Avoiding the Sequel Trilogy’s Biggest Villain Mistake in Star Wars’ New TV Show

Attention: This article contains spoilers for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Episode 7.

As we approach the conclusion of the highly regarded first season of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, concerns arise that the finale may replicate the same villain-related pitfalls seen in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Following the tumultuous end of The Rise of Skywalker, the franchise appeared to regain its footing with The Mandalorian. However, the subsequent releases within the Star Wars universe have been a mixed bag, ranging from the critically acclaimed Andor to the less favorable Book of Boba Fett.

This context makes Skeleton Crew a refreshing addition, as it embraces the franchise’s lighthearted origins while leading its characters through an engaging adventure. Although it may not be perfect, the series has proven to be enjoyable, showcasing numerous standout moments thanks to its excellent direction and remarkable casting. Episode 7 has delivered some of my favorite scenes so far, yet this very aspect raises concerns that the show’s strengths may be compromised as it approaches its finale.

Jod And Nawood’s Villain Arc: A Highlight Of Skeleton Crew
Skeleton Crew Risks Repeating The Sequel Trilogy’s Biggest Villain Mistake
Not Every Star Wars Villain/Anti-Hero Needs A Redemption Arc

Jod And Nawood’s Villain Arc: A Highlight Of Skeleton Crew

From Anti-Hero to Treacherous Villain

Within Skeleton Crew, Jod Na Nawood emerges as a standout character, embodying the quintessential Star Wars scoundrel with his deceptive charm. Played masterfully by Jude Law, Jod transitions effortlessly between warmth and cruelty, rendering his betrayal in Episodes 5 both believable and heart-wrenching. This pivotal moment significantly reshapes the narrative trajectory for the remainder of the season.

The tension escalated when Jod menaced the kids with a lightsaber, an unsettling scene that brought to mind Anakin Skywalker’s darker moments.

In the following episodes, despite Jod’s self-serving tendencies, viewers are coaxed back into rooting for him as he navigates dire straits. He narrowly escapes execution multiple times, leveraging his wit to survive, ultimately regaining his position as captain following the shocking demise of his former first mate.

Skeleton Crew Risks Repeating The Sequel Trilogy’s Biggest Villain Mistake

Ditching One Villain for a Last-Minute Replacement

The cliffhanger at the conclusion of Episode 7 is haunting, igniting fears that the season finale might replicate the disappointing narrative decisions found in The Rise of Skywalker. Although the elimination of Supreme Leader Snoke in The Last Jedi garnered mixed reactions, it opened a unique avenue for Kylo Ren to ascend as the trilogy’s main antagonist. Regrettably, this was overshadowed when Emperor Palpatine was resurrected in a last-minute twist in the subsequent film.

Not Every Star Wars Villain/Anti-Hero Needs A Redemption Arc

Sometimes a Tragic Ending is More Powerful

Should the supervisor emerge as a focal point in the season finale, it might pave the way for Jod’s forced redemption as he collaborates with the children against a shared adversary. While this isn’t inherently a flawed idea, it risks replicating the rushed and redundant arcs of The Rise of Skywalker. The supervisor is introduced only one episode prior, while Jod’s journey has been developed across many installments.

Star Wars has excelled at imparting valuable life lessons through cautionary tales, and Jod’s narrative effectively underscores this teaching. His storyline serves as a reminder that not everyone has benevolent intentions, highlighting the potential for harm from those who exploit trust. It also poignantly illustrates that even characters with admirable traits can spiral into darkness, which may culminate in tragedy.

For instance, Han Solo’s decision to eliminate Tobias Beckett in Solo: A Star Wars Story resonates more deeply precisely because it doesn’t conclude with a redeeming moment.

This dilemma underscores a broader issue affecting Disney’s Star Wars universe: not every character necessarily requires redemption. Boba Fett could have retained his ruthless nature without becoming a figure who rules through respect, and Kylo Ren did not have to mirror Darth Vader’s redemption—his story could have taken a unique path instead. Enthusiasm for the Star Wars: Skeleton Crew finale remains high; however, I hope it steers clear of the narrative missteps evident in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

New episodes of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew premiere every Tuesday on Disney+.

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