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Tripwire Reviews: Star Wars Skeleton Crew Episodes Five And Six
Putting Flesh On The Bones Of The Crew
Tripwire’s contributing writer Paul Neal casts a critical eye over episodes five and six of the latest Star Wars series, Skeleton Crew, currently available on Disney Plus…
After the events of the first four episodes Skeleton Crew finally after a long wait establishes some much-needed drama and conflict with the next two episodes.
Episodes 5 and 6 are titled “You Have a Lot to Learn about Pirates” and “Zero Friends Again” respectively.
The droid conspiracy on At Attin begins to become apparent and the parents of the child cast try to find their children after an oddly long delay. In addition, the idea of buried treasure and the mentions of legendary pirates and hidden gold in the Galaxy far away becomes more relevant.
Tripwire prefers to review without spoilers, so on this occasion I would like to look at the direction of each episode of the series.
So let us look at the director involved in this Star War series.
Ep 1. Jon Watts
As premiere episodes of a Disney Plus Star War series goes, this first episode has an awful lot going for it. The acclaimed Spider-man director really establishes his cast and the world around them with colour, character and vibrancy.
The youthful energy seep through the screen and the love for the characters is palpable. Watts really nails a much-needed hit of family friendly nostalgia that Star war may have been lacking for some time. Star Wars is similar to other popular franchises insofar as the established fanbase is aging and new younger fan are needed. Skeleton Crew may just be the solution to the problem.
Eps 2 and 3 David Lowery
These two instalments are the weakest in the series.
The introduction of Jude Law’s possible Jedi character feels incredibly clumsy. All the groundwork that was so wonderfully established in episode one vanishes almost instantly. The cast seem utterly against character.
The pirate landscape suffers from dreadful cliches and some awful writing. These two episodes while featuring some impressive special effects are simply poor.
David Lowery is an accomplished filmmaker – 2021’s The Green Knight was a testament to his talent – yet these two episodes felt like a bridge too far for his career up to this point.
With luck (or Luke’s luck…. sorry) Episodes 4 and 5 might right the starship.
Eps 5 and 6 Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert and Jake Schreier
As if by magic, the series the series comes back to life. These two offerings are a true revelation. The spirit of fun and adventure returns. There is humour, wit and lots of monsters.
There are chases and genuine stakes. This is what this series was designed to be surely. There is a chance some viewers lost faith by this point, but it was worth the wait. There are Indiana Jones style hijinks, a lightsabre and a mutiny. It all adds up to excellent entertainment.
These episodes truly encapsulate a fun Star wars adventure. Can the final two episodes stick the landing?
In the final review of the series we shall consider the lasting legacy of the Skeleton Crew and a the surely unlooked star of the series. The score for the series has been phenomenal.
As ever Tripwire welcomes feedback and comments.
A link to Paul Neal’s review of episodes one and two and three and four is provided here:
Tripwire Reviews: Star Wars Skeleton Crew Episodes Three and Four
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