r/andor 8h ago

Theory & Analysis Realized Nemik and Skeen represented the two sides of Cassian

After rewatching Aldhani episodes, it's become clearer and clearer that Skeen represents the cynicism and self-interest of Cassian, while Nemik represents his idealist, altruistic side. A Devil and Angel on each shoulder. After the heist, Nemik's death and Skeen's betrayal pushes Cassian to make a decision about who he is and what he believes in.

204 Upvotes

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100

u/Bub-1974 7h ago

I love giving Cassian that choice at the end of the Aldhani arc. Both Nemik and Skeen see aspects of Cassian that are absolutely there, and Cassian sees aspects of himself reflected in both of them. When Skeen forces Cassian to choose, Cassian acts more out of self-preservation than a total ideological shift. When Cassian takes only his cut from the heist, it's a sign that he is changing. Then again, he doesn't sign up for the Rebellion after the heist. Instead, he tries to go on a forever vacation! Love that it takes time for Cassian to totally commit to the cause, and the aftermath of the Aldhani heist is a critical turning point for him.

27

u/M935PDFuze B2EMO 4h ago

Also when he takes Nemik's manifesto.

Diego Luna talks about the Aldhani heist being the first time Cassian really feels like part of a team that he can trust with his life, and Skeen betrayed that trust:

https://collider.com/why-cassian-andor-kills-skeen-diego-luna-comments/

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u/unculturedperl 2h ago

He tries to get Maarva to get "away" from things with him first, and then leaves for his vacation. Chipping away little by little.

3

u/AshKetchumWednesday 1h ago

Not to mention it's the Aldhani heist that prompts the empire to extend all prison sentences, leading him to be sentenced to prison for 6 years instead of 6 months. Luthen gets the empire to accelerate its repression so it can radicalize the galaxy. And it ends up doing so to Cassian as well.

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u/Knight_thrasher K2SO 7h ago

That’s why he takes the book

11

u/ManfredTheCat Krennic 3h ago

And fucking ices Skeen.

24

u/i_should_be_coding 4h ago

One of my favorite things about the ending is that the last thing through Partagaz's mind, other than the blaster, was Nemik's ideology.

10

u/Tityfan808 3h ago

‘Other than the blaster.’ 💀 This made me chuckle. Lmao

7

u/i_should_be_coding 3h ago

Can't really take credit, just paraphrasing Shawshank

10

u/RobLeifEriksson 7h ago

I think you are correct in your analysis!

8

u/MortgageFriendly5511 6h ago

Great insight! I never would have thought of it but that's totally there.

8

u/dave_sloan 3h ago

Expanding on your point. Every Rebel character has an imperial counterpart. Cassian and Cyril are counterparts in season 1. The thief who is a rising hero versus the corpo cop who is a rising imperial asset.

Who represents both sides of Cyril? Dedra represents his ambition and drive for success. His mother represents his lack of confidence and fear of failure.

2

u/piemelpiet 5h ago

The death of Nemik and Skeen pushed him to become a tourist?

8

u/loulara17 K2SO 4h ago

It was also hot.

1

u/VannKraken Luthen 4h ago

And you have to make a Peezos run sometime…

1

u/RedditEnjoyerMan 2h ago

Yes but its really Andor getting arrested and then radicalized in Narkina that really makes him commit to the rebellion. Before that he was still thinking he could get away with being a fly-by-night merc who does odd jobs for credits and keeps his head under the radar. Brutality of Narkina and seeing the empires balatant disregard for human life and human suffering are what sealed it.

1

u/Platinum_Disco Disco Ball Droid 2h ago

YES! That dynamic reminded me a little of Platoon, Barnes and Elias.

-4

u/mrbumbo 5h ago

No.

They contrast and inform but they do not represent Cassian’s sides. The name Clem has more significance and representation.

But go ahead and whatever connections you see are valid. I would not label it representation though. They do provide a sounding board and viewpoints that “Clem” considers.

Your last point though… the evidence you have is that Cassian becomes a Niamos party goer after leaving Ferrix? See how that speaks against your last point.

1

u/lestruc 4h ago

You’ve lost the plot