The newest installment in the Star Wars franchise, “Skeleton Crew,” follows four kids stuck in a galaxy far, far away. The plot, character development, and character interaction make the series a great addition to the franchise.
The story takes place after the events of “Return of the Jedi” and in the same time frame as “The Mandalorian” series. The plot involves the four kids facing internal and external conflict on their journey back home, ultimately using their newfound knowledge from the galaxy to save their planet.
Those four kids, Fern, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong; KB, played by Kyriana Kratter; Neel, played by Robert Timothy Smith; and Wim, played by Ravi Cabot-Conyers, are from the planet At Attin. The planet is run by a civil society, working for what they call “the great work.” The people of At Attin have lived behind a barrier in the sky, which hides At Attin in plain sight.
Wim finds a ship underneath the ground of At Attin, with Fern taking notice of his discovery. The group works together to get what they want from the abandoned ship, but they get stuck inside and leave the planet on autopilot with no idea how to fly the ship back home.
Fern is a rebellious young girl who does not want to disappoint her mother, Fara, played by Kerry Condon. Fara holds titles as both a teacher and undersecretary on At Attin, which pressures Fern to excel.
While Fern is off her home planet, she takes the title of Captain Fern to anyone the group meets and gains independence leading her friends.
KB is Fern’s electronically enhanced best friend. KB’s electronic enhancements are the result of a chronic health issue. KB feels she always has to say yes to Fern. KB eventually shows internal development in making decisions that are best for her health while having the courage to tell Fern about her situation.
Neel, Wim’s shy best friend, has some of my favorite character development. At the start of the series, he symbolizes a good conscience. Along the group’s journey, Neel builds courage and defends the group numerous times by facing outstanding odds.
Wim is the underdog of the group. He has rebellious characteristics like Fern but seeks approval from his dad Wendle, played by Tunde Adebimpe. Wim’s adventurous attitude landed the group in their journey off of At Attin. While an adventure is what he sought out, the time spent in the galaxy taught Wim to have gratitude towards his home planet.
The series’ antagonist is the pirate Jod Na Nawood, portrayed by Jude Law. Pirates in this series have the same dialect and attitudes as standard pirates, but they use spaceships instead of boats. After the kids leave At Attin, Jod persuades them to let him join their journey, a decision they later regret when he betrays them.
Jod’s development can be confusing as he seems to care for the kids when they are at their lowest, but then he turns his back to them, showing his true intentions towards the end.
The kids leave lasting impacts with the people along their journey back home. They meet different societal groups like the pirates and the people of At Achrann.
“Skeleton Crew” promises a fresh take on what made viewers appreciate the start of the franchise, showing how characters develop and grow finding their place. Fern, KB, Neel, and Wim not only conquer internal struggles but bring change to friends and foes. The story shows that even in a galaxy far, far away, the journey can be shaped by compassion and empathy.