The following contains spoilers for episode 3 of Star Wars: Andor.Star Wars: Andor's Fiona Shaw seems to have enjoyed performing her mini-speech in episode 3 of the new series as much as fans enjoyed watching it. The veteran actress made quite a splash with her performance, and she definitely appreciates what brought her character to that point.
The first 3 episodes of Andor finally dropped on Disney Plus, and with them came plenty of fan reactions to this different new look into the Star Wars universe. From morally questionable actions by Diego Luna's titular character Cassian Andor to rather overt references to sex (a clear step outside the franchise's normal comfort zone), it's clear that this series plans to do things a little differently. But some things still feel familiar, such as a solid mentor character and some nice speeches, and Shaw has those covered
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Shaw offered some insight into that particular moment in episode 3. As her character Maarva's house is being searched by the Morlana One Corporation Authority in their search for her adoptive son Cassian, she drops a rather intimidating line about the locals getting more and more restless outside. "That's what a reckoning sounds like," she says, leaving the officers looking just a bit more fearful.
"I enjoyed that because what was also written in it is this feeling that Maarva has been in these moments before," Shaw explained, "the same way somebody might remember the 1960s and when the revolution died. She is somebody who remembers previous turbulence. Her family had been punished quite unfairly by the Empire, and I think she really does enjoy what a reckoning sounds like. When it gets quiet is when you really have to worry. She's referring to the silence before a storm." It's a poignant comparison, as it draws direct inspiration from real-world stories and issues.
Shaw also seems to understand the complex relationship between Maarva and Cassian, whom she found all alone at only 10 years old in a derelict ship while scavenging. "She's done the best she can with him," she mused, referring to Cassian's unstoppable rebellious streak. "Even a child at 10 is pretty formed, but I think she loved him. And she's probably always acknowledged that because Kenari and his search for his sister is always on his mind, he never gave himself entirely to this mother."
Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy was told to avoid fan service and Easter eggs, and that arguably could have helped lead to the exploration of more intimate elements like the relationship between Cassian and Maarva. The first 3 episodes showed off a slow but satisfying burn with the story, which probably helps explain the decision to release them all at once. So here's hoping it all pays off with plenty more emotional moments going forward.
Andor airs new episodes every Wednesday on Disney Plus.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter