Denise Gough’s Dedra Meero: Worst Nightmare Unleashed in ‘Andor’

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[This story contains spoilers through Andor season two’s eighth episode.]

In the debut episode of season two in the series ‘Andor’, Denise Gough‘s character, Dedra Meero, receives a particular praise from Orson Krennic, played by Ben Mendelsohn. Impressed by her foresight, the Imperial Director acknowledged that Dedra, as an ISB Supervisor, could predict potential flaws in his strategy for capturing the planet Ghorman via propaganda. Later on, Dedra proposes a strategic move: nurturing a homegrown rebellion among the locals. This would allow the Empire to subsequently crush their fabricated “terrorist” opposition with force, eradicate it, and exploit Ghorman’s kalkite mineral reserves for powering the upcoming Death Star.

In the second installment of Tony Gilroy’s initial trilogy, character Dedra pleads with her superior, Major Partagaz (played by Anton Lesser), to continue pursuing Axis, a role filled by Luthen Rael played by Stellan Skarsgård, instead of the enigmatic Ghorman mission. However, Partagaz politely refuses due to loyalty towards Krennic and the Imperial hierarchy. Now, after episode eight’s Ghorman massacre and the demise of Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), who was dear to Dedra, there arises a query: did Dedra foresee such a catastrophic outcome when she initially requested Partagaz to take her off the Ghorman operation?

As per Gough, Dedra hadn’t foreseen this exact chain of events. Instead, she aimed to complete what she had initiated with the Axis network. In fact, she believed she could manage the Ghorman scheme so effectively that she could have her way and benefit from it simultaneously. She recognized Syril as an ideal pawn to strengthen the Ghorman Front and unwittingly guide the Ghor into a trap. However, she underestimated the impact of her honest associate’s realization that he had been assisting in a massive heist and a genocidal plot involving countless innocent lives.

In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Gough explains that Hera’s greatest anxiety is losing control. When Syril discovers her actions and she pleads, ‘We’re going back [to Coruscant]…’, it indicates she’s losing grip on the current situation. This loss, specifically of Syril, is what distresses her regarding the Ghorman incident. It’s not the massacre itself that bothers her; unfortunately, it’s the realization that she has lost Syril.”

(The goal here was to keep the meaning intact while making it easier to read and understand.)

In the discussion that followed with THR, Gough recollects an earlier confrontation between Dedra and Eedy, Syril’s mother, played by Kathryn Hunter.

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Initially, Dedra and Syril have moved in together and they’ve been experimenting with creative strategies to lower their monthly electricity expenses.

(Laughs.)

Was it possible that she had come to embrace the notion of him, shortly after he rescued her on Ferrix a year ago?

As I pondered today, it hit me: “How long have these two been cohabiting?” She gives off such an impersonal vibe, so it seems reasonable he’s now residing in her abode. I can’t say for sure when their relationship began, but clearly, it’s been going strong for some time. It’s intriguing to speculate about their first date, where they went, if they even dated, and whatever transpired in that season finale cupboard. There are many unanswered questions from that missing year, yet when we rejoin them, they appear settled.

What I’ve come to understand about Dedra is her constant need for a sense of security, which she achieves by maintaining control over situations. Consequently, Syril falls under this category, and the more closely he is involved, the greater the need for her to manage the outcomes. He’s the only one who has ever witnessed her vulnerable side, so she feels compelled to keep him close.

Have there been numerous memorable confrontations in the Star Wars universe, such as Luke Skywalker/Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi/Anakin Skywalker, and Rey/Kylo Ren. Now, Dedra Meero and Eedy Karn have joined this list. I was quite thrilled to engage in a power struggle with Kathryn Hunter’s portrayal of Eedy, wasn’t I?

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Many iconic battles have occurred within the Star Wars galaxy: Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Anakin Skywalker and Rey vs Kylo Ren. The latest addition to this list is Dedra Meero versus Eedy Karn. I couldn’t help but feel excited about going head-to-head with Kathryn Hunter’s portrayal of Eedy, could I?

(Laughs.) As a theater enthusiast, I’ve long admired Kathryn Hunter, an iconic actress in our field. The opportunity to work alongside her was not only a privilege but also a delightful surprise. Initially, the scene seemed straightforward, with Dedra intimidating Eedy as written. However, working with a legend like Kathryn, she brought layers of complexity to the scene. Instead of being intimidated, Eedy found herself impressed by Dedra’s actions, and I realized that this wasn’t just about Dedra asserting her power. The dynamic between the two characters was more nuanced, with Eedy finding a sort of appeal in Dedra’s behavior. By the end of it all, there was a mutual respect established.

