Was there something more than a begrudging friendship between Jedi padawan Cal Kestis and the spooky Dathomirian Nightsister Merrin? Should there have been? Did Respawn seek to imply a genuine connection between the two, or were they both unlikely victims of circumstance forced to ban together to thwart a mutual enemy?
Most fans seem to be pretty invested in the idea that these two could become an item. The Jedi Fallen Order subreddit is full of Merrin x Cal memes, and one doesn’t have to do much searching to stumble across some YouTubers trying to advance that narrative. One of Fallen Order’s central themes revolves around accepting the past and learning to belong in a vast and ever-changing world. Both characters have tragic backstories with which to contend, and both are initially content to lay low until forced to fulfill a greater purpose. It’s poetic, really, and it’s a stronger basis for romance than whatever may or may not be going on between Rose and Finn in the upcoming The Rise of Skywalker film.
When asked about this on Instagram, Tina Ivlev, the voice actress behind everyone’s new favorite space witch, stated that she was definitely interested in the idea and thought it added layers to their relationship. “For sure. I’m glad it came across,” Ivlev said. “The idea was suggested by our director Tom Keegan, and it was the most fun to play. I thought it added so many more layers to their relationship and created this great dynamic/tension.” That’s not a solid confirmation, of course, but in stating that she was “glad it came across,” Ivlev makes it seem like there really were some romantic implications between the two.
We’re sure hardcore fans don’t need reminding, but the Star Wars franchise tends to falter when it comes to the portrayal of realistic relationships. The aforementioned Rose and Finn thing came across as ham-fisted and a bit out-of-nowhere, and fans will forever be cursed with the totally alien, outlandishly forced “romance” that was Panakin… or maybe it’s Anamé. Either way you slice it, Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala didn’t have a very good celebrity couple name.
So, in comparison, even the faintest flicker of love between Jedi Fallen Order’s two kindred spirits seems like a Shakespearean masterpiece, and we have to imagine that the idea will be explored further should a sequel ever release. We suppose fans will just have to wait to see what unfolds in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order II: Star-crossed Lovers, or perhaps Jedi: Fallen Order II: The Nightsister Strike Back…. or maybe even Jedi Fallen Order II: Greez Goes To Rehab.
Source: Reddit
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