Warning! This review contains spoilers for Skeleton Crew episode 3.
Skeleton Crew episode 3 may not reach the heights of its two-episode premiere, but some deep-cut Star Wars reveals and the show’s likable qualities elevate a slightly less-consequential story. As evident in my Skeleton Crew episodes 1 and 2 review, I really enjoyed the beginning of the show and felt it returned Star Wars to the childlike wonder George Lucas envisioned. Aside from some pacing issues in episode 2, I was overjoyed with the strong heart, Skeleton Crew‘s charming young cast, and the somewhat mystery at the show’s center.
This mystery involved Skeleton Crew‘s At Attin, the so-called planet of lost treasure that Wim, Neel, KB, and Fern are looking to return to. Skeleton Crew episode 3 continues this journey, only now with the addition of Jude Law’s Jedi-turned-pirate-captain. With the majority of the plot setup out of the way, Skeleton Crew episode 3 hurtles into its next stage. Overall, episode 3’s story is slightly less focused than its predecessors, but with a quicker pace, strong action scenes, the same sense of wonder, great chemistry between its cast, and some deep-cut Star Wars reveals.
Jude Law Is A Great Addition To Skeleton Crew With Some Deep-Cut Connections
The Chemistry Shines Between Law & His Young Co-stars
Skeleton Crew episode 2’s ending saw Jude Law introduced to the show as a Jedi, or so the kids of the Onyx Cinder think. The episode plays with the idea of Law’s character, Jod Na Nawood, being Force-sensitive in a fun way, with the show respecting our intelligence by not drawing out reveals for too long. Beyond that, it is in Law’s scoundrel-like performance and how that bounces off the range of personalities embodied by Wim, Neel, KB, and Fern that Skeleton Crew episode 3 shines.
Wim and Neel’s wide-eyed, awe-inspired reaction to Law’s “Jedi” maintains that endearing charm that was so well captured in the premiere, while Fern and KB’s distrust and some rivalry with Jod add a dose of humorous tension. For those watching Skeleton Crew for the continued great performances and chemistry of its main cast, episode 3 delivers. For those watching the show for deep-cut Star Wars references, the episode has one — Law’s character’s real identity is the Legends pirate Crimson Jack.
Skeleton Crew Episode 3 Has Strong Action & A Quicker Pace
I enjoyed the lack of outright action in Skeleton Crew‘s two-episode premiere, with the show proving to be enjoyable without conventionally exciting moments. However, I can’t deny episode 3’s familiar Star Wars beats were enjoyable. The chase scene out of Skeleton Crew‘s Port Borgo is great fun, as is the escape from the New Republic X-Wings at the tail end of the installment. These scenes bookend the episode nicely, giving it a more well-rounded pace than its two predecessors.
Skeleton Crew Episode 3’s Story Adds To The At Attin Mystery, But Not Quite On The Same Level
At Attin’s Nature Continues To Raise Questions
The story elements are contained to the middle portion of the episode, with the opening and closing sequences focusing on action. This story is intriguing, but somewhat less consequential given that it is more of a pitstop to bridge Skeleton Crew‘s premiere with the season’s latter half. After escaping Port Borgo, Jod Na Nawood has an old colleague he believes can find At Attin, though one with a tendency to backstab her pirate brethren to the New Republic. Just as they did in the first two episodes, Skeleton Crew’s practical effects continue to shine.
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The effects used to bring Jod’s ally, Kh’ymm, to life as a new Star Wars owl creature are stunning, making it feel as tangible as she does otherworldly. Beyond that, this pitstop has little in the way of massive story reveals. Some mentions of the Old Republic are brought up once more to further At Attin’s mystery and a star map is concocted to help the kids return home. Aside from these elements, the episode sometimes feels like it is spinning its wheels, but Law’s character, the cast’s chemistry, and enjoyable action scenes elevate it to be another winning installment.
Skeleton Crew episode 3 is now streaming on Disney+.
- Jude Law’s character is a great new addition, providing several reveals and mysteries about his identity and some deep-cut Star Wars reveals
- Skeleton Crew’s cast continues to shine, with the young actors bouncing off of Law’s character effortlessly
- Strong action scenes give Skeleton Crew episode 3 a more focused, balanced pace
- Skeleton Crew’s story does not move along too far in episode 3