Why Skeleton Crew is the Best Star Wars Series Since Andor

The Star Wars franchise has encountered a succession of challenges and controversies in recent years. Yet, with the release of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, it has emerged as a notably compelling addition to both Star Wars movies and television series. Recent backlash—especially concerning The Acolyte and its subsequent cancellation—highlights ongoing challenges facing new installments in the universe. Notably, The Acolyte is just one of several projects that have faced critical scrutiny.

Since the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which is often deemed one of the franchise’s lesser entries, Star Wars has struggled to regain its footing. Exceptions exist, particularly in the case of The Mandalorian and Andor, both of which have garnered positive acclaim. It is not surprising that the upcoming slate of Star Wars films prominently features The Mandalorian & Grogu, and fans eagerly anticipate Andor season 2, currently one of just two officially confirmed future projects. However, Skeleton Crew is swiftly establishing itself as a strong rival to these beloved series.

The Characters of Skeleton Crew Are the Real Draw

Jod Na Nawood and the Kids: The Heart of the Show

The presence of Jude Law as Jod Na Nawood significantly contributes to the show’s appeal. The enigma surrounding his character—specifically whether he embodies the qualities of a Jedi or simply showcases souped-up Force sensitivity—has intrigued audiences from the start. Even after six episodes, Skeleton Crew maintains this captivating air of mystery, cleverly avoiding any sensation of fatigue.

Jod also aligns with the found family trope—a recurring theme throughout the Star Wars saga. Much like relationships seen between Anakin Skywalker and Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and the dynamic between Grogu and Din Djarin in The Mandalorian, Jod serves as a father figure. Despite a tense betrayal in episode 5, his role as a guardian remains resonant with fans. However, it’s the quartet of children that drives much of the series’ charm and engagement.

The four principal young characters—KB, Wim, Neel, and Fern—shine as both delightful and relatable. They serve as fascinating parallels to iconic characters from the Star Wars universe. For instance, Fern exhibits natural leadership akin to Princess Leia, while Wim mirrors Luke Skywalker, yearning for adventure from a quiet life. Neel captivates viewers with his endearing demeanor.

In the latest episode, titled “Zero Friends Again,”KB receives the spotlight, showcasing remarkable growth. She asserts her individuality, emphasizing to Fern that while their abilities may differ, it’s essential for friends to appreciate one another’s uniqueness. This marks a significant moment in Star Wars regarding disability representation, adding an important layer to the series.

Understanding the Essence of Star Wars

Successfully Capturing the Core Themes of Star Wars

Skeleton Crew episode 6, the kids stranded on Lapuna

From its onset, Skeleton Crew feels like a revitalization of familiar themes, particularly reflected in the characters’ personalities and motivations. Jod Na Nawood’s swaggering demeanor echoes Han Solo’s characterization from A New Hope. Despite a moment of betrayal in the latest episode, Jod also exhibits a gentler side, reminiscent of Han’s character development. The thematic elements of Skeleton Crew resonate deeply with the foundational messages of the Star Wars franchise.

Central to the story is the theme of found family. Initially, the kids struggle to form genuine connections, but as the narrative progresses, their bond intensifies. Jod’s role as a father figure, despite a dramatic turn in episode 5, contributes to this heartfelt dynamic.

Additional themes of courage in the face of adversity and compassion for others are intricately woven throughout the series. A poignant example arises in the sixth episode, where KB refers to Wim as a Jedi—not due to Force abilities, but for his kindness in supporting her when she needed it the most. This type of interaction reinforces the enduring ideals that have characterized the Star Wars saga from its beginning.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Storytelling

Standalone Narrative Without Dependence on Franchise Connections

Alien Pirates surrounding kids in Skeleton Crew

Skeleton Crew appears to have learned valuable lessons from previous mistakes within the franchise, notably the over-reliance on familiar characters and storylines. The sequel trilogy faced substantial criticism for leaning too heavily on elements from the original trilogy, with The Force Awakens labeled as excessively reminiscent of A New Hope.

This challenge has also plagued various Star Wars shows, which often emphasize connections to established characters and recycle plot points—particularly in the ongoing Jedi-Sith saga. Fortunately, Skeleton Crew sidesteps these pitfalls. While it indeed provides nostalgic Easter eggs, the series stands confidently on its own, distinguishing itself positively from past entries.

A Model for Future Star Wars Content

A Blueprint for Future Star Wars Storytelling

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

Like Andor, Skeleton Crew stands out, especially when compared to many of the newer Star Wars live-action projects. Both series introduce innovative characters and concepts while staying true to the original themes that have resonated with audiences. They embody the spirit that has long been cherished within the Star Wars narrative.

The essence of A New Hope revolved around unlikely heroes rising to confront overwhelming odds, discovering strength and courage within themselves. Cassian Andor exemplifies this journey in his storyline. In a different capacity, the characters in Skeleton Crew may not be resisting an oppressive regime, but they are navigating a journey that compels each to unearth confidence and bravery through their adventures in Wild Space.

With just two episodes remaining, excitement builds regarding how this narrative will unfold (and whether it may lead to a second season). For now, it is clear that Star Wars: Skeleton Crew has validated its place as one of the most compelling entries in recent Star Wars television history.

The first six episodes of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew are available to stream 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