As noted above, Episode 4 of “Andor” gives us our first fan-teasing clue that Vel and Cinta have strong feelings for each other when they’re seen sharing a hut. Then, much later in Episode 8, Vel reacts badly when Cinta says she’s moving into a room on her own. The thought definitely upsets Vel, but after a brief, tense exchange, Cinta tells her partner that while the Rebel’s fight always takes precedence, the two of them will always have each other. “I’m a mirror, Vel,” she says. “You love me because I show you what you need to see.”
Fans were quick to applaud the relationship, with Twitter user @stolenblaster going all-caps to cheer, “VELCINTA WRITTEN IN THE STARS.” Likewise, @vrsoandor tweeted, “I’m gonna get emotional and I wish more people would talk about vel and cinta [being] what a lot of star wars fan have been waiting for, myself included.” Another user, @farawynforever1, also all-capped their feelings, saying, “DID I JUST SEE VELCINTA REUNION? MY SPACE LESBIANS I’M SO [OVERJOYED].”
The truth is, other films and TV shows in the overall “Star Wars” franchise have featured brief glimpses of gay characters before (via Pride). But the Velcinta romantic combo is the first time an LGBTQ+ love affair appears set to occupy a major narrative niche in the “Star Wars” universe as “Andor” continues to explore a galaxy far, far away.
