The following contains spoilers for Andor Season 1, Episode 4, "Aldhani," now streaming on Disney+.
The Rebel Alliance is a huge part of Star Wars and what the story of Andor is building up to. One crucial member of the Rebels is the spymaster Fulcrum. This moniker has been used by many characters, including Ahsoka Tano. Ahsoka is widely considered to be the most famous Rebel to use the codename, but was she actually the first? Andor's Luthen Rael could be the actual first person to adopt the codename since Anakin used it in the Clone Wars. Luthen is clearly a shadowy presence among the Rebels, and him using the name Fulcrum would make perfect sense.
Fulcrum was first used by Anakin Skywalker, in reference to a subspace communications frequency he used during the Clone Wars. Not many people knew the significance of the name, but it eventually became a standard codename for members of the Rebellion who were spies or needed to remain anonymous. The Fulcrums later started using a logo, inspired by Ahsoka's head markings, as their symbol. Luthen fits into this role perfectly. He is working with multiple Rebel cells and trying to bring them together into a more cohesive unit. It would make sense if he adopted the name, or was given it.
Luthen Rael Is a Master Spy
Andor clearly shows that Luthen is a spymaster within the blooming Rebellion. He is working on recruitment, planning elaborate strategies and maintaining multiple identities. He is the bridge the connects Mon Mothma to the multiple small cells across the galaxy. This is similar to the role that Ahsoka played on Star Wars Rebels when she was Fulcrum. Fulcrum acts as an informant and middle person. Luthen is the contact that everyone knows, but no one knows anything about. He is a chameleon who becomes any character he needs to be. Working closely with all the Rebels allows him to start recruiting other agents, like Cassian, who can become Fulcrum.
In Season 1, Episode 4 "Aldhani," Mon Mothma hinted at wanting to bring someone else into the Rebellion. That person could easily be Bail Organa, who is well known as one of the first members of the Rebellion. Organa was very close with both Ahsoka and Anakin during the Clone Wars. It's possible that after Mothma brings him into the fold, he could assign Luthen the codename Fulcrum. From there it could spread until it's used by Ahsoka and becomes associated with her and her distinctive markings.
Fulcrum Is More Than a Name
Luthen is a master of disguise, able to take on an entirely different personality and appearance. He is the perfect spy to begin the work of the Rebellion. He recruits Cassian and brings him into the Rebellion. Cassian eventually uses the codename Fulcrum. It would make sense that if the person who brought him into the Rebellion, mentored and trained him, was the original owner of the codename. Fulcrum can be anyone, and Luthen embodies all the characteristics necessary for him to excel in the role. Fulcrum is a necessary part of the Rebellion, and is even more essential in the early days of the Alliance.
While Ahsoka may be the most famous person to use the moniker, and had the biggest impact on the role, Star Wars is constantly changing and evolving. Fulcrum can also change. Luthen is a fantastic new character who is already changing the way the audience views the early days of the Rebels. His role is similar to the role of Fulcrum. He could be the first person to use the name and establish the role of anyone who uses the title. Bail Organa may even give him the title as a way to honor the Jedi he once served beside. Luthen will have a huge impact on the Rebels, and Fulcrum is an essential piece of their organization.
New episodes of Andor stream on Wednesdays on Disney+.