Season 1, Episode 4, titled “Can’t Say I Remember No At Attin,” directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert and written by Christopher Ford and Jon Watts, continues the Disney Plus series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. This episode delves into a desolate world reminiscent of At Attin, one of the “jewel planets,” now reduced to an apocalyptic wasteland. This stark transformation hints at the dangers of external exploitation, such as raids by pirates, underscoring the wisdom of At Attin’s isolation in a galaxy perpetually embroiled in conflict.

The episode’s central theme revolves around the concept of home—what it means to preserve, fight for, or reclaim it. For the children of the Skeleton Crew, home represents the families and friends they are desperately trying to return to. In contrast, the people of At Achrann find their home ravaged by warring factions, leaving the planet unrecognizable. Yet, a glimmer of hope emerges through Neel’s teachings of peace to Hayna, the future leader of the Troika Clan. This small but potent spark begins a journey of transformation, envisioning a return to the peaceful world At Achrann once was before its descent into chaos.

The Troika Clan

The Skeleton Crew arrives on At Achrann, a war-torn counterpart to At Attin, where the environment resembles the desolate landscapes of the Fallout video games. While Jod (Jude Law) is left aboard the ship under the watchful eye of SM-33 (Nick Frost), the children venture out to explore. Their relief at discovering this is not their home is short-lived, as they witness firsthand the planet’s brutality. They are ambushed by Troika warriors amid a conflict with the Hattans, who have stolen their eopie flock. Among the Troika warriors is Hayna (Hala Finley), a child soldier serving under her father, General Strix (Mathieu Kassovitz), the clan leader.

Neel and Hayna

In a bid to secure passage to the Fallen Sanctum—a structure resembling the Supervisor’s tower and rumored to hold coordinates to At Attin—the Skeleton Crew strikes a deal with the Troika Clan. They agree to retrieve the stolen eopie flock from the Hattans. During their preparations, Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) forms an unlikely bond with Hayna, a child soldier hardened by war. Their dynamic contrasts Neel’s philosophy of peace and kindness with Hayna’s belief in strength and violence, sparking debates that challenge her worldview. Neel’s empathy and wisdom gradually influence Hayna, planting seeds of doubt about her violent upbringing.

The mission takes an unexpected turn when Jod and SM-33 find a peaceful solution by paying the Hattans to return the eopies. Although pragmatic and transactional, this resolution highlights the possibility of nonviolent alternatives. Grateful, the Troika Clan directs the Skeleton Crew to the Fallen Sanctum, where they uncover coordinates to other jewel planets of the Old Republic.

Neel Faints Following SM-33’s Attack

However, the coordinates for At Attin are scratched out. A greater danger emerges when SM-33, whose memory Jod had recently repaired, reveals a hidden directive from his former captain to destroy the coordinates and eliminate anyone seeking them. The droid’s programming takes over, forcing the Skeleton Crew to disable him with Jod’s help. The conflict reaches a dire climax as Neel sacrifices himself to protect his friends, collapsing unconscious from the effort.

The episode concludes with the crew in a precarious state: Neel’s condition remains uncertain, Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) grows increasingly homesick, and SM-33’s erratic behavior raises concerns. Despite these challenges, the crew will likely use the remaining coordinates to locate At Attin. Yet their journey is fraught with peril, as they are pursued by both the relentless pirates of Captain Brutus and the New Republic authorities hunting Jod.

Rating: 9/10