Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is the latest chapter in Lucasfilm's iconic space opera, and it's currently rising to the top of the charts. A surprise hit after the debacle Disney had with The Acolyte, but one that recaptures the fantastical nature of classic Star Wars... with the omission of one key ingredient.
In the series, Jude Law plays Jod Na Nawood, a mysterious figure encountered by the show's kid leads who clearly has some connection to the Force. While there is a slim chance he might have some connection to the Jedi, it might actually serve the series better if he doesn't.
A Disturbance in the Force
When we first meet Nawood, he definitely gives off Jedi vibes with his hooded, tattered robe and levitation skills (shared by Jude Law here). The aesthetic practically screams "Old Ben Kenobi." However, it's also hinted that he's not telling the kids (or the audience) everything. Even if he's the masked pirate captain in episode one or simply a skilled con man, he's broken down a major barrier.
According to Master Yoda, the Force is "energy that surrounds us and binds us." Basically, it affects every living thing in the universe. By that logic, it means that anyone can use it, and it's not specifically designated to the Jedi or Sith. If Nawood is just a Force-sensitive individual, it means he has more relatability, making him much more interesting than a standard-issue Star Wars rogue.
While we can't say 100 percent what this means at the time of writing, it makes room for a different perspective on (for lack of a better term) Jedi arts. In the end, it all boils down to the subject of Force-sensitivity. If a pirate like "Crimson Jack" can utilize it, who's to say there aren't others like him?
This opens the door for others like Nawood in a big way. It essentially says that residents of the Star Wars galaxy don't have to be Jedi to wield the Force, but that it can be harnessed for anyone with the senses to do so. The idea of other Force-users isn't exactly new, but it does provide room to expand the lore.
If there's one thing Skeleton Crew does right from what we have seen, it's focus on the world George Lucas created all those years ago. The viewers are essentially seeing the galaxy through the eyes of the young protagonists.
Everything is strange and new, and things like Jedi and X-Wings are the stuff of legends. That gives us all the more reason to keep watching. While there is still plenty of time for someone to whip out a lightsaber on this swashbuckling adventure, we are seeing a different side to the familiar setting, and it's only going to expand from there.