Andoris such a radical new era for Star Wars that every new development feels like an act of rebellion against the larger franchise itself. Among the show’s countless new horizons, it portrays the dangers of the Empire from the perspective of the humble people within it. No character more effectively embodies the show’s most menacing themes than Dedra Meero.
Some of the most iconic villains in cinema history come from the galaxy far, far away.Darth Vader and the Emperorset the standard, but too many have followed their example. In so many ways,Andorrepresents something new for the franchise, and its villain is one huge step forward.
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So much of Star Wars thus far has been about a sort of never-ending struggle between primordialforces of good and evil. The military aspects of freedom doing battle with tyranny stood as part of the larger struggle between the Platonic ideals of heroism and villainy.Andoris less interested in the clean division between light and dark. Its heroes are terrorists, willing to do whatever they must to win their freedom. Its villains, however, are the cops, the military, and the government officials that carry out the whim of the oppressive state. There are plenty of aggro armed guards excitedly shouting about gunning down the filth, but the realpower of the Empireis in the diligent professionals who ruthlessly enforce its will. There’s no professional more diligent and ruthless than Imperial Security Bureau Supervisor Dedra Meero.
One of the interesting things about the perspective ofAndoris that the conflict is a cat-and-mouse game. The heroes can’t just have a lightsaber fight or easily mow down their enemies, they’re doomed if they get caught. With that in mind, most scenes depicting the actions of the Empire functionaries see them slowlyhunting down the Rebels. Many of Meero’s scenes involve her sitting in clinical white rooms, arguing with other severe bureaucrats about the best way to snuff out the spirit of freedom. Meero is almost preternaturally gifted when it comes to predicting the actions of the Rebellion. Through her ambition, her menace, and her unstoppable cold efficiency, she represents the Empire in a way that the Emperor never could.
Meero is portrayed by Denise Gough, a celebrated stage and screen actress with around two decades in the industry. Her 2015 performance in the lead role of Duncan Macmillan’sPeople, Places and Thingsearned her multiple awards and rapturous praise from many outlets. Her film career is varied and interesting. She recently starred in the well-received English horror filmMartyrs Lane. On TV, she starred alongsideAndrew Garfield inUnder the Banner of Heaven. Gamers might recognize her voice as she portrayed Yennefer in CD Projekt Red’s beloved 2015 classicThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Gough has a long history of stellar performances in unique roles, routinely stealing the show, even in bit parts. She brings a layered and complex performance toAndorthat really sells the character.
In Dedra Meero’s earliest moments, theaudience is compelled to root for her. As a woman in a room full of small-minded misogynists, it’s natural to see her as the underdog. One could almost see her eventually leaving her position with the Empire, spurned by their unfair treatment. A lazier narrative might use that as the big twist that saves the day. The heroes are saved because the evil functionary finally realizes that all of her evil coworkers are too mean. This story, however, uses it to explore the depths of the human heart under a fascist system. Meero doesn’t want to be treated as an equal, she wants power.Like a lot ofAndor, her presence critiques an existing aspect of fascism. The concept of “girlboss fascism” is having something of a moment right now, what with the recent election of Giorgia Meloni, and Meero is a living example. Meero engenders sympathy in her early moments, only to demonstrate her position as a perfect villain for this story.
After the Third SisterfromObi-Wan Kenobi, the Disney Plus Star Wars series now have a history of introducing fascinating ladies in gripping villainous roles. Dedra Meero manages to be one of the most compelling villains in the Star Wars franchise without any tie to the iconic Sith. One of the most harrowing aspects of the character is how real she feels. There’s no real Darth Vader out there in the world today, but there are countless versions of Dedra Meero.Andorhas introduced a level of sincerity ripped from the headlines' drama to the science fantasy world of Star Wars in a way that elevates the material. This material has always been there, but creator Tony Gilroy has escaped from escapism. Dedra Meero is one of the most dangerous, harrowing, and engaging antagonists ever to grace the Star Wars franchise.
