Skeleton Crew is everything I never knew we needed from Star Wars

2024-12-26

EntertainmentTVSci-Fi ShowsStar Wars TV ShowsSkeleton CrewSkeleton Crew is everything I never knew we needed from Star WarsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

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(Image credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)

Neel in Skeleton Crew

Ahoy, mateys! Skeleton Crew has blasted onto our screens, and it’s brought with it all the fun and whimsy of classic adventure tales of yore. The show follows a group of kids who stumble upon a hidden starship, accidentally shooting off into deep space. There, they end up on a shady outpost full of colorful pirates – and one, the mysterious Jod, AKA Crimson Jack, is willing to help them… since their strange home planet is actually the fabled home of legendary treasure.

It’s clear, then, that all the ingredients are there for a fun, pirate-filled romp through the galaxy far, far away (and that’s exactly what I said in ourSkeleton Crew review, too). And, while I was watching and loving the show’s opening episodes, I realised that it’s also clear this is what Star Wars really needs right now.

I don’t (just) mean pirates. Skeleton Crew is a standalone story in the Star Wars universe that weaves in all the recognizable elements of the galaxy – there are droids, a shady outpost, fun critters, and even tales about the Jedi – but it’s not beholden to any overarching storyline (at least, not so far). And that makes it a very welcome breath of fresh air, one I had no idea I even wanted.

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(Image credit: Disney)

Jude Law and the young cast of Skeleton Crew

It’s no secret that Star Wars has been in a bit of a tough spot lately. Progress on the Rey movie seems convoluted, with theDaisy Ridley-starring project recently losing another writer. And then there’s thenewly announced trilogy, which, while very exciting, I can’t help feeling is another set of films that just won’t get made – much like I doubt we’ll ever see Taika Waititi’s, Shawn Levy’s, or Patty Jenkins’s movies (though I’d love to be proven wrong).

In contrast, Skeleton Crew has felt incredibly refreshing. Its progress to the screen was quiet and uncomplicated, and, crucially, it has no convoluted ties to the Skywalker Saga. Instead, it’s firmly in its own hyperspace lane, with the freedom to tell a fun, adventure-filled story without needing to serve any grander design.

Although, that’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with Star Wars projects thatdotie into a greater whole. My favorite TV shows of theDisney Plusera have been Ahsoka and The Mandalorian, both of which are deeply connected to much bigger stories. I’m also very excited forThe Mandalorian & Grogu, as well as Dave Filoni’s upcoming movie (said to be tying together theDisneyPlus shows), along with the Rey film and the new trilogy, too. But, Skeleton Crew makes it clear that there’s room for smaller stories in the galaxy – and that we should have more of them.

And there’s plenty to get stuck into with Skeleton Crew without any of these links to the wider galaxy. There’s the mystery of At Attin – why is it so secluded? Is therereallylong-fabled treasure hidden somewhere in all that suburbia? Is everything more sinister than it appears? – as well as the enigmatic Crimson Jack and his no doubt shady past. Plus, there are the smaller stakes that are no less important: whether Wim can reconcile with his distracted dad, if Fern’s mother will stop putting so much pressure on her, and if Neel can make it back to his loving, adorable family. That’s plenty to be pondering as you watch without all the baggage of the Jedi and the Sith.

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(Image credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)

Jude Law in Skeleton Crew

Time will tell if Skeleton Crew does end up tying into the larger narrative spread across the Disney Plus shows (the creators have already promised no"insane"cameos, but I’m hoping that doesn’t mean there’s no chance ofHondo Ohnakashowing up), but, for now, it’s exactly the kind of fun, free adventure through the galaxy that I never knew I – or Star Wars – needed.

Skeleton Crew is streaming on Disney Plus now. You can keep up to date with ourSkeleton Crew release schedule. For more, check out our guide to all theupcoming Star Wars movies and TV showsfor everything else the galaxy far, far away has in store.

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