Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Season 1 (Disney+) review: A refreshing take on the galaxy far, far Away

Note: This review was first published on 17 January 2025.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew arrived as a refreshing entry into the vast galaxy far, far away, delivering fans a fantastic combination of nostalgia and a unique spin on the franchise. Set against the backdrop of the expansive Star Wars universe, the series follows a group of young kids who find themselves stranded on a distant planet, seeking a way back home while grappling with the complexities of a galaxy in turmoil. But does this first season manage to live up to the lofty expectations set by the franchise, and does it carve out its own identity in a sea of Star Wars content?

From the outset, Skeleton Crew embraces the spirit of classic adventure films, calling to mind the likes of The Goonies with a space opera twist. The show’s young protagonists – Wim, Fern, KB, and Neel – are in trouble, finding themselves at the mercy of pirate captain Jod, played with awesome menace by the great Jude Law. The kids, of course, are no strangers to danger, and throughout the season, they rise to the occasion in ways that make them far more than mere bystanders. They feel like the true heart of the show, with the action and drama often revolving around their resilience and cleverness rather than relying on the usual adult hero archetypes that Star Wars fans are accustomed to.

Jude Law’s performance as Captain Jod is one of this season’s highlights. He brings a complexity to his character that keeps the audience guessing. Unlike other characters in the Star Wars universe who might be primed for an eventual and even expected redemption arc, Jod remains firmly entrenched in his villainous role. It’s a bold choice that pays off, as it allows the show to explore the nuances of villainy without the predictable hero transformation. His dynamic with the young cast is riveting, particularly in the season’s finale (that ended just recently), where his character reaches an emotional crescendo, shedding light on his motivations and offering some depth that was, admittedly, unexpected at the start.

The show doesn’t shy away from the occasional spectacle, delivering thrilling action sequences that elevate the stakes of the narrative. However, what truly stands out is the series’ handling of world-building and character development. The world of Skeleton Crew doesn’t just serve as a backdrop to the action. New planets and alien species are introduced with enough detail to make the setting immersive without bogging down the pacing. The exploration of these new corners of the galaxy, particularly the tensions between different factions and the discovery of hidden treasures, adds to a layer of intrigue that I haven’t seen in any of the recent Star Wars TV series.

However, not everything works as seamlessly as it could. The adult characters, while integral to the plot, sometimes feel like they are merely there to move the pieces around rather than adding depth to the narrative. Characters like Wendle, played by Tunde Adebimpe, frustrate at times. His slow realisation of the larger stakes at play, and his delayed action, can feel a little too drawn out, leading to moments where it’s easy to lose patience with the character. This isn’t a knock on Adebimpe’s performance, but more of a criticism of how his character was written. At times, the adults are just a bit too passive, which felt like the kids were “pushed” to do much of the heavy lifting in terms of plot progression.

One of the standout elements of Skeleton Crew is its refreshing take on the Star Wars mythology. While the show does dip into familiar lore, it never fully relies on established characters or storylines to carry the narrative. There’s no unnecessary cameo from a major Star Wars figure or a forced reference to events of the past. Instead, the show focuses on telling its own story with new characters and a fresh perspective. This, in itself, is a daring move in the current landscape of Star Wars content, where nostalgia – for right or wrong – often seems to be the driving force behind new projects.

Visually, I thought the series impresses with its attention to detail, from the combination of low-tech to the alien designs, which stay true to the Star Wars aesthetic while introducing new elements that make the world feel fresh. The visual effects are generally solid, with some standout moments, including thrilling chase sequences and high-stakes confrontations that showcase just how far modern film technology has come in bringing the Star Wars universe to life.

While Skeleton Crew is certainly not without its flaws, the show succeeds in creating an enjoyable, self-contained narrative that manages to stand on its own within the Star Wars galaxy. It’s a rare treat for fans who have longed for something new and different, offering a story that doesn’t rely on the franchise’s heavy hitters to carry the story or plot. There’s a sense of discovery throughout the season, both in terms of plot and character, that kept me engaged from episode to episode.

The finale of Skeleton Crew, episode 8, is the best example of the series’ strength. It sticks the landing in a way that few Star Wars projects have managed in recent years, opting for a satisfying conclusion without overcomplicating things or setting up unnecessary spin-offs. The series doesn’t leave lingering threads that demand a sequel, yet it closes in a way that still leaves room for the characters to grow, making it clear that this isn’t the last we’ll see of them, should a second season get a sign-off.

If anything, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew proves that there’s still plenty of untapped storytelling within the Star Wars universe. It’s an exhilarating ride that keeps you hooked, and while the series might not be perfect, it’s certainly a welcome addition to the Star Wars canon.

The full season of Star Wars: Skeleton is streaming on Disney+ now.

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