There’s been some interesting things known about Skeleton Crew, such as it being an adventure in the style of The Goonies. Four kids lost in the galaxy trying to find their way home. Along the way, they encounter a Jedi who wants to help them. It sounded like it would be a fun time, so it was a series I was looking forward to seeing. And with these first two episodes now watched, I can say I’m ready to see the rest of this journey.

The first episode sets up the entire reason this adventure happens. Wim is a dreamer, picturing himself as someone who helps others. Almost… like a Jedi. Who he is very familiar with, having toys and storypads about. One other thing fuelling his desire for adventure is the lack of love he gets from his father. Who Wim sees as only caring about his work and reputation.

A vast contrast to his best friend Neel, an alien who has a very loving family. Just like Wim, Neel is playful. But isn’t exactly an adventurous spirit like Wim wants to be. He’s very settled and content to keep up with his studies in pursuit of a career. As Wim keeps pushing for discovery, it is Neel trying to bring him back from it. At almost every step of this journey.

Also along for the ride are Fern and KB. There’s not much we know about KB, other than that’s she’s gifted with technology, to the point she has a cybernetic head implant to enhance those skills. But she’s also the best friend of Fern, a racer of bikes who craves excitement. Since her mother sees her as the perfect student and a role model for future generations. Though Fern is about action as much as Wim, even she is hesitant to go on this journey.

The acting of all four kids in Skeleton Crew is good. It’s believable, feeling like they are really part of this galaxy and experiencing the dangers of it. All four do a great job across these first two episodes in showing the personalities of the characters, with Neel especially. After all, since the head is not real, the body language really has to shine. As I feel it does. While there can be a few times it feels a bit stilted, such is easy to overlook.

The first episode introduces all of this character development and exploration of its world at a nice pace. There’s some fun moments throughout while also building toward the end of the episode where that ship takes them away from home, hyperspacing them across the galaxy to fend for themselves as they try to get back home. The reason why getting back home might be an issue is what the second episode explores.

Their home, At Attin, is considered a myth to the wider galaxy. But it is also said to be home to some sort of lost treasure. Why that might be the case is something the series seems to be building to. It’s a mystery that I feel is already solvable, at least partly. I’m interested to see how right I am when said mystery is answered. That is one reason I’m sticking around for the end of Skeleton Crew.

The other being I feel invested in this adventure and these characters. These first two episodes have done a nice job in showing who they are. Where they stand in both their relationships to their home planet, and the wider galaxy. How the skills and knowledge they have help in navigating every danger that comes their way. And there’s a lot of fun to be found in the adventure vibe the creatives have injected the series with.

There are some great shots and setpieces littered throughout the two episodes, such as when SM-33, the droid the kids found on board the ship they now find themselves with, comes to their rescue against the pirates. The music also plays a part in the adventure feel, with grand whimsical pieces alongside some more quiet, mysterious ones. And while different to the norm, it still retains a feeling of Star Wars.

Skeleton Crew is already shaping up to be a great Star Wars adventure full of action. Pirates, new locations, and some of the familiar Force using from a Jedi combine to make this a worthwhile series to watch. I’m certain the following episodes will be just as great as these first two. And that there will be a lovely conclusion to the series.

Images Taken From:
Star Wars Skeleton Crew | S1.01 [Disney+]