Editor’s note: The below recap contains spoilers for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Episode 6.

Following the shocking betrayal by Jod (Jude Law) last week, the main characters—Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Neel (Robert Timothy Smith), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and KB (Kyriana Kratter)—find themselves in a precarious situation on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. They literally land in a heap of trouble, as they tumble down a trap door leading to a massive trash chute teeming with adorable Trash Crabs. This sixth episode, titled “Zero Friends Again,” is crafted by Myung Joh Wesner and expertly directed by Bryce Dallas Howard, known for her remarkable work on <em>The Mandalorian</em>. While the previous episode stretched over a tense 45 minutes, this one is a brisk thirty-four minutes, making it the second-shortest of the season, yet every moment is packed with excitement and adventure.

With Jod no longer in the mix, Fern quickly realizes that her friends are not inclined to accept her authority as captain like Jod did. She believes their only escape route is to scale the perilous mountain back to the Onyx Cinder. However, not everyone possesses the same physical capabilities, nor do they appreciate her attempt to lead. When KB reveals that her augs have corroded from their time on Lanupa, she voices her concerns regarding Fern’s leadership style. Instead of seeking input from her friends, Fern, when stumped for ideas, decides to take matters into her own hands, insisting that Neel accompany her up the mountain while KB and Wim can manage on their own. This clash of personalities leads to tension in the group as they navigate their predicament.

Episode 6 stands out as the first segment of Skeleton Crew that genuinely feels tailored for a younger audience, and it succeeds brilliantly. The episode takes essential themes from the Star Wars universe, such as friendship, teamwork, and effective leadership, and recontextualizes them for a juvenile demographic. The storyline resonates strongly with viewers who are similar in age to the younger cast members. While Fern’s strategies ultimately facilitate a rescue for the group, the underlying lesson is that being right doesn’t equate to always being the best leader. The narrative reinforces the idea that understanding your friends’ viewpoints and acknowledging their limitations is equally crucial.

Jod’s Self-Serving Nature in ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ Episode 6

While Fern grapples with the nuances of friendship, Jod exemplifies the ruthless, self-serving nature of a pirate. After abandoning the troublesome young crew members, he attempts to escape with a hefty stash of Tek Rennod’s treasure alongside SM-33 (Nick Frost). However, he fails to consider the bounty still on his head. The deadly acid he hoped would eliminate Pokkit (Kelly Macdonald), Gunter (Jaleel White), Vane (Marti Matulis), and others from his crew does not succeed. When Jod attempts to flee, it leads to SM-33 getting damaged and left for scrap, and even the arrival of X-Wings fails to tip the odds back in his favor.

Jod is subsequently presented to Brutus, who finds him guilty once again, this time sentencing him to an execution by airlock. In a last-ditch effort for survival, Jod invokes his Right of Last Appeal, a vital aspect of pirate law that Brutus must respect. The pirate captain produces a plasma-filled hourglass, initiating Jod’s Equal Time. Initially silent as his time trickles away, Jod is goaded by his disgruntled crew into declaring, “I am hungry.” This emotional appeal, while dramatic, is merely a tactic to rally the crew’s support. He speaks of shared suffering and hunger, but his words ring hollow, revealing his manipulative intent to escape death.

Brandishing the last Old Republic credit he pilfered from Wim, Jod makes a promise that he knows the location of boundless treasure. He claims to have learned about At Attin from Captain Tak Rennod, which is a technical truth, despite Brutus seeing it as deceit. Jod even breaks into a shanty about the legendary pirate’s discoveries. By flattering Brutus as a capable first mate, Jod seeks to undermine his authority and re-establish his standing with the crew. While his scheme finds some success, it doesn’t unfold as he had envisioned, as Brutus permits him to live, at least temporarily, so he can guide them to At Attin.

Related

You Probably Missed That Deep-Cut ‘Clone Wars’ Reference in ‘Skeleton Crew’s Latest Episode

Is this clan already up to its old tricks?

‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ Episode 6 Paves the Way for the Return to At Attin

Back on Lanupa, KB faces a critical situation as she and Wim follow the elusive Trash Crabs into the unknown. Unfortunately, her augs finally fail her, rendering her immobile. While Fern possesses some basic knowledge about “fixing” KB when issues arise, Wim is completely unfamiliar with this process. However, he is eager to learn and willing to help. Fern guides him on how to collect droid servos to serve as replacement parts for her malfunctioning augs, and she explains the repair procedure despite her limited mobility.

This pivotal moment allows KB to express herself more than she has throughout the season. She confides in Wim that Fern has never fully grasped the extent of her differences after her accident. KB expresses her fears that Fern lacks the patience to understand her current limitations. Throughout their journey since leaving At Attin, KB has been silently struggling, terrified that revealing her truth would cost her the only friend she has. In a heartwarming exchange, Wim reassures her that he and Neel will remain her friends, even if she loses Fern. KB is visibly touched by this unexpected kindness. Ultimately, Wim manages to prevent her from entering total system shutdown, and KB reciprocates his kindness by affectionately calling him a Jedi as she thanks him.

Meanwhile, Fern takes on the role of a strict taskmaster, urging Neel to ascend the daunting cliffside. Yet, she also devises a way to ease his climb, making it less strenuous for him. Upon reaching the midpoint, they witness the Onyx Cinder being towed away by salvage ships, heading straight for the very garbage heap they just escaped. Quick-witted and determined, they manage to commandeer one of the smaller droid ships just in the nick of time to save Wim and KB from the clutches of a gigantic Trash Crab, which the smaller ones were leading them toward. When Fern reunites with KB, the latter appears somewhat cold towards her, but Fern and the boys greet each other with exuberant hugs that help thaw the tension. Fern promptly apologizes to KB for not listening, and KB, in turn, apologizes for not being honest about her limitations, reaffirming their bond as best friends. Their misunderstanding, though minor, is resolved swiftly, especially as the group faces yet another deadly predicament by the end of the episode.

The Onyx Cinder is not just heading for the trash heap; it’s on a direct course for the trash compactor! The core four prove their capabilities without Jod or SM-33. KB demonstrates her expertise in the engine room, while Neel and Fern manage the cockpit, and Wim confidently operates the weapon system. Racing against time, they strive to prevent the ship from being engulfed by the trash compactor. However, the ship lacks the necessary engine and firepower to break free. Just when things seem dire, Fern remembers SM-33’s warning about the Emergency Hull Demolition button and decides to press it. Astoundingly, the button activates the Onyx Cinder’s ability to shed its hull like an exoskeleton, allowing it to escape the compactor’s grip and soar into the stars.

As Skeleton Crew approaches the final two episodes of the season, it appears that the children and Jod are set to reunite on At Attin, albeit under drastically different circumstances. Is At Attin ready for a pirate invasion? Will Jod gain any insight into the consequences of betraying children for gold? One thing is certain: Episode 6 leaves us pondering many questions, particularly through the clever imagery of the Onyx Cinder shedding its old shell as the young heroes map their journey home.

The first six episodes of Skeleton Crew are currently available for streaming on Disney+, with new episodes released weekly on Tuesdays at 9 PM ET.

Your changes have been saved

It turns out that friendship is the real treasure in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Episode 6.

Pros

• The unique perspective of handling serious themes through the eyes of children has made Skeleton Crew stand out among other series.
• KB shines as a standout character this week, with her storyline proving to be one of the most compelling among the young cast.

Cons

• The episode could have benefited from a deeper exploration of Jod’s character to provide more context before the season concludes.

Watch on Disney+