I don’t think Rey ever had time or a safe place to explore dating on Jakku, (there’s no evidence she ever even had a casual friend) so her discomfort with seeing Ben shirtless made sense to me. The movies would likely never broach the subject, but her fighting skills are as much about keeping lecherous scavengers at bay as it is daily survival on a hostile planet.
So do you guys think she ever had an…unfortunate encounter?
I prefer to think that doesn’t exist in Star Wars.
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Concerning Rey in Episode 9. If I had creative input, here’s my pitch. TLJ clearly establishes a connection between Kylo and Rey. Episode 9 should use the time skip to its advantage and go full on Reylo. Rey thinks if she can get to him, he can still turn. Kylo thinks if he can get to her, she can still turn.
A Jedi and Sith relationship is a new angle to look at the force, but it goes beyond just that. Rey’s greatest weakness so far is her longing for family, and it makes sense for her to cling to someone. But Kylo Ren is a BAD person, and no matter what she thinks he isn’t going to turn it around.
This is a common trend in abusive relationships, which yes can be physical but are also emotional. Having Rey confront this weakness would be far better in my opinion than any super weapon the First Order throws.
By the end Rey has to give up Kylo and as such a chance at a family. But she can also learn to appreciate friendships like Finn (who will be with Rose). This is a lesson I think many can learn from, that relationships come and go but true friends can last forever, and to not continue to be ruled by darkness.
Granted I also want the theme of good and evil and the force explored, but I think this would be an interesting subplot to explore Rey’s part in the finale.