Tony Gilroy and Genevieve O'Reilly analyze Mon Mothma's crucial dance scene in Andor, discussing its significance.
Rewritten Article:
Dive back into the heart of the Star Wars rebellion as the first three episodes of Andor season two unfold on Disney+. io9 had the chance to chat with showrunner Tony Gilroy and star Genevieve O’Reilly, who plays Mon Mothma, all about the riveting final moments of the third episode. Gilroy explains how the concept of three-episode "movie" arcs came to be, and how the backstory was developed throughout production.
Sabina Graves, io9: Initially, Andor was planned to span five seasons, with each season covering a year. However, this evolved into these three-episode "movie" arcs. How much of the backstory was provided and developed as you went along?
Tony Gilroy: Initially, I feared we'd have to deal with excessive exposition, continually explaining what happened since the last time we saw the characters. I didn't want that, and early on, I thought I'd need to write an extensive bible of everything that happens in between. But thankfully, that wasn't the case. We had multiple conversations, but I didn't need to go back and do heavy lifting as I initially thought I would.
io9: Genevieve, it seems rather liberating to have those broad strokes to explore Mon Mothma's formative years and her role in building the rebellion. Her moment of release in episode three felt incredibly cathartic. Can you share some insights on how that moment came to be?
Genevieve O'Reilly: Absolutely! The first three episodes take place over three days in Mon's ancestral home. I felt deeply immersed in her history and heritage throughout that time. There wasn't much exposition, simply observing the rituals and practices. As the story unfolds, we discover the significance of those three days, particularly the complex interplay of familial relationships and Mon's alliance with Luthen.
In the final moments of those three episodes, Mon is wrestling with her internal chaos amidst the celebration. It's a powerful scene that highlights the internal struggles of a woman not just dealing with familial tensions, but also confronting the brutal realities of rebellion.
io9: It's a beautiful and moving moment, especially the dancing and drinking. Tony, what did you see as the strength and beauty of intercutting those more personal scenes with the broader implications of the characters' crossroads?
Gilroy: My brother John, who's a master builder in post-production, helped create a compelling crescendo, much like in the funeral scene from the first season. I was able to juxtapose Cassian's heroic actions with Mon's morally challenging decisions and Eedy's arrival, all at once. The end of the third episode is satisfying, and I'm particularly fond of the dance scene because it allows the audience to connect with Mon more deeply, as they're the only ones who truly understand her predicament.
Don't miss out on Andor, now streaming on Disney+. For more io9 news, keep up with the latest updates on future Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, the evolution of the DC Universe on screen, and the fresh direction of Doctor Who.
Enrichment Insights:
Deliberate Approach to Andor Season 2
The decision to structure Andor Season 2 into four three-episode arcs was a deliberate move to craft a more cohesive and epic story, reminiscent of standalone Star Wars films[1][4]. Each arc in the season represents a unique narrative structure, delving into significant moments in the development of Cassian Andor's character[5].
Development of the Backstory
As the series progressed, the backstory of Andor was developed extensively. The first season set the foundation for Cassian's journey, laying the groundwork for the more fragmented narrative of Season 2[5]. Notably, the Ghorman Massacre, a pivotal event in Season 2, was integrated into the storyline[5]. The growth of supporting characters like Luthen Rael and Mon Mothma was another essential element of the series’ evolution. While Season 2 provided more depth to these characters, some gaps in their storylines still occurred due to the time jumps between arcs[5]. This was a strategic choice to prioritize Cassian's story while still providing essential moments for other characters.
Evolution of the Narrative Structure
The structure of Season 2 was influenced by the need to create a sense of progression and continuity, despite the time jumps. This allowed for a dynamic storytelling experience, as each arc had its distinct vibe and musical themes[4]. The structure also facilitated the composition of the score, providing clear breaks between episodes, similar to a "palate cleanser," smoothing the transition between arcs for the audience[4].
Overall, the development of the backstory and the structure of Andor Season 2 aimed to weave a compelling narrative arc for the characters while maintaining the essence of the Star Wars universe.
Gizmodo might have applauded the evolution of Andor's narrative structure, commending the series for its deliberate move towards four three-episode arcs, reminiscent of standalone Star Wars films.
As for Entertainment Weekly, they might have delved into Genevieve O'Reilly's insights on Mon Mothma's emotional moments, such as the powerful dance scene in the final moments of the three-episode arcs, highlighting the internal struggles of a woman facing familial tensions and the brutal realities of rebellion.
In TechRadar, the discussion may have focused on the technology behind the production of Andor, explores how the showmakers used Ian McDiarmid's early performance as Emperor Palpatine from the movies-and-tv series Empire Strikes Back to inform and create the character's older counterpart in the series.
