Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for Andor Season 2 Episode 9.
Andoris slowly setting upRogue One: A Star Wars Story,as it shows how Cassian (Diego Luna) became the rebel pilot fans first met in the standalone 2016 film. Yet, like any prequel, the series faces the challenge of not changing anything that was already established, which is especially difficult because, inRogue One, Cassian makes no mention of his friends, family, or former allies.Andorhas many interesting characterswho have become a vital part of Cassian’s life. Everyone from Bix (Adria Arjona) to Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård) helps to shape Cassian into the rebel that he is, but he makes no mention of them in the film, giving the seriesthe added complication of confirming why they are not around.
Already, Cassian’s mother, Maarva (Fiona Shaw), has died, and Season 2 also begins withthe loss of his friend, Brasso (Joplin Sibtain). However, that is only the beginning, as several more ofAndor’s original characters would be natural inclusions inRogue One, if something doesn’t change before then. Going further down this road,Season 2, Episode 9, “Welcome to the Rebellion,“explains why the character closest to Cassian isn’t mentioned by revealingBix’s heartbreaking choice to leave him for the sake of the Rebellion.While her intentions are noble, it’s an especially bittersweet ending for the couple, considering that anyone who has seenRogue Oneknows what will soon happen to Cassian. Both Bix and Cassian deserve to be happy, andAndor’s reveal of why they never got there is just another example of how tragic their romance is.
Bix Chooses To Leave Cassian in ‘Andor’ Season 2
Bix and Cassian’s romance only deepens further inAndorSeason 2. As they have taken on bigger roles within the Rebellion, they occasionally work together, but Cassian reveals that he’s willing to give it all up in order for them to have a peaceful life. He has always expressed reluctance towards becoming more active as a rebel, and recently, the growing divide between him and Luthen has pushed Cassian to want out. However, Cassian has proven his value to the cause, starting withthe Aldhani heistand most recently escortingMon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly)away from Coruscant after her Senate speech, which initially seemed like an impossible mission. Yet when Cassian is ready to pack up and leave the Rebellion, Bix has a different idea.She recognizes that Cassian is a necessity and chooses to leave him so that he will continue the work.
Bix slips out without saying goodbye, explaining herself in a recording, which isn’t exactly closure for their relationship, but the way she leaves things between them is important because she never says she doesn’t love him. Bix refuses to be the one to jeopardize Cassian’s value to the Rebellion, so she takes herself out of the equation. As a strong believer in the Rebellion, Bix is undoubtedly on her own journey, but, considering the leaders in Yavin sentVel (Faye Marsay) to ask for Bix’s help in pushing Cassian to be more of a leader, it is more than likely that they will be kept apart, meaningthis recording is probably also a goodbye for the doomed couple.
‘Andor’ Just Dropped a Stealth Sequel Trilogy Easter Egg — and You Probably Missed It
‘Andor’ Season 2 Turns Bix and Cassian’s Romance Into a Tragedy
While the end of Bix and Cassian’s relationship was inevitable one way or another, given what happens to Cassian inRogue One, the choice Bix made is especially tragic because of how she says goodbye. In her message, she promises Cassian that,once the rebels have won, “We can do all the things we ever wanted. Everything we’d know we’ve missed.” Her final words to him are, “I’ll find you.“The idea that they will be together when the Empire is defeated is a false hopebecause, as fans know, Cassian is dead long before that.If Bix survives the war, she will be alone and have to live with the knowledge that she chose the Rebellion over being with Cassian in the final years of his life.
Cassian and Bix are not the only tragic love story inAndor. The serieshas a rather bleak view of love during this timeframe — alongside Bix and Cassian’s split,Cinta (Varada Sethu) recently diedin front of Vel. Even the Imperial agentsDedra (Denise Gough) and Syril (Kyle Soller)are not immune, ultimately choosing opposite sides amidstthe violence on Ghorman. It’s a fairly depressing aspect of the series, but perhaps a more realistic approach to the concept.Bix chooses to fight for the Rebellion over her relationshipbecause, as long as the Empire is in charge, they cannot have the peaceful life that they want. But it hurts worse for the audience because they know these characters will never get there, regardless of Bix’s intentions.
‘Andor’s Cassian and Bix Deserve Better
The relationship between Bix and Cassian has been one of the strongest aspects ofAndorSeason 2, which is why watching it fall apart is so sad. Of course, we knew something was coming, but that doesn’t change the fact that these characters both deserve to be happy. As reluctant a hero as he may be, Cassian has been instrumental in the fight for good, and for that to be rewarded with nothing but loss and heartbreak is a shame. Her leaving takes the choice for happiness away from him because he is a valuable asset to the Rebellion, butBix is also willing to prioritize the greater good over more selfish desires.
It’s an even more heartbreaking outcome when taking into account the fact that Bix has suffered more than anyone else. After beingtortured by the Empire, haunted by her past, andeven assaulted, she is due for some peace. Her dedication to the Rebellion above all else, and despite everything she has been through, is admirable, butBix, of all people, has earned the right to a better life.Unfortunately, that won’t happen, whatever promises she makes to Cassian. While it is refreshing that Bix has a chance to survive the series, the way she leaves Cassian and the fact that they will never find the peace they wanted give her goodbye an extra dose of tragedy.
New episodes ofAndorSeason 2 stream Tuesdays on Disney+ in the U.S.
Prequel series to Star Wars’ ‘Rogue One’. In an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue, Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a Rebel hero.
