Deputy Inspector Syril Karn begins to close the net around Cassian Andor, just as Andor is meeting with the buyer for his stolen piece of Imperial equipment. Luthen Rael is much more than just a black market trader though, as Andor is about to find out.

This episode truly does feel like a big third act, again demonstrating the wise decision by Disney to release three episodes at once to kick off Andor’s debut.

Whereas the first episode felt like scene setting and world building – and did so in a way that made the Star Wars universe feel deeper, more tangible and more authentically alive and lived-in than it has for a while – and the second delved into an expanding cast of characters in this gritty corner of the universe, this third one really kicks into gear.

We get more insight into Andor’s background too, as well as some insightful, searing commentary on the misuse of policing powers – particularly by people who find themselves way out of their depth.

It all builds to a phenomenal closing montage – with an incredible piece of music by series composer Nicholas Britell, who’s been a bit of an unsung hero until now – which signifies big, irreversible changes for just about everyone we’ve met so far.

This episode also features one big action sequence that is absolutely thrilling, with a particularly unique use of the environment it takes place in. The stakes feel high, the tension is ratcheted up brilliantly and the performances are superb across the board. In particular, Kyle Soller – as the ambitious, but ultimately frighteningly incompetent and frustrated Syril Karn – is an absolute revelation.

Dark, mature and measured, Andor isn’t necessarily going to please the hardcore Star Wars fan who’s much more into the action and adventure that the saga is known for (especially as it’s refreshingly light on the obvious fan service references that we’re used to seeing).

This episode may allay their fears of a slow paced drama being all we can expect. That measured pace worked for me though – with the build up truly selling the stakes and importance of everything and everyone, before it all goes to hell.