SERIES REVIEW – Disney+ delivers an adventure-filled story with Skeleton Crew, a series that fearlessly dives into 1980s pop culture references and fan-centric fantasy. This show strikes an impressive balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling, all while introducing a new generation to the thrill of galactic adventures. Think of it as a time machine that whisks viewers back to the distant galaxy we all know and love, offering a mix of nostalgia and novelty for fans of all ages. 

The new Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew hooks viewers right from the start. We meet young protagonist Wim (played by Ravi Cabot-Conyers), whose bedroom looks like it’s straight out of a suburban 1980s home. Packed with retro details that tug at the heartstrings of long-time fans, the room sets the tone for what’s to come. Wim and his best friend Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) spend their mornings locked in playful lightsaber battles while waiting for the school bus. When Wim turns to Neel and asks, “Don’t you want to do something truly exciting?” you can almost hear echoes of Luke Skywalker lamenting his dull life on Tatooine. 

A Generation’s Dream Comes Alive 

Jon Watts and Christopher Ford, the creative minds behind Skeleton Crew, leave no doubt about their vision: to explore what it would be like if young fans of the original Star Wars trilogy found themselves at the heart of a galactic adventure. This isn’t your typical fan-fiction scenario; Skeleton Crew keeps its distance from the Skywalker saga’s main cast and steers clear of being yet another nostalgia-driven rehash. That said, the series is brimming with subtle nods and winks to 1980s pop culture—whether it’s Wim’s reverence for the “ancient legends” or the scenery that recalls the iconic sets of E.T. and The Goonies. 

These touches don’t detract from the show’s merits, though. Skeleton Crew is a carefully constructed adventure that, while generally aimed at teenagers, offers something for audiences of all ages. Directed by celebrated filmmakers like Jon Watts (Spider-Man: Homecoming) and David Lowery (The Green Knight), the series tells a story compelling enough to avoid feeling like a glorified Star Wars theme park ride. Instead, it delivers a heartfelt and well-crafted narrative that honors the legacy of Star Wars while standing firmly on its own.

On the Outer Rim 

Set in the chaotic period between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, Skeleton Crew captures a galaxy grappling with the aftermath of the Empire’s fall. The New Republic is struggling to maintain order, especially on the galaxy’s fringes, where pirates wreak havoc on cargo ships. Wim, Neel, Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and KB (Kyriana Kratter) live on a remote, isolated planet where the thick atmosphere obscures even the stars, leaving the galaxy’s events as little more than distant legends. 

The kids’ lives teeter between the ordinary and the unusual. Wim dreams of adventure, Neel is motivated to excel at school, while Fern and KB seek thrills by ditching classes to race Fern’s speeder across town. Their world feels both familiar and alien—resembling suburban life on Earth, yet peppered with sci-fi elements like droid teachers, KB’s futuristic cyber-goggles, and, of course, the ubiquitous speeders. These small touches constantly remind viewers that this is indeed a galaxy far, far away. 

The Adventure Begins 

The real action kicks off when Wim, running late for the school bus, decides to take a shortcut and stumbles upon what he believes to be the ruins of a Jedi temple. This innocent detour sets off a chain of events that sends Wim, Neel, Fern, and KB hurtling into the unknown. They’re joined by an abandoned pirate droid (voiced with delightful gruffness by Nick Frost) and a mysterious man whom Wim believes to be a Jedi (played by Jude Law). 

At this point, the story truly finds its footing. The young crew must navigate the galaxy’s dangerous territories while learning to rely on one another, even when trust is in short supply. The series masterfully balances tension, ensuring that threats feel real and engaging without pushing beyond what’s believable for its young protagonists. Beyond the galactic pirates and perilous action sequences, the heart of the show lies in the evolving dynamics between the four leads—the trials of friendship, the strength of teamwork, and the realization that they’re stronger together than they ever imagined. 

A Fresh Perspective on the Galaxy 

As the Star Wars franchise nears its 50th anniversary, finding new directions has become increasingly challenging. Skeleton Crew, however, sidesteps clichés by offering a fresh, youthful perspective on the galaxy. The series strikes a relatively effective balance between the warm embrace of nostalgia and the demands of modern storytelling, proving that even a familiar universe can offer surprises when viewed through a different lens. While the first episode stumbles a bit in pacing, the second picks up steam and sets the stage for an engaging journey. 

Beyond its nostalgic callbacks to the 1980s, Skeleton Crew presents the iconic Star Wars universe from an angle rarely explored. With its young characters and smooth storytelling, the show bridges the gap between the nostalgic long-time fans and the curious newcomers, carving out a deserving place in Disney+’s lineup. 

 – Gergely Herpai “BadSector” –