Genevieve O'Reilly's Mon Mothma Speech Sparks Discussion

In the ninth episode of Andor's second season, Genevieve O’Reilly’s Mon Mothma delivers a powerful and long-anticipated Senate speech, marking her open break with the Empire and galvanizing the nascent Rebel Alliance. The speech, denouncing Emperor Palpatine and the 'unprovoked genocide' at Ghorman, centers on the dangers of losing objective truth and the corrosive power of propaganda—a theme resonating with both Star Wars lore and contemporary audiences. O’Reilly, who has played Mon Mothma for nearly 20 years, described the moment as the fulcrum of her character, finally stepping out of the shadows to risk everything for justice. Critics and fans alike have praised O’Reilly’s performance for its emotional depth and relevance, with the scene being viewed as a career highlight and a pivotal point in the series. The creative team, including Tony Gilroy, emphasized the timelessness of the speech’s themes, noting that the struggle over truth has always been central to the dynamics of power. This episode is recognized as a major milestone, both for O’Reilly as an actress and for the Star Wars narrative, as Mon Mothma’s voice becomes her greatest weapon against oppression.