WARNING: Spoilers from the fourth episode of Skeleton Crew.
A Pirates Life For Me.
No Place Like Home
Skeleton Crew continues its swashbuckling adventure as our young heroes venture to a planet reminiscent of their homeworld, At Attin. However, this planet feels like Dagobah – A ridden world with fog-covered decimated structures. The four younglings enter the desolate land leaving Jod with SM-33 to cater to the ship. With the hope of finding some life to help get home. A key consistency strength through Skeleton Crew so far is the beautiful blending of the volume technology with practical sets. The worlds of Star Wars always felt realistic, and Skeleton Crew continues the trend.
First Mates
Back on the ship, Jod stays put. Whilst rifling through his young lad’s belongings, he comes across Wim’s credits. SM-33 catches him in the act, and Jod prods him about At Attin. Through the course of the episode, the title is repeated more than once, and for good measure. Jod tries and jog the memory of the droid, hoping to find out more about the treasure planet. The banter between Jude Law’s Jod Na Nawood and Nick Frost’s SM-33 is like a combination of Han & Chewie mixed with Cassian Andor & K-2SO. It is playful, yet combative in an endearing way. All in all, the frenemy relationship between the outlaw and the droid is a highlight of the series.
Little Rascals
While exploring the outskirts of this desolate planet, the protaganists come across more children in battle armor called the Troik. The leader Hayna, questions their allegiance, asking if they’re with the Hattans, whom we then see march through the area. Our heroes are then taken to the base of the Troiks which is similar to the school the children attend on At Attin. General Strix, the leader of the Troiks and father to Hayna. The Hattans have stolen the Eopies from the Troiks, the clan’s livestock. The Troik clan is mostly children, who are also treated like adults. As a reward for aiding the clan in return for their livestock, Hayna promises to take the crew to the “fallen sanctum” in hopes of finding out more about At Attin, after finding out they’re on a sister planet called At Achrann.
A Day In The Life
When the main quadlet of kiddos is courted to help out with retrieving the livestock, Neel feels uneasy about the conflict between the Troiks and Hattans. While the other three learn to utilize blasters, Neel shows no interest. Hayna takes a liking to Neel, and shows him the day-to-day activities of the clan. On the roof, the two children share a moment of intimate perspective. While Star Wars may have began as a franchise for children, it has evolved into a multigenerational property – a show based on kids in the universe speaks to the power of inspiration this world is capable of.
Saved By A Jod
When the Troiks are ready to march towards the Hattans, Strix informs our heroes they must be the ones to scout the area first. Neel remains afraid to move, which prompts Hayna to assist in the scout. While moving towards the foggy abyss, out pops Jod and SM-33, along with the Eopies. In true scoundrel fashion, Jod made a deal with the Hattans to trade the Eopies for credits found on the ship. In exchange for the Eopies, he gets the children back from the Troiks. As promised, the group gets escorted to the outskirts of the fallen sanctum, which resembles a supervisor building on At Attin. While certain conflicts felt they might have been resolved too quickly in this episode, the lingering mystery of the importance of At Attin continues to drive the series forward in a captivating way.
Homeward Bound
Upon entering the sanctum, the crew finds pillars with coordinates to sister planets. When Neel finds the pillar with At Attin, the coordinates have been erased and destroyed. In a moment of doubt Fern shows a sense of defeat, but not before Wim offers her encouragement. While being a show set in the galaxy far, far, away – the bond these characters have over four episodes is further developed here. Fern realizes how she can get SM-33 to speak about At Attin. Getting the droid to run a memory override, the revelation of his former captain’s actions of erasing the coordinates are revealed, which results in the droid turning on our heroes. As the automaton lurches towards them, Neel bravely stands in front of the droid, and Jod makes the jump to turn off SM-33. The episode ends with praise of Neel being a hero before he faints.
No Way Home
The latest episode of Skeleton Crew takes some cues from the likes of Little Rascals, with some elements of Hook. Beautifully executed by The Daniels (Everything, Everywhere, All at Once) this chapter exudes heart, humor, and a little spectacle in true galactic fashion. Amazing character development, and above all enticing audiences with the continued secrets of At Attin, and the treasure that awaits. With only four more episodes to go, the excitement will only continue to rise as the story continues to unfold.
New Episodes of Skeleton Crew air on Disney+ on Tuesdays at 6 PM PST.