Skeleton Crew has been a delightful ride, effortlessly blending the nostalgic charm of 'Amblin kids' in retro-style adventures with the allure of pirates and hidden treasures. The series has been a lot of fun, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed the mix of heartfelt moments and lighthearted thrills. Last week’s Episode 5 was a colorful, action-packed romp set in a world that could easily be plucked from George Lucas’ imagination. But it’s this week’s slower, more introspective Episode 6 that really pulled me in, offering a deep dive into the bonds between the stranded children, and I loved how it focused on their emotional growth.
I was particularly excited to see Bryce Dallas Howard return to Star Wars TV after her polarizing work on The Mandalorian. Honestly, I thought her previous episode, which many fans considered the weakest of the series, didn’t do her any justice. But here, in the aptly titled Zero Friends Again, Howard nails it. She captures the heart of the story effortlessly, blending emotional depth with action, and once again proves she has the kind of talent that could easily translate into directing a future Star Wars movie. Watching her work is a real treat because she brings such warmth and charm to the screen, without sacrificing the thrill of the adventure.
That said, I can’t ignore the pacing issues that continue to plague Skeleton Crew—and honestly, it’s starting to feel like a bit of a broken record. These problems aren’t unique to Star Wars TV shows, but considering how The Mandalorian kicked things off with such a tight, compelling format, it’s disappointing to see Skeleton Crew struggle with pacing in a similar way. It’s easy to imagine this show as a movie instead, and the episodic nature of some chapters almost feels accidental. With just two episodes left, I don’t think the show will crash in the final stretch, but the structural flaws are glaring. I can’t help but feel like the show could have used a little more focus in its direction to avoid some of these pacing missteps, especially when so much of the character work and world-building is so solid.
This episode, however, is KB’s moment. As someone who’s been quietly supporting her friends with her technical skills and mechanical knowledge, it was about time she got her own storyline. After hearing more about the other three kids' struggles and personal journeys, I was eager to learn about KB’s backstory—and I was not disappointed. Her cybernetic augmentations, which are now malfunctioning, put her in a vulnerable position. She’s clearly different from the others in ways that go beyond her mechanical parts, and this episode does a fantastic job of bringing that to the forefront. Wim’s act of saving her—along with his words of encouragement—is truly moving. It was a moment that hit me right in the heart. Their friendship is one of the most genuine things in the series, and seeing Wim reassure her after her struggle with communication was such an important emotional beat.
(L-R) KB (Kyriana Kratter), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers) and Neel (Robert Timotyh Smith) in Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved. |
Kyriana Kratter's performance in that scene was particularly brilliant. She brings such nuance to KB’s emotional journey, and Bryce Dallas Howard wisely gives the scene the space to breathe. It’s these small, intimate moments that really elevate the show for me. The action, while fun, takes a backseat here, allowing the characters to shine in ways we haven’t seen in the previous episodes. This episode really makes you care about these kids—not just as survivors but as individuals with insecurities, hopes, and fears.
Of course, we’re still not done with Jod, whose motivations remain a mystery. Jude Law continues to play him with just the right mix of charm and menace. In Zero Friends Again, he’s back to his pirate captain persona, talking about treasure and riches with the enthusiasm of someone who believes he’s got a grander vision than his counterparts. But I still can’t shake the feeling that Jod has something bigger up his sleeve—his "fake Jedi" shtick is a huge question mark, and I’m eager to see where his character arc goes. There’s a sense that he’s not just a run-of-the-mill scoundrel, and I’m hoping that his backstory will be explored more in the coming episodes.
On the kids’ side of things, I loved the sequence where Fern and Neel are trying to navigate their relationship and figure out their roles within the group. Neel is trying to keep up with Fern, who’s struggling with the pressure of leadership. The tension between them is palpable, and it was fascinating to see them work through it, especially as they try to reclaim their ship, the Onyx Cinder. That scene where they narrowly avoid a giant crab is one of those classic Star Wars moments that’s both thrilling and a little ridiculous, in the best way. It’s the kind of scene that makes me think Star Wars will always be at its best when it balances the big, epic stakes with small, personal moments.
One of my favorite parts of the episode was when the Onyx Cinder reveals a hidden, sleeker version of itself after the hull is destroyed, which was such a fun twist. It’s a cool new mechanic we haven’t seen before, and it felt like the show was finally embracing its potential for unexpected surprises. The kids blast off into space once more, heading toward At Attin, but with the mysteries of Jod’s true intentions still hanging over them. It’s clear that this crew has a lot more to face, and I’m really curious to see where their journey takes them.
Jod (Jude Law) Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. ©2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved. |
Zero Friends Again is an episode that’s definitely stuck with me. It’s a perfect balance of action, character development, and emotional weight. The stakes feel real, the kids’ relationships feel authentic, and the quieter, more reflective moments make the action-heavy beats even more impactful. This episode reminded me that Star Wars isn’t just about lightsabers and space battles—it’s about growth, friendship, and finding your place in a galaxy that’s constantly shifting around you. The emotional journey these kids are on has become just as compelling as the galaxy-spanning adventure they’re caught up in, and I can’t wait to see where they go from here.
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