Why Cassian Killed THAT Character In Andor Episode 6

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Andor season 1, episode 6.

Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) has two reasons for killing Arvel Skeen (Ebon Moss-Bacharach) at the end of Andor season 1, episode 6. The two characters had a similarly pragmatic approach to joining the Rebels' Aldhani heist, but the closing scenes of episode 6 put Andor and Skeen at odds with each other, leading to Cassian gunning him down. It's an abrupt and brutal moment that reminds audiences of Cassian's cold-blooded nature, first seen when he gunned down the two security guards in Andor episode 1.

Once they escape with the Imperial payroll as planned, Andor, Skeen, and Vel (Faye Marsay) take a detour to a remote planet to seek medical attention for the critically injured Nemik (Alex Lawther). While a doctor tries to save Nemik's life, Skeen pitches another daring scheme to Andor - splitting the takings from the Aldhani Garrison heist between them and leaving the Rebellion behind. When pressed about his reasons for joining the Rebellion, Skeen reveals that the story he told about his oppressed brother, driven to suicide by the Empire, was a lie. This, combined with the proposed betrayal of Vel and Nemik leaves Cassian incensed, and he kills Skeen.

Was Cassian Killing Skeen The Right Choice?

Ebon Moss-Bacharach as Skeen in Andor episode 6

On the surface of it, Cassian made the right choice in killing Skeen. The former soldier had proved himself to be a liar and an opportunist, who was only involved with the Rebellion for financial gain. Someone like that is a liability in the Rebellion, especially as Star Wars has already shown how the Empire regularly employs bounty hunters to track down their enemies. However, Cassian isn't yet the icon of the Rebellion that audiences meet in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and his reason for killing Skeen definitely appears to be more personal.

The reveal that Skeen's affecting story about his brother's suicide was a lie is the final straw for Cassian. It reveals to him that Skeen is interested in profit and individual gain over everything else. It also presents Skeen as a darker mirror version of Cassian, whose search for his missing sister has led him to Luthan Rael and the Rebellion. Skeen's use of such a tragic backstory to gain everyone's trust disgusts Andor, and that's ultimately why he kills him, because Skeen has proved himself to be beyond saving.

Cassian Killing Skeen Makes His Character Arc Even Better

Cassian Andor shoots Skeen dead in Andor episode 6

Seeing his darker nature reflected in Skeen is a moment of self-awareness that symbolizes a turning point in Cassian Andor's pre-Rogue One story. While he still demands his cut and plans to leave the Rebellion now that his job is done, viewers know that this isn't what ultimately happens. Where Cassian was recklessly single-minded in earlier episodes of Andor, it's now clear that he's thinking about others beyond his own desire to track down his missing sister.

As well as the symbolism of killing his darker, more selfish side, Cassian shot Skeen to continue repaying Nemik for saving his life during the heist. Especially as Skeen would have happily left Vel and Nemik stranded with Imperial officers closing in. Though he's apparently left Vel with Dr. Quadpaw and the freighter, it's only a matter of time before Andor, like Han Solo rejoins the Rebellion, especially as he now carries Nemik's rebel manifesto with him.

New episodes of Andor release on Wednesdays on Disney+.

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