Disney+ has premiered its latest spinoff series, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, with its first two episodes available now. The show follows a group of kids as they strike out in search of excitement and find themselves aboard a pirate ship while on the run from bloodthirsty criminals.
The series takes inspiration from classic kid-friendly adventures like E.T. and Stranger Things, but also nods to Star Wars’ own J.J. Abrams’ TV work. The show’s nostalgic vibe is evident in its plot, which features a group of plucky kids living on the suburban planet of At Attin.
However, unlike other Star Wars shows, Skeleton Crew lacks adult supervision, with droids serving as bus drivers and teachers. The only grown-up presence comes from Jude Law, who makes a brief appearance in the premiere episodes.
The show’s central mystery involves a strange hatch that requires assistance from two kids, Fern and KB, to unravel. The kids are all likable but somewhat one-dimensional, with each having a distinct personality trait.
The plot momentum is driven by the kids’ journey into space, where they encounter a pirate ship and its crew, including a broken-down droid named SM-33 voiced by Nick Frost. While the show has an endearing sense of humor about piracy, there’s concern that it may struggle to balance action and family-friendly appeal.
One notable issue with the series is its reliance on virtual set technology, which can make environments feel hollow and empty. The show’s creators will need to find a way to strike a balance between nostalgic charm and practical storytelling to keep fans engaged over the course of the season.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/star-wars-skeleton-crew-episodes-1-and-2-review