Why Andor’s Controversial Scene Is So Important (Even If It’s Triggering)

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Trigger Warning: This article discusses scenes of sexual assault

In a departure from traditional Star Wars storytelling, the first season of Star Wars: Andor captivated fans like never before, and its second season is poised to continue that trend. Critics and fans alike have been praising Andor Season 2, with the initial three episodes receiving widespread acclaim. This series offers something for every Star Wars enthusiast, from Easter eggs to the reappearance of beloved characters such as Mon Mothma. However, controversy has arisen surrounding the episode “Harvest,” specifically a scene involving an attempted sexual assault of the character Bix by Imperial officer Krole – a topic you are undoubtedly familiar with.

The depiction of the specific sequence has sparked diverse opinions, as it undeniably serves as a profoundly emotional moment for those who have experienced sexual assault. The debate arises over whether the program should have included such a graphic portrayal, and if such content is appropriate within the Star Wars universe in general. Nonetheless, this discussion is significant, yet it overlooks the significance of the scene in the context of Andor, the plot of “Harvest” as an episode, and primarily, its role in shedding light on the grim realities of fascism for the viewers at a time when such awareness is crucial. The sequence is distressing, but it’s a depiction we couldn’t afford to miss.

The Sins of Fascism

In the opening episodes of this season, particularly “Harvest,” I find myself grappling with the portrayal of women’s roles within a fascist society. As a follower, I observed Mon Mothma, a powerful Senator, make a sacrifice that deeply resonates with this theme – she essentially arranged her daughter’s marriage to Davo Sculdun, a wealthy industrialist, to secure funds for the Rebellion.

Over these initial episodes of Season 2, it becomes evident how the Chandrilans adhere rigidly to their traditions, which are instrumental in any fascist regime. In “Harvest,” we witness women being confined by these traditions, forced into roles that strip them of their autonomy and agency. Mon Mothma is no exception; she’s obliged to organize a grand wedding for her daughter, who appears indifferent to her feelings. This tradition takes precedence over her role in the Rebellion, effectively sidelining her from actively fighting fascism.

Despite her political power, Mon Mothma is not depicted as a woman asserting control over her destiny. Instead, she’s reduced to being a wife and mother, roles that overshadow her identity beyond them. These traditions dictate her role in the ceremony, making her little more than an orchestrator of her own subjugation, even though she’s a Senator. This is a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained tradition can be in suppressing individuality and agency within a fascist system.

In this narrative, I find myself supporting Vel, a character who identifies within the queer spectrum. Vel shares a bond with Cinta, a fellow rebel, and their relationship is deeply personal, though it seems to be overlooked or misunderstood by Chandrilan customs. Their interactions are subtle, yet the love between them is palpable.

Chandrila’s traditions, as portrayed in this story, seem to suggest that same-sex relationships are not widely accepted; a reality that Vel experiences outside of her homeworld. It’s intriguing to see Leida Mothma, who embodies the evolving Chandrilan culture, contrasted with these traditional norms.

As previously mentioned, the Empire’s rise has led to a resurgence of this culture. History shows us that fascist regimes often lean on tradition as a tool for legitimacy, using it to mask their transgressions. They deceive their followers by appearing supportive of traditions they claim made them great, but in reality, these traditions serve as a disguise, allowing them to abuse anyone they perceive as inferior, such as women.

This theme persists throughout the show – fascism turns women into victims in every aspect. It strips them of any meaning beyond being a spouse or mother. It removes their freedom to love whom they choose. Moreover, it targets marginalized women like Bix, those often ignored by society. Comparing Mon Mothma’s luxurious gathering to oppression may seem straightforward, but the essence is that one breeds the other. Watching the scene with Bix was difficult, and it should be. Regrettably, similar occurrences are not exclusive to fascist regimes; they happen worldwide, even in our current context. Men in positions of power frequently abuse this power to seize what they desire, often through coercion, particularly from those considered weaker than them.

In a less formal manner, People have been debating about an adult scene in a recent episode, finding it too graphic or triggering. Yet, these same individuals are eager for an R-rated Vader film featuring intense violence from Rogue One. They seem to be okay with brutal violence, but not with reminders of fascism and power abuses. They don’t want to acknowledge the harsh truths about fascism and war. Andor Season 1 served as a warning of what embracing fascism can lead to, but Andor Season 2 feels like a reflection of our current world. That’s why it’s important to discuss such scenes—so we can develop the vocabulary to identify them, and the only way to build that vocabulary is by talking openly about them.

Sometimes, the Painful Things Are Necessary

In Andor, a unique Star Wars journey unfolds, yet it remains faithful to the core principle of the series – resisting fascism is essential. The distressing scene where Bix was tormented last season was challenging; this one was even more harrowing. Even though Bix managed to defeat Krole, a victory that initially seems triumphant, it’s still sad because she shouldn’t have been in such a dire situation. No one deserves to be. However, we understand why scenes like these are necessary. They reflect harsh realities. While it’s horrifying to witness the creation of a weapon capable of annihilating planets, the true horror lies in seeing women, who should be thriving, endure abuse. We can empathize with this; many of us have wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, and partners. Some of us have experienced such hardships and know the feeling of helplessness. Essentially, we identify with Bix.

The episode titled “Harvest” is exceptionally powerful as its underlying theme of female victimization may not be immediately apparent until scenes involving Bix and Krole. Some viewers might miss the connection between the party scenes and the subsequent events, but upon rewatching, it becomes clear. This scene could potentially trigger sensitive individuals, and I empathize with their discomfort. However, for those who argue that the scene is too mature or unnecessary because we already know the Empire is corrupt, I strongly disagree. It’s crucial to witness the brutal reality of fascism to fully understand its consequences and fuel our anger. We should not shy away from the shame associated with such scenes but instead find the strength to stand against it.

On Tuesdays at 9:00 PM Eastern Time, you can stream “Andor” on Disney+. If you or someone close to you is a survivor of sexual assault, please reach out for help at 1-800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org/resources for support.

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2025-04-27 05:10