Nemik only briefly appeared in Andor, but his manifesto helps turn the character into one of the most influential figures in the Star Wars universe.
In Episode 5 of Andor Season 1, Cassian joins up with a team of Rebels who are planning a heist on an Imperial outpost on Aldhani.
One of their number is Karis Nemik (Alex Lawther), an idealist writing a manifesto about the cause of the Rebellion, as well as how the insurrection can ultimately succeed.
He befriends Andor, and tells him about his work in progress. Then, after being mortally wounded, Nemik ensures the manifesto ends up in Cassian’s hands, a decision that has far-reaching consequences in the Star Wars universe. SPOILERS ahead…
Why Nemik’s manifesto becomes so important in Andor
At the end of Andor, the Rebels learn about the existence of the Death Star, and while there are naysayers, we know from the events of Rogue One that the information Luthen got to Cassian precipitates the destruction of the Empire’s ultimate weapon.
But the Rebellion requires numbers, meaning the galaxy needs to be inspired, and that’s where Nemik’s manifesto comes in.
Towards the end of the finale, Partagaz is listening to an audio version of what Nemik also calls ‘The Trail of Political Consciousness.’ When Nemik mentions that “Oppression is the mask of fear,” Partagaz turns the recording off, and reveals that the manifesto “just keeps spreading.”
“It’s been hard to contain,” responds Supervisor Lagret, and with that, Partagaz knows he’s failed, by allowing so powerful a message to escape, and to thrive, within the Rebellion. That information – combined with knowledge of the punishment heading his way – inspires Partagaz to take his own life.
Nemik’s ‘Trail of Political Consciousness’
Here’s what Nemik wrote, and the exact words that Partagaz is listening to until he switches off: “There will be times when the struggle seems impossible. I know this already. Alone, unsure, dwarfed by the scale of the enemy. Remember this – freedom is a pure idea.
“It occurs spontaneously and without instruction. Random acts of insurrection are occurring constantly throughout the galaxy. There are whole armies; battalions that have no idea that they’ve already enlisted in the cause.
“Remember that the frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward. And then remember this. The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural.
“Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Remember that. And know this, the day will come when all these skirmishes and battles, these moments of defiance, will have flooded the banks of the Empire’s authority, and then there will be one too many. One single thing will break the siege. Remember this. Try.”
Tony Gilroy on how Nemik’s words help to unite the Rebellion
While speaking to StarWars.com about those words at the end of Season 1, Andor showrunner Tony Gilroy underlined their importance by revealing “One of our happiest, proudest things in the show is when [Andor actor] Diego [Luna] is listening back to [Nemik’s] manifesto.
“He opens Nemik’s manifesto that night before the funeral. And Nemik is, in the manifesto, saying, ‘We’re going to win because oppression is unnatural, and freedom is a natural [thing].’ And he has a whole big speech about how acts of rebellion are springing up all across the galaxy.
“All the people that are out there trying to make a rebellion, and they’re all atomized and spread apart. And so the show is really about watching this thing coalesce, and in the end we will coalesce into Yavin.”
For more Star Wars questions and answers, here’s why Andor Season 3 won’t happen, why Cassian’s sister doesn’t reappear, why Darth Vader isn’t in the finale, and why Dedra Merro got the perfect ending.
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