44 Years On, Star Wars Gives Much-Needed Justice to The Empire Strikes Back’s Most Fascinating Character

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew episode 6.

More than four decades after the iconic The Empire Strikes Back premiered, the Star Wars franchise has recognized one of its most overlooked characters in the latest series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. This revelation sheds light on the fascinating backstory of a character who has become a favorite among fans. Within the ensemble of young characters is KB, portrayed by Kyriana Kratter, who stands out as a quieter yet remarkably reliable member of her friend group. Throughout the series, she has navigated her circumstances relying on her instincts, showcasing her impressive skills in technology and data management—traits linked to her cybernetic implant.

This cybernetic enhancement draws clear parallels to Lobot, who first appeared in The Empire Strikes Back. Lobot, the loyal associate of Lando Calrissian in Cloud City, remains an endearing figure within the vast Star Wars universe. His implant, the first of its kind introduced in the franchise, has re-emerged in various forms, including in KB’s character. After 44 years, the series has finally explored the implications and experiences associated with having an augmentation like Lobot’s.

Skeleton Crew Finally Shows What It Means To Be An Augment

It’s Even Harder Than It Seems

In episode 6 of Skeleton Crew, viewers witness KB’s internal battle with her cybernetic augmentation. The challenges posed by her implant become apparent as the demanding nature of their adventures takes a toll on both her and her device. A poignant moment arises when KB struggles to communicate her limitations to her friends, especially while she must seek help from Wim to navigate a critical malfunction with her implant, leaving her temporarily immobile. This scene stands out as a beautifully touching and devastating reflection on vulnerability.

Skeleton Crew Made This Star Wars Disability So Very Real

It’s An Extremely Vulnerable Moment

KB gives Wim an intense look — Image via Disney+

Unlike Lobot, who did not receive ample screen time to fully illustrate the experience of being human with an augmentation, Skeleton Crew provides a profound exploration of these challenges. The series departs from the representation seen in The Bad Batch, where Echo’s heavy cybernetics lacked a qualitative examination of personal struggle. KB emerges as a pivotal character, revealing the complexities and emotional weight of her augment, particularly since it was not a choice she made.

When KB refers to an “accident”with respect to her implant, it implies a past where she did not rely on this artificial enhancement. This tragic backstory resonates deeply as she continues to grapple with its implications, revealing fears of abandonment by her friends, as she feels her abilities do not measure up post-accident. The series powerfully portrays the notion of disability through KB’s experiences, marking a significant moment in the Star Wars narrative—44 years after Lobot’s introduction.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew releases new episodes every Tuesday on Disney+.

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