Kylo Ren & Rey: To SHIP or Not To SHIP?

“A-ha! Come on!” – Han

“You’re imagining things.” – Leia

“Am I? Then why are you following me – afraid I was going to leave without giving you a goodbye kiss?” – Han

“I’d just as soon kiss a Wookiee.” – Leia

“I can arrange that!” – Han [Han walks away]

Ok, seriously, this is probably the best “couple shipping” dialogue in all of the Star Wars films combined. The banter, the chemistry, and the romantic energy is electrifying between Han and Leia. Simply put, it’s addictive. So, as I begin to tackle this topic, I find it only fitting to showcase this particular scene as I segue my way into what is now widely known throughout the Star Wars Community as: “Reylo Shipping.”

Yes, there are some of you that would love to see them windup together and be the next “Power Couple” of the galaxy far, far away. As for me, well, umm … no. And I have my reasons. But first, let me just clarify that I do think they, Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley, make a nice couple based on looks alone. Their physical features do complement one another well, but as we all know, a relationship cannot stand solely on looks – it takes substance to hold it together.

That said, what could possibly hold Kylo and Rey together? Where’s the attraction? The connection? The romantic energy? And no, I do not buy into the “Yin and Yang” theory, not with these two. Oh, I’m sure, people will argue with me on this and I’m well aware that my point of view is of the minority. But still, I just don’t see how these two could ever have a promising relationship or perhaps, at the very least, uphold some form of compassion toward one another.

As I have said many, many times:

we all walk a different path in life and those life experiences are what help us forge our own personal perspectives or outlooks on everyday situations. Our opinions may differ, but that doesn’t mean we are wrong.

So, on that note, my past experiences have given me a very different view of the “Reylo” pairing. From my first initial viewing of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the interactions between Rey and (her stalkerish captor) Kylo Ren were notably laced in eerily intimate undertones that gave off a creepy vibe – making it quite uncomfortable for me then and even now, to watch it unfold. And yes, Anakin Skywalker has been duly noted as “stalkerish,” but in his defense (as an Anakin Apologist) he never held Padme as hostage. But I digress …

Rey is already deemed as a Strong Female Lead, capable of adapting to unfamiliar surroundings, giving her that innate ability to “beat all odds” – she’s a natural survivor. So then, why would she fall head-over-heels for the “Monster in a Mask”? In my honest opinion, she wouldn’t and if that is where she is heading, then everything she has accomplished in The Force Awakens will be a discredit to her character. After all, Rey isn’t Christine and this isn’t “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Ok, my point(s), Rey is the new “Role Model” for the next generation of Star Wars fans and to have her become romantically involved with her abuser is ludicrous. Yes, ludicrous. As someone who has survived Domestic Violence and Inhumane Treatment, I just find it intolerably undesirable and unjust, to diminish Rey’s genuine innocence of the galaxy around her, and her wistful desire for hope in a better tomorrow. Think about it. Kylo Ren used the force to restrain her unconscious and took her captive. He then strapped her down (legs and arms) to a bed-like table, where he proceeded to interrogate her and invade her mind, but in an inappropriate, and intimate manner. “You know I can take whatever I want.” [Quivers] Yeah, ok, there are some definite underlying innuendos going on there when Kylo utters those words.

Besides that, how does one swoon over the murderer of their mentor? Can someone please explain that to me? Seriously, feel free to leave comments below or message me privately. Ok, moving on. Kylo Ren then continues to hunt her down and when he comes face-to-face with her again, he violently throws her (via the force) against a tree, knocking her unconscious and you know the rest …

Kylo Ren and Rey: to ship or not to ship? Well, do you see a budding romance brewing or a fiery feud boiling? I don’t know about you, but I’m ready. Bring on episode VIII!

The Cantina Cast

The wretched hive your Jedi Master warned you about!

 

*You can find Becca on Twitter  or at any of these affiliated outlets:  or contact Becca directly via email at or and to read more of her Star Wars ruminations, check out Becca’s Chava Chats at coffeewithkenobi.com & TheBeardedTrio.com