Andor season 2 episode 8 recap explores growing rebellion and brutal imperial response

Andor season 2 episode 8 delivers a powerful look at resistance, sacrifice, and escalating imperial brutality.

⚠️ Spoiler Alert: The following article contains major plot details from Andor Season 2, Episode 8.

Andor Season 2, Episode 8 delivers a harrowing depiction of protest, repression, and personal collapse, as the long-anticipated Ghorman massacre takes center stage. Written by Dan Gilroy and directed by Janus Metz, the episode follows Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) as he prepares to assassinate Imperial officer Dedra Meero (Denise Gough), just as tensions erupt in Palmo Plaza.

As Imperial forces tighten control, the Ghorman resistance organizes a mass demonstration. Protestors fill the plaza with chants and banners in Basic, hoping to broadcast their message across the galaxy. Meanwhile, Cassian navigates the rising unrest while trying to complete his mission.

Amid the chaos, Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) is summoned to the IOC building. There, he confronts Dedra and violently demands answers about the Empire’s true intentions. When she downplays the danger, Syril assaults her, then flees—only to be killed shortly after by rebel leader Rylenz, during a brutal confrontation with Cassian.

The massacre reaches its peak as Stormtroopers and KX units open fire on civilians after staging a false flag incident. Key resistance members, including Enza and Dilan, are killed, and Thela sacrifices himself in a hotel explosion. Cassian escapes with Wil and salvages a damaged KX unit—an early hint at his future partnership with K-2SO.

A final rebel broadcast describes the bloodshed in Ghorman as a calculated slaughter, calling on the galaxy to remember the truth. As the Empire spins its narrative, Syril is posthumously branded a hero. The episode reinforces Andor’s unflinching portrayal of rebellion and the price of complicity.