If you're anything like this veteran Star Wars superfan, you know that the franchise has been through some rough spots lately, especially after the debacle that was The Acolyte. However, Skeleton Crew on Disney+ is proving to be a palate cleanser reminiscent of classic '80s sci-fi films. You know, like how Star Wars used to be?
After The Acolyte limped away with an audience score of 17% on RottenTomatoes, things were looking bleak for the galaxy far, far away. With such a critical bomb that further divided the fanbase, Disney and Lucasfilm needed a tremendous win in the worst way.
Currently sitting with a healthy 95% fresh rating, Skeleton Crew delivers on what newcomers and Star Wars traditionalists have been wanting since the end of the Skywalker Saga. Disney delivers in more than just a YA sci-fi series that could be compared to The Goonies in space, it brings back that familiar sense of wonder and exploration that earlier entries in the series made iconic.
Where did they go right?
While we're only three episodes in, Skeleton Crew's familiar narrative of kids making a life-changing discovery that takes them off their home planet and into the best parts of the Star Wars galaxy. While there are no daring lightsaber battles with Sith Lords (yet), the series has more than a few familiar elements.
Skeleton Crew is a classic space-faring adventure, but that's just the beginning. Just as audiences followed Luke Skywalker and Old Ben into the Mos Eisley Cantina and then beyond the stars with Han and Chewie, so do modern watchers follow Wim, Fern, KB, and Neel into a space pirate's life with Jod Na Nawood and across the galaxy to a whole new adventure.
This series succeeds where Acolyte failed because Jon Watts, Dave Filoni, and Jon Favreau recognize the essence of the Star Wars franchise. It's more than lightsabers and starships, it's about the thrill of adventure in such a richly-crafted world.
In three episodes, viewers are introduced to the galaxy far, far away through its droids, aliens, monsters, and intergalactic cultures. Even if viewers have had the absolute bare minimum exposure to the franchise, what we've seen thus far is enough to keep even the greenest padawan's attention.
More importantly, the main cast of young kids (Disney's primary demographic) presents a relatability not seen since Obi-Wan Kenobi's young Princess Leia. Pair that with an engaging world of smugglers, bounty hunters, and a little star power from a Force-sensitive Jude Law and it's a recipe for success.
This win for Lucasfilm is nothing short of a miracle after what happened with The Acolyte, especially after the misguided direction of Leslye Headland caused the series to take an absolute nosedive around episode two or three. In a way, it's almost like an apology for the sins of the past.
In this writer's opinion, Skeleton Crew takes some of the most treasured bits and pieces of the Star Wars setting and turns them into something new. Although it could do with a few more lightsaber duels, the aliens, droids, and otherworldly nature of the entire experience is a breath of fresh air.
While there are plenty of excellent jumping points apart from the core films on Disney+, Skeleton Crew presents a unique flavor for those seeking their next adventure across the stars. The only question is where will the series take us in next week's episode.