How Luthen Rael’s Hidden Endgame Was Missed by Fans

Prior to the ending of the Andor series, a prophecy made by Luthen Rael in the first season foreshadowed his ultimate demise, leaving viewers who had closely followed the series by Tony Gilroy with a sense that they could guess how Luthen’s tale would conclude. However, in “Make It Stop,” it was revealed that he met his end, but not before unveiling the birth of the ethically complex rebel architect. Those attentive viewers could foresee Luthen’s ending, but his origin and that of his resistance partner Kleya provided the most unexpected twists in the episode.

In this series set in the galaxy far, far away, it’s been noted that characters like Cassian, Mon Mothma, and Saw Gerrera had their fates already established in previous Star Wars films. However, Luthen Rael was a fresh character, adding an element of mystery for viewers. Despite not being bound by canon, Andor seemed to give away Luthen’s demise quite clearly, almost spoiling it prematurely.

Much like the other characters in this new chapter, Luthen’s fate was inevitable, even if fans were hoping for a different outcome. Many viewers, anticipating his death and wishing for a reprieve, may have overlooked how the show subtly hinted at the direct connection between Luthen’s final scene and his first appearance in this saga.

A seasoned warrior from some past conflict, be it during the Clone Wars or the Empire’s early days, the man once known as “Sergeant Lear” longed for an end to the violence and loss of life around him. His encounter with a young girl hidden on his ship led to Sergeant Lear’s death, and Luthen Rael was born. Leaving behind the conflicts he had fought, Luthen embarked on a larger, more challenging war alongside the child Kleya by his side.

A Scene Study of Luthen and Lonni’s Meeting Reveals How Everything Goes Sideways

The Direction, Writing and Performances Evoke Every Spy Story When Things Go Wrong

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed how skillfully the creators of Andor blend familiar cinematic elements with unexpected twists to deepen Luthen’s storyline. A prime example of this technique is evident in the pivotal moment that sets the plot in motion – Luthen’s daytime encounter with ISB double agent Lonni, depicted in an episode. The camera follows Lonni closely, almost clinging to his frightened expression, then pulls back dramatically, a style reminiscent of many spy thrillers like or even Ridley Scott’s own Michael Clayton. In the background, the harsh, slanted ISB headquarters mirrors part of the Coruscanti skyline, but instead of reaching towards the heavens, these towering buildings appear flat – a subtle yet powerful way to suggest that things have taken an ominous turn.

In this scene, Luthen’s encounter with Lonni is skillfully constructed, where every visual element underscores the characters’ emotional turmoil and the palpable tension between them. From a distance, Lonni appears solitary yet vulnerable. His initial appearance suggests he’s lonely and uncomfortable, highlighting his unease and fragility. On the other hand, Luthen is more prominently positioned in the shot, also appearing distant and unsettling. They are both filmed from behind at low angles, indicating that each character harbors a hidden motive.

When Lonni hints about the Death Star, the camera swiftly pulls back, leaving Luthen exposed and isolated. As he departs from this meeting, the camera follows him similarly to how it tracked Lonni’s arrival, implying that the cloud of looming danger has shifted from the ISB agent to the man who had killed him.

In the art of filmmaking, directors frequently adhere to what’s known as “the 180-degree rule” which ensures visual coherence between characters’ positions within the scene. However, this rule is occasionally breached intentionally to create unease among viewers, such as when Ruizpalcios violates it while introducing Luthen and Lonni’s encounter. This disregard for the rule signals a change in the narrative and offers viewers a direct view of the two characters, heightening tension. To borrow a phrase from Anton Chekhov, the moment Luthen gripped his blaster pistol hinted at Lonni’s impending fate. A common trope features spies meeting on a bench, but employing such cinematic techniques keeps it intriguing. Even without understanding the scene’s staging and camera angles, spectators can sense Lonni’s danger transitioning to Luthen, much like a disruption in the Force.

Kleya’s Introduction Deploys a Rarely Used, but Vital Star Wars Visual Style

The Flashbacks to Her and Luthen’s Early Years Mirror a Twisted Hero’s Journey

From my perspective as a movie critic, I must say that point-of-view shots are scarcely employed in the Star Wars saga. However, in Star Wars: A New Hope, viewers were momentarily immersed in the view of R2-D2 from the Jawas’ angle before they assaulted. Similarly, in later scenes, we found ourselves seeing through C-3PO’s eyes as young Anakin bid him farewell. The first flashback of young Kelya in this series also employs this technique, making us see Luthen from her perspective. As she lies in ambush, not out of malice but to protect herself, she mirrors the earlier scenes. She stands on the brink of a perilous journey of cosmic importance. With his radio off and drinking from a flask, Luthen repeats the episode’s title, seemingly lost in thought. Traumatized by war, he pleads with the universe to “make it stop.

