Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Andor season 2 episodes 7-9
Star Wars galaxy. Taking place two years before the events of Rogue One and A New Hope, tensions and tragedies continue to escalate as resistance grows in response to the Empire tightening its grip. As such, it's pretty exciting to see how these new episodes weave themselves into the existing canon (and in some cases rewrite known Star Wars events for the better).
While the Rebels have begun establishing themselves on Yavin in Andor season 2 episodes 7-9, the Empire has reached its endgame with Ghorman, having found no other substitute for the planet's rare kalkite deposits they desperately need for the highly classified Death Star. Finally depicting the Ghorman Massacre and its aftermath, Andor season 2 impressively navigates its key events into the overarching narrative of the Star Wars timeline. As such, there are multiple Easter eggs and connections to be found in Andor season 2 episodes 7-9, including one of the most iconic Rogue One lines.
30 Shadow-Six
Bringing A Rebel Squadron Back To Canon?
At the beginning of Andor season 2, episode 7, the call sign "Shadow-Six" is heard. While Shadow Squadron was a clone fighter group during the Clone Wars, there was a Shadow Squadron that was part of the Rebellion in Legends, originally referenced in an old roleplaying guide.
29 Yavin Base
Led by General Jan Dodonna
Now in 2 BBY, a large portion of the Rebel Alliance is already based on Yavin 4, known as the Massassi Group, which is run by A New Hope's General Dodonna (who is referenced in these new episodes).
28 "The Lab at Eadu"
Galen Erso and Project Stardust
The ISB's Major Partagaz mentions that while Krennic has the lab at Eadu working overtime, they have not found any alternatives beyond kalkite. Eadu is where Galen Erso was taken by Krennic, forced to work on the Death Star project as seen in Rogue One.
27 ISB Seeking Palpatine’s Favor
Imperial Rivalries
Image via Disney+
Partagaz also confirms his desire for the ISB to gain the Emperor's favor over the navy and military, speaking to the canonical rivalries between the various arms of the Empire (something Palpatine stoked and encouraged).
26 Force Healers
Connecting to Rise of Skywalker
Image via Disney+
A Force healer is revealed to be present at the Rebels' Yavin base, connecting to the sequels where Rise of Skywalker with Rey and Ben Solo.
25 “He’s A Messenger”
Cassian Andor's Rogue One Destiny
It's confirmed by the Force healer that Cassian has a heavy future ahead of him. Calling him "a messenger", this is a clear piece of foreshadowing given his confirmed fate where Cassian ends up giving his life to deliver the Death Star plans to the Alliance in Rogue One.
24 General Draven
First Debuted in Rogue One
Leaving for Ghorman, Cassian has a brief disagreement with General Draven, who first appeared in Rogue One as a key leader of the Alliance based on Yavin.
23 U-Wing
Also Had Its First Appearance in Rogue One
Image via Disney+
Cassian now has his signature U-Wing in Andor season 2, episodes 7-9, the classic Rebellion ship that also made its debut in Rogue One.
22 TIEs Overhead
Keeping Tensions High...
While there are TIE Fighters that are physically shown on screen in these new Andor episodes, most of the time they're simply heard screaming overhead, providing a constant sense of terrifying foreboding, keeping tensions high as Andor episode 8 nears the brutal tragedy that was the Ghorman Massacre. While not nearly as scary, it's not unlike Disney's Galaxy's Edge, where ships can be heard ing overhead as you walk the streets of Batuu.
21 "No Longer Running Around Aldhani"
A Key Reference to Andor Season 1
Vel speaks with Bix on Yavin and recalls the Aldhani heist, Cassian's first major mission in service to the cause in the series' first season.
