Skeleton Crew Delivers Nostalgia in a Star Wars World
I finished Star Wars: Skeleton Crew last night, and it was all I hoped it would be. I remember watching the trailer when it first came out, and my initial reaction was that it looked like The Goonies meets Treasure Island in a Star Wars World.
And that is essentially what we got.
I should preface this by saying that I saw A New Hope when it came out in the cinema (I was five years old), read Treasure Island when I was ten, and watched The Goonies in the cinema when I was 13. I absolutely adored them all, and if this had come out back then, I would have exploded with glee.
So, it is fortunate that this came out now that I’m older, so I can smile at the waves of nostalgia and shed a slight tear at the idea that I am now really sodding old I am now am. Stupid entropy.
Anyway – I really liked it.
What is Skeleton Crew all about?
The series follows four young friends—Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), KB (Kyriana Kratter), and Neel (Robert Timothy Smith)—who accidentally embark on an interstellar adventure after discovering a mysterious ship. Their quest to find their way back home serves as the central narrative, introducing viewers to new and unexplored corners of the galaxy.
To further complicate matters, their home planet of At Attin happens to be incredibly wealthy and has an unfeasible amount of gold. It’s a Treasure Planet if you will. Consequently, it is hidden from the universe, and the kids have to escape pirates and monsters while trying to find it. Then there is the mysterious force-sensitive Jod Na Nawood – who may be helping them because he’s nice, or maybe because he’s a pirate, or perhaps he’s just dodgy. He’s definitely enigmatic.
So is it any good?
One of the standout aspects of Skeleton Crew is its ability to evoke a sense of childlike wonder. Especially in someone like me who remains full of childlike wonder. If you want gritty Star Wars – watch Andor again.
Wim, in particular, embodies this through his fascination with Jedi lore, often immersing himself in picture books about the Jedi. Or maybe I just connected with him more because that was what I was like at that age. (I’m very slightly more mature now.)
The other characters get more airtime as things go on, but the introduction through Wim worked well for me. It was reminiscent of the awe and excitement that the original films inspired. The series doesn’t rely heavily on fanservice; instead, it weaves deep lore into its storytelling, allowing both new and longtime fans to engage with the content meaningfully.
Jude Law’s portrayal of Jod Na Nawood adds depth to the series. His character, as I mentioned earlier, is an enigmatic figure with a complex past, oscillating between mentor and antagonist, keeping viewers intrigued about his true intentions. Law’s performance has been particularly noted for bringing a multifaceted dynamic to the show, enhancing its appeal across different age groups.
He is a bit like Long John Silver – you keep guessing his motives and if he is a goodie or a baddie. He is also ‘coincidentally’ called Silvo, and he is obsessed with finding treasure.
There is also Nick Frost playing a robot that is a straight-up one-eyed pirate. It is too hard to call whether he has a metal pegleg for obvious reasons. Great character though.
Final thoughts – any good?
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew successfully captures the adventurous and hopeful spirit of the original Star Wars films. By focusing on a youthful cast and exploring new narratives within the galaxy, it offers a fresh perspective that resonates with both new and longtime fans.
I don’t know if the 1980s adventure vibe will resonate nostalgically with everyone, but for someone my age, it was a delight. If you are a fan of pirates, Goonies, Treasure Island and Star Wars, you are in for a treat.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew was well-received by critics and wasn’t even review-bombed by the Toxic Fandom, so I wasn’t alone in liking it. Give it a go – recommended.
(This post has affiliate links to great stuff.)