Narkina 5 is an Imperial prison facility where inmates are forced to build components for the Death Star—though they don't know what they're making. Episodes 8-10 of Andor Season 1 take place almost entirely within this prison, depicting one of television's most harrowing portrayals of systemic oppression.
The Narkina 5 arc is widely considered the show's strongest sequence, transforming Cassian from a reluctant participant to a committed revolutionary.
How the Prison Works
- Inmates work in teams of seven on assembly lines
- Floors are electrified—guards control everything through pain
- Teams compete against each other for "flavor" rewards (slightly better food)
- The lowest-performing team each day faces consequences
- Inmates are told they'll be released after serving their sentence
- In reality, no one ever leaves—they're transferred to other floors or "retired"
- The system is designed to make prisoners police themselves
What They Build: The components are revealed to be parts of the Death Star's systems. The Empire uses slave labor for its most secret project.
The Prison Break
The Discovery: Cassian learns that released prisoners are simply moved to new floors—no one actually goes free. This knowledge spreads through the prison.
Kino Loy's Choice: Andy Serkis plays Kino Loy, the floor manager who initially enforces the system. When he learns the truth, he leads the revolt.
The Escape: The prisoners overwhelm the guards and make a run for the ocean surrounding the facility. Cassian escapes; Kino—who can't swim—stays behind.
The Impact: This experience cements Cassian's hatred of the Empire. He's seen fascism's machinery from the inside.
Why Narkina 5 Matters
Thematic Importance: The prison is a microcosm of the Empire itself—ordinary people maintaining an evil system through fear, competition, and false hope.
Cassian's Radicalization: Before Narkina 5, Cassian was in it for himself. After, he understands that there's no staying neutral. The Empire will find you eventually.
Television Achievement: The three-episode arc is self-contained, tightly plotted, and deeply affecting. Many critics cite it as some of the best Star Wars content ever produced.
Andy Serkis's Performance: His portrayal of Kino Loy earned widespread acclaim, showing the transformation from compliant prisoner to revolutionary in just three episodes.