Warning – this article contains details of sexual assault
Fans of Andor were left heartbroken by the chilling events in the third episode of season two, which saw Bix Caleen (portrayed by Adria Arjona) face a harrowing ordeal.
The hit Star Wars offshoot brought back Diego Luna as the revolutionist Cassian Andor from the 2016 prequel, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
With the first season set five years prior to the iconic demolition of the Death Star, its second set delves into the four years afterwards, charting the rise of the Rebel Alliance.
Yet, Bix’s journey took an unexpected and grim twist at the onset of season two. She is now depicted as an ‘unregistered’ engineer seeking refuge on Mina-Rau, a farming planet, reports the Mirror US.
Audiences were shocked when the beloved space saga took a more mature turn with the introduction of Imperial officer Lt. Krole (Alex Waldmann).
Krole, who is aware of Bix’s immigrant status on the planet, menacingly attempts to assault her while she pleads for him to stop.
Her struggle turns violent as Krole persists, resulting in Bix taking his life with a blunt strike to the head. To make the scenario crystal clear for viewers, she then exclaims to another character, “He tried to rape me!”
Star Wars aficionados were left gobsmacked not just by the contentious scene, but also by the stark inclusion of the word “rape” in dialogue, a pioneering move for the traditionally family-oriented sci-fi saga.
Social media has been abuzz with viewers expressing their astonishment, as one individual posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Caught a part of andor season 2 out of context and I gotta say I never expected the word rape to be uttered in a star wars thing.”
Another was equally taken aback: “Wow, Tony Gilroy’s not holding back with the writing. Viewers are going to feel some way about the rape attempt scene in episode 3, and that’s by design.”
A commenter pointed out the deliberate harsh realism depicted: “The show is meant to shed light on the ugliness and horrors of WAR. I’m more surprised Disney okayed it.”
One more fan expressed disbelief: “Never did I ever think they would say rape in Star Wars..”
Some fans’ reactions intensified, as one declared: “I don’t mind having mature #StarWars but I’m not ok with it going so far as depicting an attempted rape. Or saying the word ‘rape’. I’m actually quite disgusted with the #Andor series right now.”
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This sentiment echoed across various comments, with a few threatening to abandon the series while others were taken aback by the absence of a trigger warning.
In contrast, other viewers commended the series for its unflinching portrayal of the grim realities of warfare.
One avid TV fan expressed admiration for the series, taking to social media to commend the handling of sensitive themes: “Have to hand it to the writers of #Andor how they can handle such heavy real world topics with care… while also at the same time not mincing words.
“Call it what it is. Do not minimize it.
“The words ‘rape’ and ‘undocumented’ were uttered in Star Wars, and their weight was felt.”
Branded by enthusiasts as “Star Wars for adults,” Tony Gilroy’s Andor has been setting the stage for an even grimmer second season, promising more intensity in the upcoming episodes.
Andor season 2 continues Wednesdays on Disney+.
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