Directed by Jon Watts and written by Watts and Christopher Ford, the season finale of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—episode 8, “The Real Good Guys”—concludes the first season. However, – it leaves both a sense of satisfaction and a feeling that the show could have benefited from more time to breathe.

The episode picks up right where episode 7 left off. Jod, masquerading as the emissary in front of the droids, insists that At Attin’s safety should have been their top priority. He orders the parents and children to be confined to their quarters and placed under surveillance. Undersecretary Fara attempts to take the blame for the children’s escape, but it’s clear that the situation is far from under control. Tension is palpable as Jod waves his lightsaber around, his unpredictability increasing the sense of danger.

Fern’s defiance towards Jod results in her and her mother being put under his watch. Jude Law delivers yet another standout performance, portraying Jod as a treacherous and unhinged pirate with chilling effectiveness.

The episode then shifts to Wim having a strained conversation with his father. Despite his father’s attempts at small talk, Wim is silent, seemingly lost in thought. The two are under the watch of a Safety Droid, and their dialogue about Wim’s upcoming exam quickly escalates into an argument about the relevance of the “Great Work” ideology that governs their planet. Wim, disillusioned with the system, can no longer imagine a future confined to the mundane routine of life on At Attin. He’s now filled with a sense of adventure and independence, eager to explore the galaxy. His character arc—reminiscent of Luke Skywalker’s journey in A New Hope—emphasizes his growth from a reluctant participant to someone ready to seize his destiny.

The narrative takes a surprising turn when it’s revealed that the supervisor of At Attin is, in fact, a massive droid voice. Fern and Fara question Jod’s identity as a “Republic emissary” in front of the Supervisor. When the Supervisor questions Jod’s loyalty to either the Republic or the Jedi, Fern boldly accuses him of being a pirate, confirming the Supervisor’s suspicions. Jod’s response—killing the Supervisor by plunging his lightsaber into its eye—shuts down all power on the planet, creating chaos.

Fara tries to reason with Jod, offering her assistance in landing his other ship. Meanwhile, Fern remains deeply suspicious of his true motives. Jod agrees, and signals for his crew to descend upon At Attin. It is at this moment we begin to see the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Wim seizes the opportunity to tell his father what’s really happening as the droid watching them powers down. A visually striking shot follows, showing Jod’s crew descending on At Attin with an aurora borealis effect in the background.

The pirates launch an attack on the town, and the destruction that follows is surprisingly satisfying to watch. We haven’t really seen a suburban setting in the Star Wars universe, and the contrast between the idyllic, small-town life of At Attin against the backdrop of the greater Star Wars galaxy.

The kids—Wim, Fern, and Neel—decide to take matters into their own hands, formulating a plan to fly a ship past the planet’s barrier and contact Kh’ymm, the alien bird woman, for help. As they race off on their hoverbikes, Wim’s father, initially reluctant, joins them. The stakes heighten when Neel’s hoverbike is shot down, and he urges the others to continue without him. KB, Wim, and Wendle arrive at the ship only to learn that its landing legs are stuck, making takeoff impossible. Wim’s father, a “level seven Systems Coordinator,” says he can work on restoring power to the ship but can only do it from where the Supervisor is.

The tension escalates as Fern confronts her mother, Fara, urging her to take a stand against Jod. This scene effectively develops Fern’s character, showcasing her growth into a leader who can effectively take charge when needed.

In an exciting hoverbike chase, Wim and his father race toward Jod’s position. Wim manages to distract Jod long enough for his father to restore power to the ship, setting the stage for a tense standoff. Jod taunts Wim, informing him that the Jedi are all dead, a painful reminder of the aftermath of Order 66—an event the kids are unaware of. As the conflict escalates, Undersecrtary Fara pulls the lever to disable the barrier, opening the way for New Republic forces to descend upon the planet.

The destruction of the barrier reveals the true night sky, offering a sense of hope just as the Republic arrives. In the chaos, the kids and their parents manage to escape, and there’s a heartwarming reunion when it’s revealed that KB, who had been presumed dead, is alive and well.

While the finale offers a satisfying resolution, there’s a sense that the episode could have benefitted from a slower pace and more development. The action-packed plot feels a bit rushed, especially when considering the potential for a more drawn-out confrontation. With more time, the stakes could have been higher, and the emotional beats would have landed even stronger.

The music, though functional, occasionally feels a bit formulaic, and the CGI and special effects, while serviceable, don’t always elevate the experience to the level of Star Wars’ best visual storytelling.

Overall, Skeleton Crew Season 1 is an enjoyable, if imperfect, addition to the Star Wars universe. The series blends the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones and The Goonies with the iconic elements of Star Wars, creating a fun, if somewhat standard, narrative. A second season could further flesh out the characters, as there are still aspects of their backgrounds that feel underdeveloped.

Rating: 7.5/10