How ANDOR Exposes the Chilling Reality of the Empire’s Cruelty on Ghorman

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In the opening of “Star Wars: A New Hope,” we learned about the Empire’s wicked nature. This became evident an hour later when Grand Moff Tarkin destroyed Alderaan, killing millions in an instant. The creation of such devastation was made possible by the Empire’s construction of the Death Star, a weapon of total subjugation. In “Andor,” we delve into how countless individuals, acting callously towards human life, were instrumental in building the Death Star within the “Star Wars” universe. On Ghorman, we witness this horrifying reality unfold, as the series exposes the chilling extent of the Empire’s evil.

In the opening chapter of the second season for the series ‘Andor’, one of the scariest scenes ever in ‘Star Wars’ unfolded. This sequence didn’t involve the usual battles with lightsabers or blasters. Instead, it depicted ordinary people contemplating a horrific deed as casually as deciding on a restaurant for lunch. In this instance, Director Orson Krennic convened an off-the-books gathering of Imperial officers, under the guise of discussing the Emperor’s “Energy Initiative.” However, we now understand from ‘Andor’ that Krennic is actually constructing the Death Star. A crucial component for this project is a mineral exclusive to Ghorman – Kalkite. The challenge lies in extracting the Kalkite without causing the planet’s destruction.

The formidable and long-standing Ghorman civilization won’t surrender their world peacefully, so Krennic convened the Andor conference to devise a plan to quell all opposition. The other Imperial officials, intuitively and without dissent, understood the implications. Nine major cities with an estimated 800,000 Ghorman inhabitants will require intervention. And that intervention will be harsh and irreversible.

Ghorman isn’t a mere celestial body; it’s wealthy, influential, and highly respected. Any event affecting it would draw attention from other galaxies, possibly inciting rebellion against the Empire. Therefore, on Andor, Krennic and his unscrupulous subordinates started devising a scheme to spin the potential destruction of Ghorman as beneficial. The Director has an external public relations firm at the ready, aiming to sway the rest of the galaxy against the arrogant Ghors. Simultaneously, Dedra Meero informed Krennic that mere propaganda wouldn’t suffice; they need to engineer a weak insurgency on the planet. This way, the Empire could use rebel activity as an excuse for actions they intended to take regardless. They aim to portray tyranny as justice, all in the name of maintaining order.

The sequence was unsettling due to the casual manner in which a crowd of individuals were planning the destruction of an entire world, reminiscent of mechanics meticulously fixing a vehicle. In the second arc of Andor season two, we witnessed how hidden plots hatched in dimly lit rooms ultimately led to the oppression and genuine hardship experienced by the people of Ghorman.

It’s not just that the Empire is employing tactics everyone can see, such as creating harsh laws under the guise of “safety” and secretly constructing an unauthorized weapons facility while claiming it’s merely an office building. Dedra is going a step further by manipulating her boyfriend, Syril Karn, to assist the Empire in eliminating the Ghor. She deceives the resistance into thinking that Syril supports their cause when he’s actually working undercover for her. The cunningness of this plan is only rivaled by its appalling wickedness. What makes the Empire so reprehensible is that it exploits the inevitable rebellion it knew would occur on Ghorman against Andor. Instead of fostering freedom, it’s using this struggle as a means to further oppress its people.

The aspiring imperialist supporter believes he’s assisting the Empire in suppressing rebellion across the galaxy. However, Syril isn’t aware that Partagaz and his own partner are manipulating him to contribute to Ghorman’s destruction. Much like the Death Star will eventually obliterate Alderaan, they plan to do so to Ghorman. But what’s happening on Andor might be even more ruthless. Instead of quick annihilation for those on Alderaan (provided by Tarkan), the people of Ghorman are being subjected to a slow and painful death, with their bravest citizens being used to strangle the planet and everyone on it.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on how Star Wars introduced us to the essence of the Empire in a compelling narrative, blending storytelling with visuals. Yet, the chilling screams of millions echoing in terror are something that’s challenging to fully grasp. Our human minds aren’t equipped to comprehend the scale of such tragedy. We didn’t personally know any of those who perished that fateful day. The tyrannical Emperor, fueled by the Force, is an alien entity, which often leaves us feeling detached from his evil deeds.

Witnessing a crowd of seemingly indifferent individuals casually plotting a mass extermination is troubling enough. But to observe their malicious plan unfold in reality, with innocent victims we grow to care for, fighting valiantly against the odds – that’s the harsh truth that resonates deeply. It’s disheartening to realize how those who do wrong often start with an edge because goodness sometimes struggles to grasp the depth of evil it faces. That’s why the scenes in Andor are difficult to bear, as they strike a chord of all-too-human authenticity.

The fate of Ghor is clear. No matter how intensely they resist or what assistance they receive, in a few years, their Death Star will be operational. The Empire is certain to claim its Kalkite. Yet, their tragic tale carries significance beyond the distant galaxy. By illustrating the detailed sequence of events, by allowing us to witness the enactment of a heinous crime orchestrated by many, Andor has shed light on something we’ve long known but never grasped more deeply. It is revealing not only the utter depths of the Empire’s wickedness, but also who enabled its existence.

Mike Walsh, a contributing author at TopMob, believes that Cassian made a mistake by leaving Ghorman behind. Keep up with his thoughts on Bluesky @burgermike, and don’t forget to check out where he ranks the Targaryen rulers.

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2025-05-01 02:03