Andor season 1 episode 5 recap: The Axe Forgets

This article contains SPOILERS for Andor season 1 episode 5.

Hours before the heist, Cassian’s loyalties to the team are questioned and Moth has some familial squabbles in this week’s episode of Andor season 1.

Catch up here on everything from the last episode!

The fifth episode begins with Syrill Karn waking up in his mother’s home with her taking care of him. She is shaming him for being a poor leader all because he is slouching over his cereal and blue milk.

Eedy Karn then asks her son about his prospects to which Syrill does not have any. She plans to call his Uncle Harlo to call in a family favor so someone can take him on.

Andor season 1 episode 5: Skeen is suspicious of “Clem”

Cassian Andor wakes at the rebel camp to find his things are missing. When he goes looking, he quickly finds Skeen going through them and making no secret about it.

He explains to Andor without any shame or guilt that Vel told him to do it.

Skeen remarks about the Corporate Authority blaster and is able to deduce that “Clem” has been fighting the same enemy they are rebelling against. The rebel shows off to the thief his body markings.

They are images that Andor is able to understand since they are Imperial prison tattoos. Cassian was in one for three years when he was only 13 years old.

Even though “Clem” is not on the Empire’s side, Skeen knows Andor is individualistic and will not trust others very easily. Cassian says teams always break but Skeen explains why the likes of Nemik and Cinta are young but all in and fearless.

As Skeen departs, they both state how it would be lovely to win and walk away. In her senatorial dining room, Mon Mothma is preparing to leave with her daughter for school but is met with annoyance and hostility.

Her daughter is accusing her mom of showing off by taking her to school to prove she is involved while also accusing her mother of working more than parenting.

Andor season 1 episode 5: Vel gets help from Cassian at the last minute

Later, Nemik approaches a relaxing “Clem” and begins talking with the newest crew member about his beliefs about the Empire. Nemik states how old tech is better since the Empire can jam or hack the newest tech, making anyone who uses it oppressed.

Skeen, who is older, wiser, and has been fighting for a lot longer, overhears and playfully mocks Nemik for seeing oppression in everything and believing the Empire is going to be taken down with a few more ideas. Skeen and Nemik ask Clem what he believes.

He explains very simply that he knows who his enemy is now and that is all he cares about. With this info, Nemik plans to show Clem his manifesto’s early draft, but Clem is needed elsewhere.

After their newest member leaves, Skeen explains to Nemik that he does not trust Clem. Clem is called into the main tent to talk to Vel and Taramyn about an important step in removing their getaway ship off the runway.

Andor is able to help them with this and in return demands that he is the one piloting the ship. Vel agrees.

Out in the field, Taramyn walks through Clem and how they set up their area to be in the format of the heist so they can visualize it. He continues by explaining the persona Clem will be undergoing is an Imperial officer before testing if he can move like one.

Andor season 1 episode 5: Lieutenant Gorn makes his rounds

On Ferrix, Imperial Security supervisor Blevin is overlooking the rebuilding and refurnishing of the town following the PreMor Authority’s assault. He assigns an Imperial captain the assignment of setting up a headquarters at a building he decided will no longer be used as a hotel.

As the rebels are practicing their soldier walks and going over the plan, Clem makes the suggestion that Tamaryn and Skeen switch sides so their blasters will be facing the outside. Tamaryn dismisses this until Vel tests him on which hand everyone uses after only a couple of hours of him being with them.

He is able to answer correctly without hesitation.

Just before they go through it again, an Imperial drone flies over them, asserting their dominance and oppression over the supposed farmers. Nemik explains how the attacks from the air are not a shock, but attacks from the ground are, like their upcoming rebellious mission.

While this occurs, Lieutenant Gorn is seen making the rounds of the armory. He makes sure two lesser-standing officers clean up this old temple relic before taking in the sights of the beautiful landscape with a corporal.

When the corporal makes some xenophobic remarks about the indigenous people, Gorn snaps out of his trance and switches back to a stern military man.

Andor season 1 episode 5: Dedra Meero has a strong hunch

Back at their camp, Cassian is acting nice to the stone-cold Cinta, something that upsets the protective Vel as it appears they are in a relationship. Skeen touches Cassian’s bag with the kyber crystal Luthen Rael gave him, making Clem defensive of his property.

Vel lets Clem be protective and as Cassian slyly puts on the crystal. Tamarayn remarks how he is starting to actually look like a soldier.

At the Imperial Security Bureau offices, Officer Meero is going through the files once again of her sector. Dedra Meero and her assistant Heert are noticing how shipments and cargo are being spread out around the galaxy.

They still suspect this randomness is not random at all. On their last night, the rebels all have a toast as they burn up all the evidence of their plans for the heist.

In the morning, they leave camp to make their trek to the Imperial armory. As they walk, Vel quizzes Clem on his knowledge of the heist and he passes every question.

Clem then asks why Gorn’s involved since it is weird an Imperial officer wants to help. Vel explains how Gorn fell in love with a local woman, so he lost a promotion before then losing her.

She caps this off by explaining, “Everyone has their own rebellion.”

Andor season 1 episode 5: Cassian’s secrets almost come out

Returning to Syrill Karn and his mother, Eedy explains how she called Uncle Harlo and Syrill’s worries about him were misplaced. Apparently, Uncle Harlo never thought Syrill was cut out for police work but will have to think about what his nephew is right for.

Down in the armory, Lieutenant Gorn is handing out assignments for tomorrow. His subordinates request that only essential personnel be used so that as many people as possible can see The Eye.

Gorn “begrudgingly” approves but walks away grinning since that is exactly what he wanted. While taking a rest break, Skeen sneaks up behind Clem and rips off the expensive kyber crystal from his neck.

Cassian is prepared to kill for that back and tensions quickly rise. These are swiftly defused however when Nemik announces a ship is coming before it tails off.

Vel states they all have to move since this area is not safe, therefore Skeen and Clem can kill each other later. Before they leave, however, Cassian announces that he is being paid to be here.

This upsets everyone since they are here for beliefs whereas Andor is here for the money. Vel, who admits she knew about this, again says there is no time to waste, and they can talk when they are safe.

Andor season 1 episode 5: Hours before the heist

While being driven back after some function, Mon Mothma is being questioned about this new foundation she has started, likely a front for the money she is siphoning for the Rebellion. She simply explains she did not tell Perrin because it was charitable.

The rebels reach the top of the mountain just beyond the armory but close enough to signal to Gorn that they have arrived. Vel has Skeen tell Clem about his brother.

Skeen gives the shortened version explaining how his brother’s pepper tree farm was destroyed by the Empire which led to him taking his own life. Since then, Skeen has always hated the Empire but now his feelings are indescribable.

After this “apology” from Skeen, Vel informs Cassian that Tamaryn is in charge. Following this, Vel and Cinta leave to participate in a different part of the plan that Andor was not told about.

The episode ends in Luthen Rael’s shop. He is listening to the radio that has connections to the rebels.

It is all static and has been for some time so his assistant Kleya tells him he’s done all he can. She explains that time tomorrow it will be over, but Luthen proposes, “Or it’ll just be starting.”

Who do you think will not survive the heist? Will Cassian actually be able to help the team?

How do you think Mon Mothma will handle her daughter siding with her Empire-loving husband? Let us know your answers and opinions in the comments below!

Watch the new episode of Andor season 1 next Wednesday, only on Disney+!