In this rephrased version:

The refugee girl doesn’t bring an end to the war, but her presence causes Luthen to stop fighting. Later on, viewers find them traveling together as father and daughter, earning money by possibly selling illicit antiques to local merchants. Kleya shows hesitation about being called Luthen’s daughter, but as she grows older, she comes to enjoy this role.

When Luthem was worried about the Aldhani heist during Season 1, Kleya adopted a tough exterior similar to Luthen’s. Even as a child, she displayed this same demeanor. However, it isn’t until Luthen makes her repeat Lonni’s intel and sends her away that she looks at him with the eyes of a child—scared and sad, fearing she may never see her father again. If only she could have been so fortunate.

firstly, because he considered Cassian a valuable asset, and secondly, out of fear that his disappearance might expose their operation. Kleya reassured Luthen, chiding him for being “slipping.” While Cassian heard these words while in prison on Narkina 5, Kleya kept Luthen focused and adhering to their plan.

Even Without Andor’s Foreshadowing, Luthen Always Knew How It Would End for Him

His Final Resting Place Mirrors Both Narkina Prison and George Lucas’s First Film

To instigate the rebellion, Luthen transformed his “mind from a dismal void” into using the weapons of his adversaries against them. Throughout Andor, he would say whatever was necessary to make his resources do what he required of them. As any skilled spymaster, Luthen understood that truth could sometimes be the most powerful weapon. When he informed the ISB agent he wouldn’t live to witness the outcome of the mission he started “15 years ago,” he was no less ruthless with himself than with his assets. When Dedra Meero finally tracked down “Axis,” Luthen treated himself no less harshly than any of his operatives.

Luthen’s iconic speech to Lonni made it clear he never expected to survive until the start of the true war.
More than once Luthen told Cassian their rebel actions would lead to their deaths, but what they build would carry on.

In contrast to Ahsoka Tano’s role in Star Wars: Rebels, Luthen did not assume a similar title, but his mission was far more sinister. While the Ghost crew primarily assisted those suppressed by the Empire, Luthen actively exacerbated their suffering. From his position of privilege on Coruscant, he witnessed the apathy of citizens and sought to forcefully awaken them to the harsh reality of oppression. He made resistance a matter of survival, fully aware that his actions would instill fear, pain, and suffering. In fact, Luthen was willing to sacrifice entire rebel cells for the greater good of the mission. As Cassian once stated to the Rebel Alliance leadership, despite his flaws, the fighting force wouldn’t exist without him.

Inquiring about doubtful artifacts, Meero inquired from Luthen if he had any dubious relics in his store, to which Luthen replied that there were two “pieces with uncertain history.” Though it could encompass any of the relics, he was likely referring to himself and the vengeful ISB agent. When Luthen made his ultimate sacrifice, Meero’s team revived him. He wound up in a sterile white hospital room that echoed Cassian’s cell on Narkina 5, which mirrored the dismal world depicted in George Lucas’s THX-1138. Unlike the characters in those cells who managed to escape, Luthen had only one exit left.

Luthen Rael at a Glance
Actor	First Episode	Final Episode	Total Episodes
Stellan Skarsgård	Season 1, Episode 2 “That Would Be Me”	Season 2, Episode 10, “Make It Stop”	20

In the concluding sequence, Luthen examined Kleya at the onset of their conflict against the Empire. He aimed to ascertain if the young girl possessed the resolve to take an Imperial life. Once she demonstrated her capability, he shielded her from doing so, detonating the bombs himself to safeguard whatever remnants of childlike innocence remained. However, at the hospital, Kleya was unable to avoid taking a life this time, and tragically, her victim turned out to be her father.

Demonstrating herself as a fitting heir to Luthen Rale’s heritage, Kelya skillfully infiltrated the hospital. However, it wasn’t until she reached Yavin IV that she began to crumble under the strain. The burden of the casualties her actions inflicted and the rebellion’s disregard for Luthen weighed heavily on her. Despite having companions like Vel and Cassian by her side, she mourned in solitude. Yet, Kleya was the only one who truly cherished him.

The entire Andor series is available for streaming alongside the Star Wars cinematic universe and TV shows on Disney Plus.

2025-05-18 01:37