| “ | We're born in the hole and all we know is climbing over somebody else to get out. | „ |
| ~ Arvel Skeen comparing himself to Cassian Andor. |
Arvel Skeen, commonly just called Skeen, is a major antagonist in the 2022 Disney+ live-action Star Wars television series Andor.
A member of the fledgling Rebel Alliance, Skeen was part of a covert strike team on the planet Aldhani. While openly expressing his hatred of The Empire, whose agents killed his brother and destroyed his lands, he ultimately had no loyalty to the Rebel cause.
After the success of the robbery, during which Skeen's cowardice got team member Taramyn Barcona killed, Skeen showed his true colors when he suggested to Cassian Andor that they abandon the other survivors, steal the haul for themselves and split it 50/50. After a vague and subtle threat towards Andor, he was killed.
He is portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
Personality[]
Skeen came off as a dedicated, and driven member of the Rebellion. He was very untrusting of Andor, and openly entered a stand off with him due to this. He harbored extreme dislike of The Empire due to their crimes against his family, and because of this, was willing to put his personal problems aside for the sake of succeeding the mission, later even making a half apology towards Cassian for his actions, partially explaining himself. In combat, he did his best to appear to be loyal and appear he was trying to ensure the safety of the team during the raid. However, when asked by Taramyn to lay down covering fire, he only laid down shots until he was no longer seen, and then ducked back behind the wall he was behind. This cowardice resulted in Taramyn getting shot down.
After the raid's success and the losses suffered, Skeen would ultimately show his true face. His background story was all a lie, he didn't care for the rebellion, or his teammates, and only participated so he could ultimately take the haul himself. He made a veiled threat towards Cassian into trying to coerce to go along with his betrayal, which would end up costing him his life.
Skeen suggested bringing the team to Doctor Quadpaw to try and save the life of Karis Nemik after the boy suffered severe injury during the heist. However, it is likely this was not out of compassion, but instead was likely done as a way to separate himself and Cassian from the others, so he could convince him to fly off as just the two of them, stealing the credits and leaving the others behind.
