In the next wave of their attack, Imperial Captain Kaido orders a group of droids to go out into the fleeing crowd. It seems like the intent of these droids is ‘crowd control’ or rather indiscriminately beating the hell out of anyone who crosses their path. We see these droids pick up and toss people like rag dolls, killing them as their bodies slam against the hard buildings and pavement. It’s a terrifying scene to witness.
As Cassian tries to make his escape from the square, he finds himself being pursued by one of these lanky monstrosities. He tries to fire his blaster, but finds that this hulk of metal can take quite a few hits. Thankfully, a member of the Ghor resistance slams a car into the droid, finally taking it out of commission.
Seeing what this droid can do first hand, Cassian decides to take the remains back with him to Yavin. After some tinkering and reprogramming, the droid that we come to know as K-2SO is reactivated at the end of episode 9. He may have some snark, but at least his murderous impulses have been taken care of, for now.
Even though Cassian came close to dying at this droid’s hands, as so many Ghor did, that also means he knows how powerful this droid can be. K-2SO is not just a useful tool now that he’s been reprogrammed. He also now serves as a reminder of that tragic day on Ghorman, and of what Cassian and the rebels are fighting for.