Kyle Soller remarked that it felt similar to when a bully is confronted and then surprisingly shows affection. If you challenge a bully, the bully might respond, “Actually, I quite like you.” In a scene I referred to as “the negotiation,” I sensed this from Eedy. Kyle’s decision to lie on the bed like an injured bird was exceptionally creative while these two women interacted. That scene is undoubtedly one of the most memorable moments of my career, and working with her was truly extraordinary.

It’s truly one of the best scenes in the entire series.

God, that means a lot. Thank you.

In the year 201, Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) praised Dedra for her ability to anticipate multiple steps in advance. In a crucial scene from 202, Dedra requests Anton Lesser’s character, Partagaz, to release her from the covert Ghorman mission assigned by Krennic. Was she aware of the potential risks she would face by continuing with the project?

It seems your question is quite astute. I believe her actions are primarily driven by her ongoing infatuation with Axis, portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård. She understands the hierarchy and follows orders, knowing it will consume her completely. However, I don’t think she consciously plans to use Syril in the way she does. Instead, she is quite strategic about it.

I don’t believe she would hesitate to accept the Ghorman assignment due to her loyalty to the Empire. She’s willing to go to great lengths for it. The problem lies in that Ghorman obstructs Axis, and this is what ultimately leads to her undoing. If there was no Axis, I believe she would eagerly take on the Ghorman mission and make it her primary objective.

Dedra was raised in an environment devoid of love, affection, joy, boundaries or parental guidance. When Syril enters her life and stirs emotions that a typical person would handle with care, Dedra finds herself overwhelmed by them. If it weren’t for these unusual feelings towards Syril, she would have protected him. If she had delegated someone else to the Ghorman project, she would have been able to set clear objectives and expectations. However, her emotions for Syril confuse her, but she is unaware of their nature. In simpler terms, Dedra’s upbringing left her emotionally vulnerable, making it difficult for her to maintain a professional distance with Syril.

In the initial season, Cassian and Maarva, portrayed by Fiona Shaw, instruct Cassian on the concept of love. When he expresses concern about always worrying about her, she replies, “That’s just love.” On the other hand, Dedra has never been informed about what love is or the joy one feels when observing someone else’s happiness. In episode 205, when she says, “It’s good to see you happy,” it’s not a jubilant exclamation like, “Oh, I’m so glad to see you happy!” Instead, she states it calmly, and it seems as though she doesn’t understand the impact of her words. The fact that Syril, whom she sends on a mission to Ghorman and utilizes in such a way, is what leaves her feeling remorseful about the Ghorman incident. Regrettably, it’s not the massacre itself that troubles her; rather, it’s the loss of Syril.

To put it simply, Axis seemed like an easy scapegoat to me since she couldn’t confess to Partagaz that she needed him as a fall guy for this mission set by Ghorman, which could potentially jeopardize their relationship.

It’s great to see you found that insight! I can relate to your feelings about having to work under Krennic. Working for him feels like losing control since Partagaz gives me the freedom to manage everything. I’m not comfortable working with Krennic, and I don’t know how to navigate him effectively. So it seems she values both aspects: she doesn’t want to lose control by working for Krennic, and she feels safe and in control while pursuing Axis when working with Partagaz.

As a gamer, when I see my character, Syril, getting into trouble and she’s pleading, “No, we’re returning [to Coruscant] and we’ll be…”, it’s clear she’s losing grip on the situation. If Syril wasn’t caught up in this mess, I believe she would handle it more like a machine, less emotionally involved. But Syril is my thorn; he’s what disrupts her usual calm and collected demeanor.

I find that idea remarkable, and I can’t help but wish I had come up with it myself. It seems as though Dedra foresaw these events, but I doubt she does. Instead, she’s deeply invested in Axis, not just as a subject of obsession, but also as a means to gain control over him. If she succeeds, she believes she can redeem herself for past mistakes like Ferrix and everything else. However, if she goes to Ghorman, then Krennic will reap the benefits of her hard work, stealing all the glory.

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Andor season two is currently streaming on Disney+.

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2025-05-07 06:25