Skeleton Crew Episode 6 Corrects a Longstanding Pirate Oversight in Star Wars
By Rafael Motamayor Jan. 3, 2025
This article contains mild spoilers for “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” episode 6, “Zero Friends Again.”
The “Star Wars” saga is a vast and intricate tapestry, brimming with endless tales and vibrant characters that resonate across generations. Much like Tolkien’s Middle-earth, this universe can accommodate a variety of narratives, which is precisely what makes “Skeleton Crew” so refreshing. It introduces an all-ages coming-of-age adventure that complements the more intense storytelling of “Andor,” reinforcing the longevity of the franchise.
With its unique premise, “Skeleton Crew” takes audiences on a journey alongside a group of children yearning for adventure, thrusting them into a perilous world filled with ruthless pirates and the quest for legendary treasure, akin to “Treasure Planet” in the “Star Wars” realm. Unlike “The Mandalorian,” which focused more on linking to the broader “Star Wars” narrative, or “The Book of Boba Fett,” which fell short in depicting criminal underbelly on Tatooine, “Skeleton Crew” fulfills the long-held promise of George Lucas’ unrealized “Star Wars: Underworld” series. It’s already revealing a darker dimension of this beloved galaxy, one rife with danger and individuals driven by greed.
Pirates have been a recurring theme in the “Star Wars” universe. Han Solo was identified as a pirate in “A New Hope,” and the animated series “Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels” showcased various pirate factions with their distinct traits. However, it wasn’t until “Skeleton Crew” that we encountered a pivotal element of pirate lore that had been absent from “Star Wars” for years: a space sea shanty.
In the latest episode “Zero Friends Again,” Jude Law plays Jod Na Nawood (a.k.a. Crimson Jack and others) who is apprehended by his former pirate crew, facing execution. In a twist reminiscent of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, he appeals for his freedom by suggesting they embark on a treasure hunt for At Attin. During this, he shares a recorded tale from the famed Captain Tak Rennod, ultimately breaking into a shanty about able sea going adventures. This moment marks the introduction of the galaxy’s first space sea shanty, which the crew readily joins in on, hinting that it’s widely recognized across the cosmos.
The inclusion of sea shanties adds a vibrant layer to pirate culture, capturing its essence and charm. This musical element is reminiscent of what made “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” captivating, allowing players to enjoy the rhythmic camaraderie of shanty singing while sailing the seas. Moreover, the shanty dedicated to Rennod serves as another nod to Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic “Treasure Island,” a fundamental influence on “Skeleton Crew.” Both the quest for treasure and the deceitful dynamics presented resonate with themes from Stevenson’s classic.
Additionally, “Zero Friends Again” revives a classic pirate custom with its own interpretation of “walking the plank,” seen here as being ejected from a spaceship’s airlock. This method of execution has a storied history in “Star Wars,” particularly during “Clone Wars,” where characters like Cad Bane resort to this brutal act. Chopper, though not strictly a pirate in “Rebels,” has earned notorious acclaim for tossing enemies into the cold void of space.
Unlike the lone rangers of the galaxy, such as Han Solo and Lando Calrissian, who primarily act in self-interest, pirates thrive on their crew dynamics, engaging in shared adventures and revelry—think of the quirky characters like Shistavanen Brutus and Gorian Shard. The analogy of space travel to maritime voyages is apparent, making it a natural fit for an abundance of pirates to inhabit the “Star Wars” universe.
Ultimately, “Skeleton Crew” suggests that there is always room for more pirates in the vastness of space. New episodes of “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” premiere every Tuesday at 6 pm PST on Disney+.
