I Have Friends Everywhere

The amount of attention to detail in this show is light years above other space opera.

The writing has become very sophisticated. We have an insurgency, within an insurgency, within an insurgency here which I have never seen before in fiction. There are multiple factions, each with its own agenda, goals and motivations. I just hope the fate of the galaxy doesn't depend on some last minute hand to hand fight between Andor and Deedra or some old greasy kid stuff from Marvel Comics.

There are all sorts of little details happening in each scene that give is authenticity. Most of the characters are deep and robust, each intensely interesting, to the point they could each support a series on their own. Andor himself is perhaps the least interesting of them all yet he binds the story together.

This is a thinking persons show. Lots of characters maneuvering using their minds to out think their opponents. Brute force doesn't work here. No time wasted on fight scenes we've seen thousands of times before (boooooooring) or long spaceship battles (yaaaaaaawn) that are the sludge of most Sci Fi these days.

I especially like the Deedra actress (Denise Gough). She has these big eyes, and makes several of the scenes pop just by messaging with those eyes. Forest Whitaker's character spews spellbinding stories and philosophy and had me rolling on the floor with the absurd timing he chooses to tell them. Syril, the petulant, dedicated Momma's boy is entertaining too and his mother Eedy's scenes are completely superfluous to the story but the actress is so spot-on-Coruscant-stereotype-Jewish mother they have to throw her in here for pure entertainment value.

I applaud the director for bringing all the best out of the actors. Some of them play very eccentric personalities and highly entertaining. Mostly the evil ones of course because evil characters just by virtue of being evil have a lot more latitude to show off extremely wild demeanor. Chaotic Neutral characters too like Saw played by Forest Whitaker get even more free reign to cross the line. There are some scenes where I feel like the the show has become an actors study where the actors are actually putting the practice of acting-stealing-the-scene is the primary purpose of the show.

I don't know if this show would impress everyone but it's blowing me away and I'm going to have to watch it again because I'm sure there are details I missed.

À very slow but well crafted and nuanced picture of life under oppressive government with excessive over reach and unattractive lives of rebels who give up everything for a cause.

On Cassian's mission to Ghorman, we gain a deeper look at the city. Its culture, dress style, and street design evoke World War II Europe, particularly occupied France, and the large, realistic crowds in these scenes are truly impressive.

Furthermore, we witness firsthand how the rebels are inadvertently playing into the Imperials' hands, with Syril playing a significant role in this dynamic. However, the narrative reveals layers of plans, sometimes overwhelming those in charge and at other times, traps are carefully crafted. This complexity effectively builds out the intricate network of rebels and the counterinsurgency agencies operating within the Empire's vast bureaucracy.

Spycraft is on full display here, and we continue to see the fallout as individuals grapple with their multiple lives and the sheer volume of information they must manage. The acting remains strong; Forrest Whitaker delivers a chilling and unpredictable portrayal of Saw Gerrera, the eccentric revolutionary, and his interaction with Wilmon is particularly compelling.

The attention to detail is noteworthy, from the growing number of protesters in Palmo's city center to the ambiance of the coffee shop and the fashionable outfits. Even the hotel employee in Ghorman provides crucial exposition, highlighting how the planet's people have been stripped of their dignity and forced to overlook injustices for the sake of trade and economic stability.

There is plenty going on in I Have Friends Everywhere and it's all very well done.

Cassian's arc significantly gathers momentum from the previous episode. I like the character development shown in his portrayal as an intelligent rebel spy, especially with some of his decision making.

Saw Gerrera and the Onderons have more screen time and the scenes are strongly plotted and benefit from the star quality of Forest Whitaker. I hope these characters have more involvement in significant rebel activities as this one promises plenty.

The scenes involving characters with unknown destinies like Dedra, Syril, and Luthen continue to be some of the most intriguing aspects. It makes me want to find out if the Imperial couple will continue down the current path or if there will there be a twist. Likewise Bix's fate is compelling, as what we see here fills me with dread.

As ever the visuals are excellent and the performances are strong. For me Whitaker stands out with the most charisma.

Wow Forest Whitaker is one of a kind. His performance as Saw Gerrera is nothing short of exceptional. His monologue at the end was incredible. Easily the best part of the episode. A good episode. On the slower side of the spectrum but still very good, even at its weakest this show is still very strong and the consistency is impressive. Excited to see where things go in the next episode. I have to take a whizz right now, if only IMDB didn't have character requirements on reviews I could go right now. Man I'm so happy its the weekend. Cant wait to keep watching this show. Man Nightreign is pretty sick huh? Excited to keep playing that this weekend.

Quite liked the episode but Mr F. Whitaker is awful... and I am a fan. Pacing was better, felt a little forced and contrived but that is par for the course in the Wars. Those X-Wings got me in the feelers though and for that alone this gets a thumbs up... oh 1977 I was there but too young. But still here I am :-) woot!

Apparently this isn't long enough which is a little bit silly because now I have to waffle. It's about time a certain druid appeared and Cassian needs to roll out some badassary, so far his finger tickling KFC love scene is tithe highlight of this arc... and come on that ain't working for anyone.