Following a two-episode debut that introduced fresh faces, a distinct vibe for the saga, and a mysterious new planet, today’s episode dives deeply into that mystery—the enigmatic tale of At Attin and its historical implications. Up until now, Skeleton Crew has shied away from frequent cameos and direct ties to the broader series. The dialogue mentions Jedi, but not the Skywalkers or Yoda. Alderaan gets a nod, but not Leia. The riddle of At Attin appears to focus on something other than Palpatine’s cloning ventures, which have dominated a vast array of Star Wars series, including animated ones.

After negotiating their escape with Jod Na Nawood (and stealthily making it back to their ship), the children compel Jod to return and save their droid, SM, sparking a conflict that causes chaos across the spaceport. In search of answers, Jod introduces the kids to his friend, an alien hybrid of owl and cat (voiced by Alia Shawkat). The unfolding of the mystery is gripping, balancing exposition with the introduction of new, manageable questions that don’t require deep knowledge of the series. Even without familiarity with the Clone Wars or the original trilogy, it’s clear that the children’s ignorance of a recent major war is peculiar.

The ambiguity surrounding At Attin and its prolonged disappearance adds an intriguing layer to the broader Star Wars narrative, especially since the connection to other events—or even the specific era of this planet and its mysteries—remains unclear. To recap, Wim has extensive knowledge about the Jedi, beyond what would be expected in the original trilogy era. He’s also aware of the Sith and stages battles between Jedi and Sith with his toys, despite the Sith being considered nearly mythical in the prequel and original trilogies. Neel knows about Alderaan, presumably before its destruction, and none of the children are aware of the war, but which war? This scenario increasingly resembles a Fallout Vault, with the kids oblivious to the outside world, a fact confirmed by a droid back at At Attin who informs the anxious parents that contact with the outside is prohibited.

While full answers remain elusive, we discover that At Attin was intentionally concealed as part of a domain known as “The Jewels of the Old Republic,” of which At Attin is the sole survivor, remembered only in rumors, children’s tales, and pirate songs. The exact meaning of “Old Republic” and the duration of the planet’s concealment are still mysteries. The focus on the High Republic era in recent narratives (including comics, books, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and The Acolyte) suggests a possible timeframe. It’s plausible that a planet would fade into legend centuries after being lost rather than remaining a topic of current discussion.

The allure of At Attin’s mystery is that it enhances the children’s coming-of-age narrative, as they realize the galaxy holds more than just their home planet—that dangers exist outside and that their home might not be as idyllic as believed. This is evident when Neels, initially the most eager to return home and seemingly from a stable family, begins to doubt the so-called “Great Work” his parents are involved in. Why does a mundane, suburban planet require so many analysts? And why is a child’s future determined by a single test? The “Great Work” might refer to projects approved under Supreme Chancellor Lina Soh during the High Republic Era, hinting at how long the planet may have been lost. Neel’s growing skepticism about the life they left behind is poignant.

Director David Lowery presents another thrilling episode, blending action and emotional depth, reminiscent of his darker, whimsical elements in his live-action Pete’s Dragon remake. He also cleverly twists classic Star Wars scenes, like inverting the TIE Fighter attack from A New Hope. Instead of Luke showcasing his skills in the Millennium Falcon, the kids joyously man their ship’s turrets to fend off X-Wing fighters, unaware that these are the good guys, as they don’t even know about the war these ships fought in. It’s an exhilarating yet somber scene that may lead to future regrets.

At least for now, they don’t regret allying with Crimson Jack. Despite learning he’s a fraud with many aliases and wanted by the law, and even after he admits he’s not a Jedi, they decide to keep him because he’s their best shot at getting home. However, they remain cautious, with KB (the episode’s MVP) reminding him that he’s not their friend or partner, but their employee. This setup feels like Treasure Island in space, with Jude Law’s shady pirate reminiscent of Long John Silver. It’s surprising that this narrative hasn’t appeared in a Star Wars story before, but it’s exciting to think about where it might lead next.

Additional Insights

• • I apologize for only now realizing that SM 33 is a nod to Smee from Peter Pan. This has quickly become my favorite detail of the series.
• • When Jod/Jack/Silvo assures Fern that “The Force flows through us all” as she jests about KB also possessing The Force, it subtly reinforces the democratization of The Force as seen in Ahsoka, and hints at his non-Jedi status.
• • It’s always a delight to encounter an old B-1 battle droid.
• • Crimson Jack, known both as a pirate called Redbeard by rival Han Solo and a canonical pirate from the comics, was the first major pirate in the franchise, making this a fascinating reference.