Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Episode 2 - Review 'Way, way out past the barrier'

The second episode of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew builds on the solid foundation of its premiere episode, This could be a real adventure, delving deeper into the perilous and mysterious galaxy surrounding its young protagonists.

Way, Way Out Past the Barrier, explores the nostalgic yet fresh tone established in the debut, leaning into themes of freedom, conformity, and the dangers of the unknown. This isn’t just a kids’ adventure dressed in Star Wars aesthetics—it’s a series that’s carving out its own distinct identity.

From the outset, the series positions itself as a counterpoint to the nostalgia-heavy pitfalls that recent Star Wars projects have often fallen into. Where CGI Luke Skywalker or Rey’s lineage in The Rise of Skywalker felt like attempts to recycle the franchise’s past, Skeleton Crew taps into nostalgia in a way that feels purposeful and original. Creators Jon Watts (Spiderman) and Christopher Ford evoke memories of The Goonies and E.T. but give their story a Star Wars-specific edge, blending suburban simplicity with the vast complexity of a galaxy at war with itself.

This episode dives straight into the chaos introduced in the premiere, with the young heroes—Wim, Fern, KB, and Neel—finding themselves on the pirate port of Borgo. The remnants of the mutinous pirate crew from the first episode loom large, their brutality and greed creating an ever-present sense of danger. Borgo, with its grimy markets and shady denizens, is quintessentially Star Wars. It echoes the original trilogy’s Mos Eisley Cantina but trades the sense of controlled chaos for a more anarchic, lawless atmosphere. Here, the kids face the harsh reality of life beyond the sheltered confines of their homeworld, At Attin.

The portrayal of At Attin becomes even more compelling in this episode. The planet’s pristine, suburban aesthetic contrasts sharply with the rest of the galaxy, but the cracks in its utopian facade are becoming more evident. The mention of the “Great Work” and the rigid expectations placed on the children reveal a society built on conformity and control. Protected by an impenetrable barrier, the planet’s isolation feels less like a safety measure and more like a prison. Its legend as the “lost planet of eternal treasure” only deepens the mystery, suggesting a history far removed from the mundane lives its citizens lead.

The young cast continues to shine, proving that they are more than capable of carrying a Star Wars narrative. Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers) is the impulsive dreamer whose actions often lead the group into trouble, but his earnestness and curiosity make him relatable. Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) emerges as the group’s leader, her rebellious spirit balanced by moments of vulnerability that hint at a deeper backstory. KB (Kyriana Kratter) and Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) round out the team with humor and ingenuity, their dynamic adding warmth to the series.

Jude Law’s Jod Na Nawood finally steps into the spotlight, albeit briefly. Imprisoned alongside the kids in Borgo’s brig, his character exudes a quiet intensity that promises to play a pivotal role in the series. His use of the Force to orchestrate an escape provides one of the episode’s most thrilling moments, but the show wisely keeps his motives ambiguous. By doing so, Skeleton Crew allows the mystery surrounding his character to simmer without overshadowing the kids’ journey.

Visually, the show continues to impress. Borgo is rendered with a gritty authenticity that contrasts with the sterile, retro-futuristic look of At Attin. This juxtaposition reinforces the series’ central theme: the tension between safety and freedom. The use of The Volume, while occasionally making the environments feel hollow, generally serves the narrative well, immersing viewers in the contrasting worlds the kids traverse.

Tonally, the series balances lighthearted adventure with moments of genuine peril. The kids’ wonder at seeing stars for the first time—a poignant moment underscoring their sheltered existence—is juxtaposed with the life-or-death stakes they face in Borgo. This balance keeps the series accessible to younger audiences while retaining the complexity that Star Wars fans of all ages can appreciate.

The episode’s closing moments set up intriguing questions for the rest of the season.

What secrets does At Attin hold?

Why is its currency so archaic, and why has the galaxy forgotten its existence?

Jod Na Nawood’s cryptic presence only adds to the intrigue, leaving viewers eager for answers. These mysteries, combined with the kids’ evolving dynamic, give Skeleton Crew a narrative depth that goes beyond its nostalgic surface.

Ultimately, Way, Way Out Past the Barrier solidifies Skeleton Crew as more than just a derivative attempt to cash in on Star Wars nostalgia. By centering its story on relatable, multidimensional characters and exploring universal themes through a galaxy-spanning lens, the series feels both timeless and fresh. While it may draw comparisons to Stranger Things or The Goonies, Skeleton Crew stands firmly as its own story, proving that there is still room for innovation in a galaxy far, far away.

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