From the Prison Break in Season to the Genocide at Ghorman. Truly ways at showing how scum the empire is and why the Rebellion needed to happen. As Mon's speech was powerful as the empire was aiming to hide the truth. Much like they hide the ugly truth of the prison. Also, this episode gives a handoff to Rebels Season 3, Episode 18. There is a bit of small retcons, but for the most part, elevates that episode to greater hits. It gives more meaning to the Ghost crew being able to transport Mon to Yavin. It truly was the start of the rebellion. The tie in though has Luthen create a fake story to what we see in Rebels. It goes with Luthen's character to do whatever it takes to acheive the most chaos in the name of Rebellion. As this lie is another example.
Interesting bits of Mon & Bail conversation more so he knows the rebellion isn't ready yet. Also add in Leia where I assume she will be mentioned in the final batch. The sad part is that we know Bail will never make it to Yavin as he dies when Alderan gets destroyed by the death star. Really gotta give it to the recast it has been a perfect fit.
I also love how Cassian has developed throughout the story. You consider how different Luthen & Mon's views are. Cassian honestly gets Mon's position much more than Luthen because he has seen the horrors of the empire. Of course, he does know that when Luthen is right, he is right on the money. As Bail's team was compromised. His quick decision to kill both the imperial spy and the driver is very much what needed to be done. Of course, Mon wasn't ready for that. Though sad moment for Byx to leave and make the decison for both Cassian and herself. Although it has been clear she will be willing to fight the empire for the rebellion and that guilt if she is the reason Cassian would not have fought wouldn't sit well. Tough decison, but there is no point in running away from the Empire forever. Though that happy ending with Cassian that she hopes for after the Rebellion wins will never happen as we know Cassian's fate in Rouge One.
Syril is an interesting character. He was basically a cog this entire time. Now as we see Dedra's reaction and it is clear she cared for him. It does bring some parallels with when Vel lost Cinta last week. Luthen and Dedra's supervisors put them in that position respectively. Of course, things don't go as planned. Though Syril's mom tear being shown despite being a bytch this whole show, she still loved her son. It showing right when Cassian is leaving Ghorman with his tear because experiencing Genocide is just a terrible evil.
Now the two pieces in this series is Dedra & Luthen. Where and how will Luthen meet his end, as he is not in Rouge One. Meanwhile, for Dedra you get the feeling losing Syril will put push her over the edge.
and considering the amount of shyt Cassian has been able to luck out and scape, I don't see a problem with justifying it The Force. 