Set on a mysterious planet, Skeleton Crew tells the story of Wim, Neel, Fern, and KB as they set off on an unpredictable journey through the far reaches of space. Similar to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the Force and the Jedi are treated like a bedtime story, almost a legend, which brings excitement to the narrative right from the get-go.
Holding up the story is an incredible use of practical effects, from matte paintings to animatronics and stop-motion. Showrunners Jon Watts and Christopher Ford (known for their work within the Spider-Man universe) have really ensured that this new Star Wars journey is a realistic approach, echoing that early Star Wars output and the Amblin Entertainment era.
With its pirate theme, there’s no escaping the influence of The Goonies here, and Skeleton Crew embraces that notion completely, making it immense fun. Bringing that side of the show to life is Nick Frost as SM-33 and Jude Law as Jod. With a lifetime of diverse acting work between them, they’re perfect additions, and they provide an essential balance throughout. Star Wars is, of course, known for its legendary use of music, and Mick Giacchino (The Penguin) has completely smashed it with his score. His work feels both nostalgic and completely new.
With a fantastic performance from the main cast, submerged in a pirate-themed idea, Skeleton Crew isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of everything we know about Star Wars while reminding its viewers of what it was like to step into this iconic sci-fi setting for the very first time. It’s bold, and innovative style will sweep you away. While Andor and The Mandalorian are on a whole other level, Skeleton Crew is still a worthy TV addition to a galaxy, far, far away. For a newcomer, this could be a really unique and refreshing way of joining the franchise. The show has dropped its anchor, and here’s hoping it’s here to stay.
