Season 2, Episode 5, titled I Have Friends Everywhere, directed by Ariel Kleiman and written by Beau Willimon, continues as Cassian infiltrates the planet undercover to evaluate the strength of the Ghorman Front, a rising rebel faction. Meanwhile, the ISB pushes forward with its plan to exploit Ghorman for the construction of the Death Star—justifying oppression under the pretense of maintaining order. Although the ISB seems ten steps ahead, Luthen begins to recognize kindred spirits within the Ghorman movement—individuals who may yet become vital to the birth of the Rebel Alliance.

The core theme of this episode is preparedness. As Cassian observes, the Ghorman Front lacks the experience and discipline to face the Empire directly. The Imperial Security Bureau is not only powerful—it is methodical, manipulative, and prepared to manufacture a pretext to tighten its grip. Still, Cassian must come to understand that while these rebels may be untrained, they are not hopeless. Given the chance to learn, they can become a formidable force. For this reason, rebels like Cassian must embrace hope—the belief that their guidance can turn idealistic amateurs into seasoned fighters capable of reclaiming their homeworld.

Syril Reports to the ISB

On Ghorman, Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) continues his deep-cover operation for the ISB. In a staged incident, Syril publicly “clashes” with Attendant Grymish and ISB Tech agents who sweep the Bureau of Standards for hidden listening devices allegedly planted by the Ghorman Front. Syril performs convincingly as a morally upright manager who dislikes Imperial intrusion—earning the trust of rebel sympathizers.

However, internal divisions simmer within the Ghorman Front. Leaders like Carro Rylanz (Richard Sammel) and his daughter Enza (Alais Lawson) believe the Empire is not directly responsible for the atrocities on Ghorman, but that the ISB has gone rogue. Their naivety blinds them to the reality: the Empire exists to serve the Sith, and its cruelty is not a deviation but a feature. Despite differing beliefs, the Ghorman Front formally recruits Syril and includes him in a plan to ambush an Imperial transport they believe carries weapons for the armory under construction at Palmo Plaza.

Later, Syril returns to Coruscant under the pretense of visiting his mother Eedy (Kathryn Hunter). At ISB headquarters, he debriefs Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Major Partagaz (Anton Lesser), sharing names of Ghorman Front members—including Carro—and details of their growing militancy. Dedra advises they subtly encourage the rebels to become bolder, providing justification for a violent Imperial crackdown. Syril, deluded by his longing for purpose and approval, revels in his mission—oblivious or indifferent to the suffering his betrayal will cause. His behavior reflects a deep inferiority complex that Dedra exploits with precision, ensuring Ghorman’s fall unfolds exactly as planned.

Cassian Talks With Rylanz

Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) arrives on Ghorman under the alias “Varian Skye,” a Coruscanti dressmaker—an ironic cover given his total lack of tailoring knowledge. He meets Elector Carro Rylanz, leader of the Ghorman Front, and offers a code to contact Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) as a sign of trust. In return, Carro shares intel on the Imperial armory’s construction at Palmo Plaza, though its true purpose remains unclear.

Carro also reveals their upcoming plan: an ambush on an Imperial transport, both to secure weapons and expose the truth to Ghorman’s citizens. Cassian is invited to serve as a tactical advisor—but tensions rise when he cautions them to slow down and avoid reckless engagement. Carro, desperate to act, finds Cassian’s warnings frustrating.

Cassian’s dismissive attitude weakens the Ghorman Front’s trust in Luthen’s network—even though they do not yet know Luthen by name. Cassian misjudges the Front’s eagerness as foolishness, failing to recognize that what they lack in experience, they make up for in conviction. They don’t need condescension—they need mentorship. And Cassian must decide whether he will lead or continue standing apart.

The Partisans’ Fuel Heist

Back on Coruscant, Kleya (Elizabeth Dulau) warns Luthen that one of their listening devices, hidden inside the Tinian Codex within Sculdun’s artifact collection, is at risk. Sculdun discovered a forgery—the Coryio Chalice—and plans to have his entire archive inspected. Luthen and Kleya must act fast, knowing the Codex will be reviewed the day after Sculdun’s upcoming party. They now have one chance to retrieve the device and cover their tracks before their cover is blown.

Meanwhile, in Segra Milo, the Partisans uncover a traitor. Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) executes his engineer Pluti for attempting to sell the group out to the Empire. The Partisans abandon their compromised base and launch a daring fuel heist—successfully stealing a large stockpile of rhydonium.

During the mission, Saw delivers a fiery speech proclaiming his unshakable resolve against the Empire. His words deeply move young rebel Wilmon (Muhannad Bhaier), who symbolically breathes in rhydonium fumes in solidarity. Saw’s speech reveals a painful truth: he knows his mind is deteriorating, that his extremism alienates allies, and that he will likely never live to see the New Republic rise. It’s a tragic but powerful admission—he fights not for glory, but so others may one day know peace.

Rating: 9/10