Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Andor season 2, episodes 1-3.The shocking, disturbing scene fromAndorseason 2, episode 3, in which Bix Caleen survives a rape attempt by an Imperial officer, has sparked a major conversation amongStar Warsaudiences—but Bix star Adria Arjona’s voice is the one that captures this scene the best.Andorseason 2’s place in theStar Warstimelineguaranteed that it would be a dark addition toStar Warsmovies and TV shows. Set just a few years beforeRogue One: A Star Wars Story, the first three episodes of season 2 have already proven that.
In fact,Andorseason 2 seems to be gearing up forStar Wars’darkest event yet:the Ghorman Massacre. Before that, though,Star Warsshowed the brutal realities of living under oppression and fascism in a scene that has fundamentally changedStar Warsby depicting and naming a rape attempt—the first use of the word"rape"on screen in the franchise. Although this has sparked considerable debate and predictable backlash,Adria Arjona’s commentary perfectly captures the true meaning of this scene and the message it sends.
Adria Arjona Captures The Importance Of This Crucial Andor Season 2 Scene
Arjona Understood The Larger Meaning For All Women
In an interview withVariety, Bix Caleen actress Adria Arjona spoke about the difficulty of filming that scene but also the powerful meaning behind it. Arjona explained:
“I remember reading that, and within the truth of that moment of the abuse of power, being really scared to go into that scene…But there was also something — I’m going to curse — really f****** powerful about the fact that I get to showcase this in a galaxy far, far away. The fact that Tony gave it to Bix was a big honor — and it was right. She’s in the most vulnerable state she can possibly be in, and someone tries to take advantage of her. We’ve heard that story many times.”
Arjona elaborated:
“There was something about backslapping somebody that is exactly what I wish my reaction would be if I were ever in that moment…It just felt really liberating to be able to do that. I had a lot of women in my heart at that time. For any woman, foranyone, when you have a stranger, a male stranger, in your own space, everything becomes survival.”
Both these statements from Arjona are incredibly profound, and they perfectly capture what this scene really means forStar Wars, for viewers (especially women viewers), and for the larger narrative about oppression and fascism, even amid so much other discourse about the scene.
What really strikes me about Arjona’s comments are the ways in which they underscore—directly and indirectly—two core truths at the heart of this scene: one, that rape has long been a tool weaponized against vulnerable populations, particularly in times of war or under oppressive regimes, and two, that this is something a devastating number of women can relate to. Some view this as ‘ruining’Star Wars, but for many, it’s evident that this is precisely the type of violenceAndorshould depict as a show focused on the real-world ramifications of oppression and fascism.
This is particularly notable along gendered lines, just as Arjona points out. As uncomfortable as it may be to sit with, the truth is, rape has been an aspect of real-life wars throughout history, and it has frequently been women and children who have suffered this cruelty.It would frankly be disingenuous and limited forAndorseason 2 to shy away from this reality, and, from the beginning,Andorhas proven to be a show that embraces, not avoids, brutal truths.
Andor Is Doing What Star Wars Has Avoided Doing For So Long
Image via Disney+
The backlash to thisAndorscene has had varying degrees of legitimacy. Arguments have ranged from claims that Palpatine and Darth Vader would condemn such behavior (a bewildering argument in light of the cruelties both Sith are happy to subject people to) to the need for the show to include a trigger warning. Ultimately, though, I believeAndoris receiving the backlash it is becausethis scene has broken the nearly 50-year-old mold inStar Wars.
Specifically,sexual assault and rape have long been subliminal inStar Warsmovies and shows—Andoris just the first to name and directly depict it(or an attempt, at least). While Princess Leia’s slave costume may continue to be a popular cosplay and outfit for toys of Leia Organa, the implication of that entire dynamic between Jabba and Leia, and all of Jabba’s dancers, for that matter, isn’t all that subtle. Even the interrogation scene between Rey and Kylo Ren inStar Wars: The Force Awakenshas undertones suggesting a threat of sexual violence.
In that sense,Andoris only vocalizing what has been present but unspoken inStar Warssince the beginning. This wasn’t done at random;Andoris the perfect project to depict this brutality, and Bix is the perfect character to represent it. Throughout this episode, there are comments made about Bix not having a visa and being on the planet"illegally.“This, like the rape attempt, has real-life connections that merit discussion. As the boots-on-the-ground story ofStar Wars,Andorwas the perfect source of that discussion.
Arjona’s Comments Resonate, But Much Of The Discourse Has Missed The Mark
I Admittedly Disagreed With Tony Gilroy’s Commentary On The Scene
Andorshowrunner Tony Gilroy also spoke about this scene in a recent interview, although I have to admit I was a bit disheartened by what he said. Giving Gilroy, who brought this story to life, the benefit of the doubt seems more than fair, so my own assumption is that his assertions don’t accurately capture his intentions behind this story arc for Bix. Specifically, perThe Hollywood Reporter, Gilory explained:
“It just was organic and it felt right, coming about as a power trip for this guy. I was really trying to make a path for Bix that would ultimately lead to clarity — but a difficult path to get back to clarity.”
In part,I take issue with the idea that this was a beneficial event for Bix in any way, as that undercuts how vile, cruel, and traumatizing sexual assault and rape are.
I also strongly prefer Arjona’s explanation, wherein this scene represents the real-life experience of many women and captures how rape is often an abuse of power targeted at someone vulnerable, to Gilroy’s, which (inadvertently or otherwise) positions this rape attempt as a plot device. There is a long, unsettling history of rape being used that way in stories. When first watching the episode, my interpretation was entirely aligned with Arjona’s—I didn’t see this as a plot device whatsoever—so, again, I hope this quote is misleading.
Whether Gilroy’s comments accurately reflect his stance on the scene or not, though, it’s Arjona’s comments that have truly resonated with me. In her statements are the exact truths that I was incredibly grateful to see finally explored directly on theStar Warsscreen, especially in a story that aims to authentically bring to life what a rebellion such as this one entails. After years of countless lightsaber battles, blasters, and various other forms of violence inStar Wars, it was validating to see this side of war and oppression also depicted inAndor.
Source:Variety
New episodes ofAndorseason 2 release weekly on Tuesdays at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST on Disney+.
Andorseason 2, episodes 1-3
Andorseason 2, episodes 4-6
Andorseason 2, episodes 7-9
Andorseason 2, episodes 10-12
