The Star Wars franchise has a long history of strong female characters. Starting with Princess Leia the list has grown in both animation and live action. From Ahsoka Tano to Rey Skywalker to Osha Aniseya, there is a long list of powerful female actors that have been a part of the franchise. Andor's Bix Caleen should easily be added to that list.
During the first season, she was a strong character, but her story and arc and yet to be fleshed out fully. Now, as the character has taken on a more central role in Season 2 and opposite to the main character of Cassian Andor, she has become a standout for all the right reasons.
As the season has hit its midway point of its most poignant scenes have featured the Bix character, portrayed by Adria Arjona. At the end of the first three-episode arc, we see Bix survive a brutal assault. The survival of her character is not what makes the scene most compelling, in my opinion. But rather her able to gather herself tell the other Imperial guard and escape with Cassian off planet. In the following arc, Bix then gains revenge on the doctor who tortured her during the first season by being braver than anyone expected.
As she continues on her journey, the bravery, honesty with Cassian, and ability to be vulnerable display a female character that women, both young and old, can truly gravitate towards. I am not sure we have seen a character show so much vulnerability and at the same time strength as Bix.
She also displays her issues with mental health in both seasons can also be something valued by everyone, considering that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The second arc of this season showcases her dealings with post-traumatic stress disorder and, at the same time, regaining her confidence and voice.
Arjona spoke to Vanity Fair about the challenges of playing the Bix character. "There were moments where I felt frustrated for her. You go to these places, and it’s all fictitious, but your nervous system doesn’t know. Certain parts stay with you, and you have to deal with them. Thank God, I’m very happy in my own life, and I get to come home to something very different," she said.
As Andor season 2 continues, Bix should have even more strong moments throughout the season. She should be remembered by all fans of the franchise, regardless of gender, as one of the all-time great Star Wars characters.