Andor writer, Beau Willimon, explains the real meaning behind the Narkina 5 prisoners rallying cry in season 1, episode 10, “One Way Out.”
Andor writer, Beau Willimon, recently explained the real meaning behind episode 10’s rallying cry, “One Way Out.” Following the daring heist on Aldhani, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) assumes a new identity and escapes to a tropical resort on the planet Niamos. There he is arrested on a dubious charge and taken to a factory prison on Narkina 5. Upon realization that he will likely never attain his freedom, Cassian conjures a plan to escape with the help of the rugged day shift floor manager, Kino Loy (Andy Serkis). After the Empire murders an entire floor, Cassian leads an insurrection, taking over the prison, and giving the captives their freedom. During their exodus, the group chant “One way out!“
In a recent interview with CNET, Willimon broke down the real meaning behind the prisoners’ rallying cry as they escaped the Narkina 5 prison in Andor season 1, episode 10. Although the phrase can be taken at face value as the inmates have only one way out of the prison, the writer explained that when looking at series thematically, the rallying cry represents that the one way out of subjugation and injustice is through “working together.” Read what Willimon said below:
When you think of the rallying cry of “One way out,” you can think of that in a very literal sense — you can only go up and out, and dive into the lake. But if you think on a bigger level — all of these guys are chanting this together — you’re seeing [that the] only one way out of the oppression, and the Empire, is collectively working together. With risk and sacrifice. Some of us are going to die, some of us aren’t going to make it. But our only way out is together, en masse, with collective courage. That’s the bigger launcher for the rebellion.
How the Prison Break Affects the Rebellion?
The Narkina 5 prison break will prove to be an important part of Cassian’s journey toward his place in the resistance against the Empire, but also for the Rebellion as a whole. Although the Aldhani mission tested Cassian’s mettle as a soldier, the Narkina 5 prison escape showed Cassian’s ability to inspire those around him and affect greater change. Those skills will prove to be a great asset when he officially joins the Alliance to Restore the Republic.
News of the prison break will likely hit HoloNet within hours, catching the attention of Imperial leaders, Rebel organizers, and citizens across the galaxy. Although many may see the riot as nothing more than inmates fighting to be free, something the Imperials will quickly cover up, Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård) and other Rebel leaders may use the inmates’ victory as additional proof that the Empire is not as effectively managed as generally understood. Rael could utilize the prison escape as a rallying point to recruit more people to their budding insurgency effort.
Where Luthen previously wanted to silence Cassian following Aldhani, he may change his mind and recruit him once again. However, Luthen will have to act quickly to recover Cassian as the future Rebel leader’s face will likely be plastered across the galaxy. With Dedra already focused on capturing Cassian due to his connection to a suspected Rebel force, the news of the prison break will set Dedra hot on Cassian’s heels. With both the Rebels and the Empire tracking Cassian, he will be faced with a decision that will decide the course of the Rebellion when Andor season 1 continues.
Source: CNET
