There is little doubt that Cassian Andor is heading back to Ferrix after everything that happened in Andor Episode 11. But why was it necessary for him to part ways with Ruescott Melshi? Showrunner Tony Gilroy has offered an interesting explanation as to why the two characters couldn't stick together in the Star Wars series.
In Daughter of Ferrix, Cassian and Melshi finally escaped Narkina 5 and made it to Naimos. But when Cassian calls home and learns that his mother has died, he realizes he would have to go back to Ferrix but bringing Melshi isn't an option.
Before Cassian can explain the situation, Melshi elects for them to part ways and spread the word about the Galactic Empire's unjust prison system. Tony Gilroy explains to Collider that Melshi's decision was driven by their motivations.
"Melshi comes up with the heroic version of that, which is, people have to know what we just went through. Melshi's been radicalized, everybody's been radicalized," the showrunner said.
He continues, "So, that moment, that line, that's when you're writing from dialogue that it really helps you. That's a really good example, I'm talking about that all the time. That's where sketching the scene and plotting it out of dialogue and just getting them talking there."
"All of a sudden, I find myself writing Melshi saying, 'We got to split up. People have to know what happened.' And you go, oh, my God, holy shit, yeah. What a righteous thing," Gilroy continued. "And take this gun and go and let's split up, that's our better chance. So, the first impulse says, oh, my God, I can't have these two good guys. I do not want to carry Melshi around with me to Ferrix, so what am I going to say he's doing? So, that's the algorithm here in the laboratory, I guess."
It all makes sense and although it's unfortunate that Cassian and Melshi couldn't stay together, we're glad to know that they both have their own missions to go on. With that in mind, we can't wait for the season finale.
The 12th and final episode of Andor Season 1 has not yet been given an official title. It is set to premiere on Disney+ on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.
Related: Star Wars: Andor Showrunner Explains Why Cassian Doesn't Know About The Jedi
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