“Skeleton Crew” Episode 5 Delivers a Nod to a Legendary Star Wars Crime-Lord Family By Debopriyaa Dutta Dec. 25, 2024 2:00 pm EST Spoiler Alert: This article discusses key plot points from “Skeleton Crew.” “Skeleton Crew” takes a nostalgic approach reminiscent of classic Amblin adventures while navigating the darker, more intense corners of the “Star Wars” universe. As Wim and his companions venture beyond At Attin, their journey quickly spirals into one harrowing predicament after another—especially after their fateful encounter with the enigmatic Jod, portrayed by Jude Law.
In this fifth episode, the narrative is rich with callbacks to beloved films like “The Goonies” and “Indiana Jones,” but it takes a sharp turn into treachery, mirroring Wim’s own heartbreaking growth. The series reminds us that space escapades can be fraught with danger and that the safety of children hangs perilously in the balance when surrounded by adults willing to resort to threats.
Thankfully, “Skeleton Crew” masterfully maintains its signature blend of high stakes with heartfelt humor. Jod’s ever-growing assortment of cheeky nicknames adds to the lighthearted vibe, while the crew’s adventure leads them to a former pirate fortress that has now transformed into a lavish holiday destination known as Lanupa. Given the questionable reputation of “Star Wars” vacation spots—think the ill-fated beaches of Niamos from “Andor” or the notorious Canto Bight from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”—Lanupa comes with its own set of red flags.
As anticipated, Lanupa comes across as just as shady as one might expect. The notorious Banking Clan is seen shuffling in the shadows during this New Republic Era. But that’s not all; within this pleasure planet, a member of an infamous gangster clan appears, exhibiting a rather ungrateful demeanor as an esteemed guest.
In classic “Star Wars” fashion, the iconic presence of a Hutt never goes unnoticed. Jabba the Hutt is a figure whose aura extends far beyond the stories we’ve witnessed; his criminal empire once thrived throughout the Outer Rim. While Jabba’s reputation is monumental, there are other Hutt figures equally as cunning and ruthless. In “Skeleton Crew,” the Hutt cameo takes on a comedic twist as a member of the clan is seen indulging in a Troglof server while relaxing in the spa’s mud bath, causing the server to plead, “Please sir, not again!” The implications are left tantalizingly vague but humorous.
Although the identity of this Hutt clan member remains uncertain, it’s plausible that they could be one of the infamous Twins from “The Book of Boba Fett.” These characters were Jabba’s cousins, active during the New Republic Era until Boba Fett disrupted their operations on Tatooine. Historically, The Twins dispatched the bounty hunter Krrsantan to eliminate Fett, only to backtrack and apologize, offering him a rancor as an olive branch.
Is it conceivable that one of them has decided to trade the desert sun for a tropical retreat at Lanupa, indulging carefree and munching on servers for sport? It’s certainly a possibility, yet the cameo only scratches the surface of what this episode encapsulates.
Meanwhile, the plot thickens with deadly traps and acid-laden chambers leading to pirate treasures that hold the coordinates of At Attin. Jod’s unexpected betrayal was bound to happen, leaving viewers worried about a group of frightened children learning a harsh lesson: seeking protection from adults in this vast galaxy can be perilous.
Catch new episodes of “Skeleton Crew” airing every Tuesday at 6 pm PST on Disney+.