Your New Favorite Star Wars Couple Almost Didn't Happen in 'Andor' Season 2 -

Andor creator Tony Gilroy has achieved landmark success in the Star Wars series, though not everyone saw his genius at first. After using the famous franchise to weave a harrowing story about war and fascism, Gilroy decided to pair two unlikely characters together — Syril (Kyle Soller) and Dedra (Denise Gough). The two had a contentious beginning in their relationship, but eventually found love in the hopeless place that is the Empire. This controversial decision to get the two characters together was of great concern, particularly for the actor who plays Dedra, Denise Gough.

“Denise said to me during the first season, ‘Oh my God, do not put them together,’” Gilroy told Entertainment Weekly. “‘Do not do that. That’s the one thing I’m asking you.’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t think I’m going to answer that.’” Gough’s worst fears were realized, but perhaps not how she intended. Gilroy told the outlet that the actor feared Dedra’s story would become all about the romance:

“She was worried that with so many characters, when they get a romance, all of a sudden everything dies and it becomes about that. That was never my fear. It was inevitable to me that this was really interesting. I’m fascinated by them.”

If there is one writer who would buck the trend, it is Gilroy. For two seasons of Andor — and the Rogue One stand-alone film — he proved that storytelling was of the utmost importance. Characters come first, as well as the themes that surround them in a particular story. Syril (Kyle Soller) and Dedra find a connection because of their shared Imperialist vision. In Season 2, Gilroy took on the challenge of developing this relationship and doing it well.

The ‘Andor’ Romance Is Put Under Tension

The key to any good romance on television is drama, and Tony Gilroy found a way to stay true to the nature of the series, while showing the cracks beginning to form. It was never about sailing into the sunset for Syril and Dedra. “How long can that relationship be sustained until it’s put under pressure?” Gilroy questioned in his conversation with Entertainment Weekly. “Circumstances arise that put that to the test. And then, my God, Eedy’s coming to dinner!”

The arrival of Syril’s mother on the scene is certainly a conflict. Fans will remember Eedy (Kathryn Hunter) from Andor Season 1, the hyper-critical figure who could barely muster any maternal instinct. She is up to her old tricks in Season 2, but not ones that Dedra will put up with. She demands that Eedy treat her son with respect, for a price, of course. This scene wasn’t just about showing what one will do for love. Dedra shows how calculating she is in dealing with Eedy, something that comes into play more than once.

Viewers can catch this scene and more by streaming Andor Season 2 on Disney+.