We all know Luthen would have never killed Cassian because of just how good an asset he would make. Cassian was only a threat as long as he could be found by the Empire for questioning. Luthen came down to Ferrix personally, instead of handing his death warrant to Vel or Cinta because of just how important he deemed Cassian's skills. Cassian on the other hand joins the rebellion not because he sees it as a higher calling or a chance at redemption but because he is already a man wanted by both the Empire and the rebels and this is the only way for him to ensure neither of them gets to him through his friends. He ultimately submits to Luthen because he did not want anyone else to go through the same torture that Bix did. The way he said 'kill me or take me in', with tears in his eyes and not something like 'I want to stick it to the Empire,' shows just how reluctant he was to team up with Luthen but for the lack of choice. He knew Luthen is not offering him refuge or sense of purpose. He understands that Luthen can and will exploit him by whatever means necessary to win the war against the Empire. Neither of them is acting out of self-righteousness towards the rebellion or each other. Both are clearly aware that it is an alliance based on mutual non-aggression and agree to take it forward. I'm in constant awe of this series and I'm eager to see how their relationship shapes up in the next season. ~ Andor, S01E12 (2022)
