Editor’s Note: The article below contains spoilers for Episodes 1-3 of Andor.Star Wars fans Return to the iconic galaxy far, far away this week with the premiere of a new Disney+ series. Andor. Focused on one of the main characters of the 2016 film. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Storiesshow created Tony Gilroyfollows Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) about his earlier adventures - five years before the events of the aforementioned film. But Cassian is not the character you’re here for.
Droids, the tried and true calling card of all Star Wars media, have proven to be the lifeblood of the galaxy. Helping the rebels, serving the Empire, and doing just about everything in between, droids are what hold many worlds together. Star Wars is moving. Over the decades, they have managed to make their way into the hearts of fans, as well as perpetuate themselves in the zeitgeist of pop culture. Their names are recognizable even to the uninitiated, as the random jumble of letters and numbers describe their unmistakable characters; The best known are R2D2, C-3PO and BB-8. I know, I know. To quote an old Jedi: “These are not the droids you are looking for.” We’re getting close.
Who is B2EMO?
Bye Andor introduces many new characters, the most memorable of which is not even a human being Cassian’s B2EMO droid. Square, squat, and burgundy red, B2EMO (or Bee for short) is a rescue droid who lived with the Andor family for many years. With its boxy body on wheels and emotive, bouncy eye lenses, B2EMO can easily be compared to man’s best friend. And given that dogs don’t seem to frequent the planets featured in Star Wars, perhaps droids are the next best thing.
B2EMO is definitely close to Cassian as he is willing to lie for him at his request. After making sure he has enough power in his reserves, Cassian asks B to pretend like he never saw him and lie about his whereabouts if asked, which B2EMO aptly points out are two different lies.
Who voices B2EMO?
A big part of what makes B2EMO so endearing is his ability to play pranks on Cassian. Similar to droids such as C-3PO and K-2SO, B2EMO is a droid that can speak. He is voiced by a very skilled actor who already has a lot of experience with the Star Wars franchise. Dave Chapman. Chapman is an actor and puppeteer who has worked on projects such as The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance and puppet records such as muppet treasure island as well as Most wanted dolls. As for his connection to Star Wars., Chapman previously worked as a puppeteer in Solo: A Star Wars Story and in star wars sequel trilogy as one of BB-8’s puppeteers.
As the voice of B2EMO, Chapman delivers a gripping, compelling performance, conveying the zeal, anxiety and even a hint of loneliness in the droid. From the height of his voice, we can tell that Bee is thrilled to meet Cassian, wants to keep his secrets, and can give a detailed account of what happened in his absence. B’s occasional stuttering in speech forms makes the droid quivering yet trusting, and also makes him even more attractive. While B2EMO is clearly capable of taking care of himself (he has what appears to be a hidden stun gun), this does not overwhelm the innate sense of protection that is created between the audience and B. In other words, he must be protected at all costs.
In addition, the role of Chapman’s puppeteer breathed life into B2EMO. Slight head tilts and wiggles convey just as much emotion as his dialogue, if not more. In the first episode, when Cassian tells B that he needs to leave a few minutes after the meeting, the droid asks if he can accompany him. Cassian says no due to lack of time and Bea puts her head down on her body and leans forward in dejection. In the same way that a dog lowers or raises its tail depending on its mood, B2EMO displays a range of emotions that are instantly recognized and felt. You genuinely sympathize with Bee when Cassian won’t let him join, all thanks to Chapman’s masterful work.
What’s next for Bea?
Featured in all three Andordebut episodes, we can follow B2EMO as we’re in the same position as him - just trying to figure out what’s going on and absorb as much information as we can. After witnessing the (temporary) defeat of the Preox-Morlun Authority, who were hunting down Cassian on Ferrix, B2EMO comforts Maarva (Fiona Shaw). Exhausted by a battle that has just partially taken place in her own home, Cassian’s adoptive mother is lucky to have Bea around. When Cassian joined Luten (Stellan Skarsgard) on an uncertain journey to organize a rebellion, B2EMO is left to watch over Maarwa on Ferrix. Cassian may be able to maintain contact with the droid (which is the reason Pre-Mor found him in the first place), but it will be interesting to see how their relationship with Cassian develops off-world.
Although it is difficult to predict anything about what awaits us in the future. Andor, one thing is certain, B2EMO has a big responsibility ahead of it. With a giant target on Cassian’s back, interrogations and investigations by the Preox-Morlun Office are of course not over for Maarva, so Bea should be ready to help her out of any sticky situations. Cassian will also need a trusted friend and a moral compass to keep him on the right track, and no one is better suited to the role than B2EMO. May the Force be with you, Bee, you have a job.
Andor premieres with new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+.
Source: Collider
