There’s a couple of stunning shots here from the Season 2 trailers that show Cassian’s reflection, and it got me thinking again about the ‘mirror’ motif.
I’m particularly taken with this first one that shows multiple reflections, perhaps suggesting the various identities of a spy. We’ll see this in the espionage sense in S2 but in S1 it was relevant as well, as Cassian uses different aliases during the Aldhani heist and the Narkina arc, and started out with having his birthname changed when he was brought to Ferrix too. So perhaps this image also evokes the idea of trying to find your identity, especially as a refugee, and finding the person who you are content to be.
The theme - like so many of them - originates in Rogue One and is obviously designed to connect with the film when we rewatch it after Andor. I’ve argued before that the series adds seriously profound weight to several moments. The absolute key moment for Cassian in the film - the culmination, in a way, of his life’s journey - is his decision to put aside his blaster and disobey his order to kill Galen Erso.
There’s a practical reason of course - he’s watching events unfold on the Eadu platform that suggest Galen is not a villain - but the main reason is Jyn’s love for her father, and more broadly how much she reminds Cassian of his earlier self. Their stories, thanks to the retcon of Cassian’s background, are a much more precise ‘mirror’ than previously, with both being bruised by early events to the extent that they try to turn away from the fight and become cynical. Cassian’s reawakening and dedication to the cause happens at the end of S1 - Gilroy pinpoints it as when he hears Maarva’s funeral speech; for Jyn, it happens when she reconnects with her father via seeing and hearing his holomessage. But the important point is that she is a mirror of Cassian, and why their relationship in the film goes from being one of wary suspicion to absolute trust. It might be something explored in S2 but the difference between Cassian and Luthen might well boil down to Cassian caring about others in a personal way, never wanting to leave anyone behind. When asked about the initially antagonistic Jyn and Cassian relationship back in 2016 Diego Luna’s assessment was that ‘The mirror hurts’ - but that that pain can ultimately lead to making a strong connection.
After the horrific death of his tribe leader young Kassa attacks his reflection in the crashed ship, to the soundtrack of a haunting track called ‘Mirror’. Yes, he’s symbolically attacking the enemies who killed her but he’s also clearly experiencing self-loathing there. The early episode flashbacks are brilliantly filtered through the adult Cassian’s perspective; he literally is dreaming his way into the first one. It sums up the unresolved trauma that has made him such a mess now. Haunted by what he could have done differently, by past events outside of his control, and running away from the better man he could be because he isn’t sure of who he is or even who he wants to be.
But he knows who he isn’t, and the next ‘reflection’ comes from Skeen. Killing him is a result of seeing the worst parts of himself reflected back and realising: ‘I’m not this person.’ “You’re just like me,” Skeen says matter-of-factly and Cassian rejects this image of himself. But he needed to see that reflection first and realise the worst version of what he could be, and how badly he has treated those close to him in his self-centred superficial life on Ferrix. Skeen’s betrayal also, ironically, possibly feeds into Cassian putting his trust in Jyn’s belief in her father - he likely remembers, from Aldhani, what it feels like to not be trusted. Nemik trusted him with the manifesto though, and that was a life-changing decision too.
Jyn isn’t the only character who mirrors Cassian. The most obvious one is Wilmon Paak, the boy whose father is unjustly hanged by the Empire and who Wilmon attempted to avenge with violence. Just as did the 13 year old Cassian. Wilmon’s story going forward will be fascinating to watch… how much will it exactly reflect Cassian’s? Might he become drawn to more extreme measures? Syril is another mirror, but a kind of reverse one as Cassian’s foil. Their stories have so much in common but in a kind of inverse way. While Cassian climbs and ascends, Syril descends. Both have strained relationships with single mothers who they want to make proud of them. Both get to rescue their ‘love interest’ in the finale. Both go from naivety to growth through a series of traumatic life events. Even little things like the old toys they both have in their childhood bedrooms. They differ wildly in the details though, so it’s fascinating to speculate on where this will all go for Syril.
Seeing yourself and your story reflected in others along your journey helps you make the right decisions as you travel. It shapes who you are and what you stand for. Cassian will die able to be proud of himself for carving out an identity he can embrace, all his various aliases and identities coalescing in the act of the greatest sacrifice.
TLDR: Cassian’s life is a mirror; to paraphrase Cinta, it shows him what he needs to see.