45/50
Four kids make a mysterious discovery on their home planet that lands them lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Jude Law in «Skeleton Crew»; plus more stars from a galaxy far, far away. The holographic circus that entertains Neil’s little siblings is the same one that watches over Chewbacca’s family in the infamous The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978). Featured in AniMat’s Crazy Cartoon Cast: Silly Old Deadly Bear (2022). I can’t understand why Obi Wan and The Acolyte look any cheaper than this show. From a production standpoint, Skeleton Crew was the first Star Wars show in a while that felt expansive, complete, and entertaining. For all the lack of passion that was felt as a Star Wars audience in a while, the last place I would have expected to feel this IP redemption was a children’s series. My favorite Star Wars movies/shows have always been the darker ones, Episode 5, Episode 3, Andor, parts of Rogue One, and The Mandalorian. But Skeleton Crew captures a perspective that was sorely missed by Star Wars Kids. I get a sense of wonder, adventure, and stakes that I haven’t enjoyed from this universe in a while. Also, rather exhaustingly, it’s the only carefully directed show they’ve put out besides Andor and a decent handful of The Mandalorian. There are actual scenes, actual character growth, a mise en scène that tells the story, rather than just watching Star Wars. Star Wars has always been about kids as much as it is about adults – the irony is that they had to make a kids’ show that reminds us that the core craft of storytelling still exists as Disney. Please keep making shows like this for kids, and please keep making shows like Andor for adults. It’s the middle ground that keeps ruining the tone of other entries – Obi Wan is the perfect example. He had no idea who his audience was and didn’t commit to trying to fit in with everyone. Boba Fett is another example that comes to mind. Kudos to the showrunners for bringing something fresh to Star Wars. Sure, heavily influenced by the era of kids on bikes – but a fresh take on that universe that my partner and I have embraced with joy. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is one of the biggest TV and streaming premieres this month. Check out our December calendar for more!