Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Andor season 1, episode 12The Star Wars' more centralized Rebel Alliance, its true significance – both to Cassian and the Rebels as a whole – wasn't entirely clear.
the Empire and its forces. And yet, by coming together – as demonstrated by the later events of the episode – an enemy that seems insurmountable can still be overcome.
Why Nemik's Manifesto Is So Important To Andor
Significantly, demonstrating how Nemik's manifesto applies to three seemingly disparate individuals highlights the core idea at the heart of Andor – that strength comes from the collective. It's clear throughout Andor's early episodes that some of the burgeoning Rebellion's biggest obstacles come about as a result of infighting and conflicting strategies. It's this that explains Saw Gerrera and Luthen's strained relationship, despite their shared aims. The power of Nemik's words is that they identify the importance of having a single banner under which to rally, laying the foundations for what the Rebellion will go on to become. Much like the rest of season 1, Nemik's manifesto is a signpost for how future Rebel leaders will go on to eventually see the Empire fall. By uniting under Nemik's ideals, the Rebellion can inspire others to the cause, becoming ever stronger in the process.
On an individual level, however, the manifesto also has great personal significance to Cassian. Having always had a distaste for the Empire, the events of Andor season 1 have solidified Cassian's feelings into a focused hatred. However, despite his imprisonment and the death of his adoptive mother, it is only after digesting Nemik's thoughts and feelings around insurrection that his own path becomes clear. Nemik may not have spawned Cassian's antipathy towards the Empire. But, without him, it's unlikely that he would have become as convinced of the righteousness of rebellion and how he could play a central role in the struggle.
How Nemik's Manifesto Changes The Rebellion's Future
The impact of Nemik's mainfesto is evident from Cassian's behavior throughout later installments of the Star Wars saga. Although he starts his journey in Andor as more of a lone operator, unwilling to work with or trust others, by the events of Rogue One he understands the insignificance of the individual in the context of the wider struggle. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the final moments of the 2016 Star Wars movie, when he accepts his fate on Scarif safe in the knowledge that his death is inconsequential in the wider context of the Rebellion. The fact that Cassian, and others like him, are willing to sacrifice so much for the greater good is as a direct consequence of the ideas outlined in Nemik's manifesto. Karis Nemik may not have lived to see the Rebellion succeed. But, thanks to his philosophy, other characters in Andor and beyond are ultimately able to achieve what seems impossible.
All episodes of Andor are now available on Disney+