Bix Caleen leaving Cassian inAndorseason 2 was controversial, especially givenBix and Cassian’s baby, but Bix actress Adria Arjona has explained why this plot point was so important. The reveal in theAndorseason 2 endingthat Bix and Cassian had a baby was truly one of the most shocking moments in the entire show, and it was especially heartbreaking given we know Cassian dies inRogue One: A Star Wars Story. Despite the bittersweet nature of this baby’s existence, there wascontroversy around Bix having a babyand leaving Cassian (and, by extension, the Rebellion).
PerCollider,Bix Caleen actress Adria Arjona explained that, for Bix, leaving Cassian was a decision she had to make for Cassian, for their child, and for the larger galaxy. Arjona said:
“She sees Cassian going the other route. She’s like, ‘I can’t be the reason that he doesn’t get to do what he’s destined to do.’ Especially if she tells him that she’s pregnant, Cassian will quit it all. Cassian is willing to give up everything for Bix, and Bix knows that. That’s how important Bix is for Cassian. It’s a big sacrifice that she makes, a big love sacrifice not only for what’s best for Cassian, but also for what’s best for the rebellion. She says it: ‘I choose rebellion.’ But ultimately, she’s choosing the future of her family and the future of the galaxy that she’s going to raise this child in. It’s a big mother instinct that kicks in. I don’t know how she would have made that decision otherwise.”
In addition to this comment from Arjona providing essential context for Bix’s decision, it also inadvertently meant a (fair) criticism of one ofStar Wars’best characters.
Bix’s Choice Really Does Make Sense
She Knew Cassian’s Destiny Was Tied To The Rebellion, And She Prioritized That
There are myriad reasons this majorAndorseason 2 decision became a controversy, including the argument that it diminished Bix’s role and sidelined her in a way that stemmed from damaging on-screen tropes for women. Yet,Adria Arjona’s explanation of this choice reveals just how empowering, selfless, and intentional this decision to leave really was. Bix wasn’t thinking just for herself or for Cassian; had she done so, she would undoubtedly have told Cassian, knowing he would leave with her and they could be together.
Instead, Bix chose the Rebellion and therefore the galaxy. She knew that Cassian was essential to this fight and that it was he who had to go one in order for the Empire to finally fall, and she was willing to sacrifice true love and a happy family for that. As Arjona also explained, she prioritized her unborn child at that moment as well. She wanted a safe galaxy for that child, and she knew this sacrifice was required to achieve that.
This Commentary (Accidentally) Makes Padmé Seem So Much Worse
Padmé Was Entitled To Her Own Choices, But Both She And Anakin Were Ultimately Selfish
There’s little doubt Arjona had no intention of taking a jab at Padmé, as she has only ever been positive aboutStar Warsmovies and showsand the franchise’s many characters and actors. Nevertheless,Arjona voicing why Bix made this incredible sacrifice just drives home how selfish both Anakin and Padmé really were in the prequel trilogy, especiallyStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Whereas Bix knew what she had to give up for Cassian to fulfill his destiny, Padmé seemed largely uninterested in Anakin’s.
Although Padmé expressed concerns that she would be removed from her position as senator and Anakin would be kicked out of the Jedi Order, she never mentionedthe Chosen One prophecy, nor did she seem too interested in the belief that Anakin would bring an end to the Sith. In fact, it doesn’t seem either character contemplated leaving their respective roles for even one second once they learned of the pregnancy. What’s more, inStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones,Anakin and Padmé openly discuss how damaging their relationship would be, but that didn’t stop them.
I admit that Padmé is one of my favorite characters, and I hesitate to criticize her too heavily for that reason. However, it’s difficult to ignore the implications Arjona’s comments have on the choices both Padmé and Anakin made in the prequels. Clearly, Bix Caleen was able to do what Padmé and Anakin never could by choosing to leave Cassian inAndorseason 2.
