Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Episode 7 Channels Classic Spielberg Scene
The seventh episode of “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” titled “We’re Gonna Be In So Much Trouble,” delivers a thrilling narrative that brings the show’s various character arcs together on the mythical planet of At Attin. As tension mounts, the worried parents of the missing children—Wim, Fern, Neel, and KB—devise a plan to send a message, intending to guide their kids past a perilous barrier hindering their return home. Meanwhile, Captain Brutus, Jod Na Nawood, and a band of pirates are embroiled in a fierce battle for control over the children and their ship, the Onyx Cinder, which possesses the potential to navigate the dangerous barrier. Ultimately, Jod seizes the upper hand, capturing the children through ruthless means, while his piratical crew gets left behind.
As the storyline unfolds, Jod discovers the legendary treasure of At Attin, and a reunion with their parents occurs, although the episode closes just before a climactic confrontation begins. The episode creatively weaves themes from various influences, including nods to “Andor” and “Treasure Island,” but one standout moment directly pays homage to a beloved Steven Spielberg classic.
In a clever homage to “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” the creators of “Skeleton Crew” draw inspiration from Spielberg’s work, especially from the 1980s hits that captured the imagination of a generation. The episode opens with a scene reminiscent of “E.T.”—the parents of the missing kids, frustrated with the droids and supervisors of At Attin, engineer their own communication device using scrap material. They gather in a forest to send their message, only to be pursued by security droids equipped with bright flashlights. This chase echoes the iconic sequences in “E.T.,” particularly the frantic foot pursuit through the woods and E.T.’s own attempts to contact home.
Interestingly, “Skeleton Crew” flips the script by placing the adults in the role of fugitives fleeing from the authorities, adding a humorous twist. Their singular goal is to ensure the safe return of their children, prompting thoughts about what it must have been like for the extraterrestrial beings trying to reach E.T. in Spielberg’s original.
As we look ahead to the season finale, there is a tantalizing expectation for a rousing conclusion typical of classic Spielberg films, renowned for their exhilarating climaxes. Given that this episode of “Skeleton Crew” ends on a significant cliffhanger, we can anticipate a spirited return to action as the children possibly take to their hoverbikes to confront Jod Na Nawood. Will they soar through the sky with the moon lighting their path? While that may be wishful thinking, there’s no doubt that hoverbikes will play a crucial role. Furthermore, it is likely that Wim will finally grasp the lightsaber Jod stole, fulfilling his aspiration to become the Jedi he has longed to be since the series premiere. Also, viewers will probably see the return of the kids’ droid ally SM-33, which is a hallmark of good storytelling in the vein of Spielberg. The season 1 finale of “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” is set to air on January 14, 2025, at 6 PM PST on Disney+.
