Review of Skeleton Crew Season 1

Skeleton Crew Review

“Skeleton Crew,” the latest addition to the Star Wars universe on Disney+, has successfully carved a niche for itself within the expansive galaxy far, far away. The series is set during the New Republic era and follows a group of young people stranded in the vastness of space after a fateful incident during the same timeline as the Mandalorian series,

I have to say I really enjoyed this story which opened us up to a new view of Star Wars universe through the eyes of our young heroes? We had some of always welcome Jedi moments but didn’t have to rely on the constant battle between the light and the dark sides with the future of the galaxy hanging in the balance. We see a world from the Old Republic with some its naiveté and prosperity their people basked in. Not the places we see in the Empire, the Old Republic or even the New Republic which barely hang onto their peace, impoverished and even enslaved.

Plot and Characters

At the heart of “Skeleton Crew” is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery. The narrative centers around a diverse cast of young characters, each bringing their unique perspectives and skills to the group. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their interactions provide both comedic relief and poignant moments.

• Jude Law as Jod Na Nawood: With his vast acting background Jude Law provides the solid anchor for our young cast of unknowns. His acting is always on point throughout the show. He is a mysterious man who helps the kids get back to their home world, it all seems like he is a hero as we see glimpses of his connection to the force and the old Jedi order. As the show goes on we see a darker side to Jod as he murders his pirate captain (he is a pirate himself), threatens the children and their parents with a light saber and disables their ships droid pilot SM-33Z by decapitating him with a light saber. In other moments we see him torn between the use of force and threats with his humanity and care for others. We are finally given a glimpse into his past as we were all theorizing who he really was that turns out to be very sad and though provoking. He was briefly trained by an unnamed Jedi on the run from Order 66 helping lifting briefly from a life of poverty and destitution on his home world as an orphan only to see her captured and killed while being forced to watch.
• Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Fern: Fern starts out as the defacto leader of the crew and is the strong willed daughter of Fara, an officer on the secluded planet of At-Attin (one of the 9 jewelled wonder planets of the Old Republic, veiled away to help protect them from the outside universe). She is brave and adventurous which is uncommon on her world where everyone strives to find their place within the machine like operation of their world. Although see is adventurous she is not reckless and always seems to remain calm in many different situations.
• Ravi Cabot-Conyers as Wim: Wim is the member of the crew who brings a sparkle and curiosity to a somewhat boring life at home. He dreams of becoming a Jedi, his curiosity causes him to be late for his school bus and late for an important test to ascertain his position in society when he grows up. Taking a dangerous route to school he winds up finding an old pirate ship that he mistakes for a hidden Jedi temple. Unlike Fern he often lands the group in trouble by just touching things or following paths with no other reason than a sense of adventure.
• Kyriana Kratter as KB: She is a close friend of Fern but unlike her outgoing friend she is an introvert. We learn that when she was younger she had a catastrophic accident and she had to have cybernetic parts embedded into her body but because they can be damaged easily or just shut down if not properly maintained she tends to stay away from other children do to fear of being deemed different and unable to keep up. With Fern at her side though she sees a partnership where she can live some of her outgoing and adventurous nature because Fern sees beyond the cybernetics. Because she has to maintain her own cybernetic parts she is very well versed in the techie side of things and proves very important in fixing and maintaining their ship. We also see how her life has pushed her to a maturity beyond her years and she is able add well grounded and sensible suggestions for the group.
• Robert Timothy Smith as Neel: Neel is an alien youngling in the group and Wims best friend. He loves to follow the rules and offers a sense of caution for the crew. He believes in family to provide the security from his fears and is able to impart this feeling of family to the crew allowing them to work together to overcome each situation they face with a courage each doesn’t possess on their own.
• Nick Frost as SM-33: SM-33 is the android pilot of the pirate ship the kids uncover and accidentally alunching them into space, away from home and on to their adventure. In the beginning he recognizes Wim as the captain of the crew until Fern winds a leadership battle, so he has a captain who can give hime orders. They ask him to take them home but because of some memory block implanted by his previous captain he can’t remember anything about At-Attin so he brings them to his pirate home world where they meet Jod. In a pivotal moment Jod is able to wrest the captainship from Fern and restores the robots faulty memory so he can get them back to At-Attin (and retrieve the tons of gold held there). In the end SM-33 breaks the hold of Jod and is able to help the kids win a victory against the pirates and save their world.

Visuals and Cinematography

The visual aesthetics of “Skeleton Crew” are stunning, featuring the signature Star Wars look with a modern twist. The special effects are top-notch, immersing viewers in the vastness of space and the vibrant worlds they encounter. The cinematography effectively captures the scale of the universe, making it feel both expansive and intimate.

Direction and Writing

Directed with a deft hand, the storytelling balances light-hearted adventure in the veins of Goonies, with deeper emotional narratives. The writing captures the essence of what makes Star Wars appealing, intertwining humor with action and heart. While the plot may not break new ground, it successfully uses familiar tropes in refreshing ways.

Unanswered Questions in “Skeleton Crew”

As “Skeleton Crew” unfolds its adventurous narrative, several questions linger in the minds of viewers, leaving room for speculation and future exploration within the Star Wars universe:

1. What is Jod Na Nawood’s True Background?
   
   While we glimpse Jod’s tragic past and his connection to the Force, more details about his lineage and the Jedi he was trained by remain elusive. How did he become a pirate, and what are his ultimate motivations for helping the young crew?
2. The Fate of At-Attin
   
   With the events of the series unfolding, what implications do the actions of the crew have for their home planet of At-Attin? Will outside forces come into play that put their world in jeopardy?
3. Expanding KB’s Cybernetic Storyline
   
   KB’s struggle with her cybernetic enhancements provides a rich vein to explore. How does she cope with being different while contributing her technological expertise? Will her backstory lead to future adventures or challenges?
4. Neel’s Background and Species
   
   Neel is introduced as an alien youngling, but much about his species and culture is still unknown. What are the customs and beliefs of his people, and how might they impact his character development?
5. What Lies Ahead for the Crew?
   
   As the young heroes embark on their journey, what new adventures or challenges await them? Will their camaraderie and personal growth be tested against future threats?
6. The Role of the Jedi Order
   
   With the Old Jedi Order referenced and the presence of other Force-sensitive characters, how will the Jedi influence the storyline? Will new Jedi characters emerge, or will the shadows of the past continue to haunt the present?
7. What is the Larger Conflict?
   
   As the series progresses, the overarching conflict of the New Republic Era remains somewhat ambiguous. How will this conflict evolve, and what role will the crew play in shaping the future of the galaxy?
8. SM-33’s Redemption Arc
   
   While SM-33 eventually breaks free from Jod’s control, what are the broader implications of his character arc? Will he experience further development and gain autonomy while adapting to a new role in the crew?

These unanswered questions add layers of intrigue to “Skeleton Crew,” setting the stage for future developments and keeping audiences engaged in its storyline.

Conclusion

Overall, “Skeleton Crew” is a welcome addition to the Star Wars franchise that is likely to resonate with both younger audiences and longtime fans. Its blend of adventure, humor, and heartfelt moments make it a series worth watching, solidifying its place in the vast Star Wars canon.