperor remains a dominant adversary for the Imperial characters in the series, serving as the main antagonist throughout both seasons.

Kyle Soller’s character, Cyril Karn, winds up on Ghorman following Palpatine’s instructions, ultimately meeting his tragic end in a confrontation with Andor. As for Denise Gough’s character, Dedra Mero, she finds herself confined within the icy walls of an Imperial prison by the end of Season 2 due to the Emperor’s relentless administrative system.

It could be plausible to assume that authors such as Tom Bissell may have drawn inspiration from the enigmatic Sith lord when crafting pivotal scenes in the series, such as depicting Luthen’s initial act as a rebel terrorist.

If a character who had been known as one of the complex heroes in seasons 1 and 2 of Andor, were going to speak out, it would most likely be directed at the series’ hidden main antagonist.

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2025-05-21 03:45