'Andor,' Episode 4: Why Did We Wait So Long for Mon Mothma's Starring Moment?

Live action Star Wars is back in the form of Andor, a prequel to Star Wars spin-off film Rogue One that follows common criminal-turned-Rebel Alliance hero Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) during the years leading up to the events of the film. We’re here to tackle any questions, debates and your utmost curiosity about the future soldier for the Rebel Alliance. While Andor is set five years before the Battle of Yavin in Star Wars: A New Hope, there are plenty of easter eggs and little tidbits that help us understand the grizzled Rebellion veteran in Cassian Andor.

Each week, we’ll be answering your questions here. Andor episode 4 brings one of the most important figures of the Rebel Alliance to the series—but it’s important to note that we are meeting her BEFORE she rhas anything to do with the burgeoning Rebellion. Yes, we’re talking about none other than Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly).

Episode 4 of Andor takes us from the gritty poverty-driven world of Ferrix to the political drama of Coruscant, which is the location of the Galactic Empire “headquarters.” While a decent bit of Episode 4 takes place around more familiar thematic undertones regarding Cassian’s dealings with the special operations group of Rebels handpicked by Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard), we also are greeted to Rael’s “secret identity” as an antique art/arms dealer on Coruscant. That is where we’re (re)introduced to Mon Mothma.

Our question is simple . . .

**In a Star Wars universe severely lacking in female characters—why did it take Andor so long to bring us one of such importantance?**

Outside of Princess/General Leia Organa-Skywalker (Carrie Fisher), Mon Mothma is one of the most integral female characters to the plot of the original Star Wars trilogy—though we hadn’t seen much of her (outside of a brief appearance in Return of the Jedi) since she was reintroduced in Rogue One.

As a senator from Chandrila, she holds a unique role in the Imperial Senate. She’s one of the rare politicians who speaks out publicly against some of the atrocities committed by the Empire. We know that after retaining her senate seat, she began secretly organizing various resistance movements to combat the growing dangers presented by the Empire.

So, Is Mon Mothma a Cash Cow for Luthen Rael—Or Something More?

It’s not exactly clear what their connection is, but we do know that both Rael and Mothma are looking for various ways to fund the early-stage Rebellion, all while under the magnifying glass of the Empire.

Before the events of A New Hope, we know that Mothma publicly left the Imperial Senate (which gets disbanded during the events of A New Hope anyway), so the ever-watchful eye of the Empire is already focusing in on her activities.

Is Mothma’s Husband Part of the Plot?

At first glance, it doesn’t appear that he is involved whatsoever. Perrin Fertha (Alastair Mackenzie) has much of the same superficial charm that allows his wife to effectively act as a double agent, but nothing about him suggests that he is involved in the Rebel plotting with Rael.

In fact, Perrin’s dinner party guests (including Sly Moore, who Star Wars superfans will recognize as an Umbaran Imperial Agent who is aware that Emperor Palpatine is a Sith Lord) suggest that he’s a true Imperial sympathizer, which might help create added cover for Mothma.

What Will Be Her Role Throughout the Show?

As this is our first introduction to Mothma, it’s safe to assume that we get to see a further exploration of the character who eventually becomes one of the leaders of the Rebel Alliance. Perhaps Andor will expand upon her relationship with Rael and hopefully dives into her politicking in the Imperial Senate.

Mothma does reference that she’s recruited a new ally to their cause, which leaves so much interpretation as to who that ally might be – early guesses include Bail Organa (adoptive father of Princess Leia), Ahsoka Tano (former Jedi Apprentice to Anakin Skywalker), or perhaps a mysterious new player that we have yet to meet.