The Empire catches up with Andor, but are as yet unaware of his identity and past.

It’s a shame that the Empire don’t have decent face recognition software, as instead of looking for Cassian Andor they’d realise they already have him in custody, serving a sentence, albeit under a different name. Having been convicted of civil disruption and anti-Imperial speech, Andor is now serving his sentence on Narkina 5, a prison facility where teams of prisoners are competing with one another for privileges and survival.

Andor’s team leader, played by Andy Serkis, is an officious, passive aggressive man (we’ve all had a boss like this) who bullies the prisoners into beating quotas in manufacturing what appear to be munitions parts, though in truth they look like giant pieces of LEGO Technic. Andor is taking it all in, no doubt planning his escape, though that will prove difficult in a prison where electrical charges shoot up through the feet of the bare-footed prisoners.

Elsewhere, the pressure is mounting for the Resistance, who are under increased scrutiny from the Empire. Mon Mothma, Luthen and Bix are feeling the heat, the latter getting a visit from Denise Gough’s wonderful Dedra, who is loving every minute of her increased powers, determined to break the Rebellion wide open.

Verdict: A new challenge for Andor, a familiar face, and ramping up of pressure. Another excellent episode. 8/10

Nick Joy