The Latest Darth Vader Successor Highlights the True Evil of the Sith Lord

The latest addition to the Star Wars universe, Skeleton Crew, has unveiled a character that some are dubbing the successor to Darth Vader. This new narrative not only underscores the malevolence of Darth Vader but also positions the series as a unique exploration of themes beyond the classic Jedi vs. Sith dichotomy. In the initial five episodes, while much attention has been given to Jude Law’s character, Jod Na Nawood, the story diverges from the usual Jedi-centric arcs, favoring a more swashbuckling pirate narrative instead.

Skeleton Crew delves into the treacherous world of pirates, leveraging well-known tropes such as buried treasure and betrayals. Despite Jod Na Nawood being reminiscent of Darth Vader in certain aspects, his characterization does not fully encapsulate the depth of the Sith Lord’s darkness.

Jude Law’s Character: A Failed Darth Vader Replacement

Establishing Jod Na Nawood as a Darth Vader Stand-In

Jude Law as Jod Na Nawood in Skeleton Crew Entertainment Weekly preview

From the very outset of Skeleton Crew, viewers are introduced to Jod Na Nawood as a shadow of Darth Vader. The pilot episode features him, dubbed Captain Silvo, as he embarks on an assault against a New Republic freighter, echoing the infamous confrontation from A New Hope. The resemblance is further cemented through dialogue, with Silvo questioning, “If this is a bulk freighter, why is your vault magnetically sealed?”This line closely mirrors Vader’s inquiry in the original film, establishing a thematic link between the two characters.

The connection between Nawood and Darth Vader deepened in episode 5, revealing a darker thread in the narrative.

Episode 5: A Dark Turn for Jod Na Nawood

A Shocking and Devastating Turn

In a dramatic twist during episode 5, Jod Na Nawood reveals his villainous nature by threatening a young character named Fern. He resorts to holding a knife to her throat in a bid to assert dominance and claim the title of captain. Although earlier scenes had hinted at Nawood’s capacity for violence—illustrated by a graphic moment where he incinerates an enemy in acid—his aggression towards children signifies a notable escalation.

Fern’s poignant remark, “You’re a grown-up. You can’t fight us; we’re just kids,” amplifies the ethical implications of Nawood’s actions, highlighting his treachery beneath a facade of mentorship. Although feasible that Nawood may not have genuinely intended to inflict harm, the very act of intimidation starkly contrasts with any semblance of heroism.

What makes the scene particularly jarring is that Nawood earlier expressed affection and camaraderie with the kids, notably during a heartfelt exchange with Wim. This complexity adds depth to his character while distinguishing him from more infamous villains.

Yet He Is No Anakin Skywalker

Vader’s Unmatched Brutality

Anakin with his lightsaber ignited in front of the younglings during Order 66

Throughout the extensive lore of Star Wars, Darth Vader remains synonymous with extreme cruelty, most horrifically illustrated by the image of him mercilessly slaughtering the younglings during Order 66. While Nawood’s confrontational stance towards Fern is reminiscent of Vader’s callousness, the critical distinction lies in Nawood’s restraint. Unlike Anakin, who exhibited no hesitation to destroy innocents, Nawood ultimately refrained from causing physical harm.

This raises a question regarding Nawood’s true intentions: did he genuinely believe Fern would capitulate under threat? His actions, while reprehensible, highlight a possible complexity that differentiates him from Vader’s unequivocal villainy. Ultimately, it is evident that Skeleton Crew aims to draw parallels between these characters, but Nawood’s portrayal lacks the sheer brutality that defines Darth Vader’s legacy.

In conclusion, while Skeleton Crew introduces a character that echoes the traits of Darth Vader, it does so in a manner that ultimately reinforces the unparalleled evil associated with the Sith Lord. For fans eager to delve into the first five episodes, they are currently available for streaming on Disney+.

Skeleton Crew Release Date Schedule
Episode	Director	Release Date
Episode 1	Jon Watts	December 2
Episode 2	David Lowery	December 2
Episode 3	David Lowery	December 10
Episode 4	The Daniels	December 17
Episode 5	Jake Schreier	December 24
Episode 6	Bryce Dallas Howard	December 31
Episode 7	Lee Isaac Chung	January 7
Episode 8	Jon Watts	January 14