REVIEW: Skeleton Crew – Season 1, Episode 3, “Very Interesting, As An Astrogation Problem”

Television Reviews

***SPOILERS***

In “Very Interesting As An Astrogation Problem,” the droids inform the kids’ parents that they won’t be searching for them. It’s too big of a risk to leave the barrier. Meanwhile, Fern questions Jod Na-Nawood’s intentions despite Wim instantly trusting him. They make it to the ship the kids arrived on, but they insist on Jod going back to save SM-33. Jod finds the droid but encounters some of his old crew, and a confrontation ensues. Back on the ship, the kids debate Jod’s intentions and trustworthiness. Jod returns, pursued by his former employees, and leaves with the children and SM-33. Once they jump into hyperspace, Jod takes them to a friend who can help them get home. However, Jod’s friend betrays him, and they’re on the run again. 

“Very Interesting As An Astrogation Problem” is a ton of fun and easily my favorite episode of Skeleton Crew thus far. The further away from At Attin the kids get, the more I enjoy the show. The planet’s isolation could explain why it’s so much like Earth, but it’s still boring to watch. The mystery of why other characters don’t believe in At Attin is more interesting than At Attin itself. We only visit the kids’ homeworld at the beginning of “Very Interesting As An Astrogation Problem” to see the planet’s droids refusing to help the parents find their kids. Most of this episode is either spent with Jod’s (Jude Law) old crew, his contact, Kh’ymm, or on the way to her. I like Kh’ymm’s design a lot; it’s giving owl-cat-squirrel vibes, and it’s very Star Wars. I found her to be a fun character in general, and the piratey antics are a highlight. Kh’ymm is voiced by Alia Shawkat, and from my limited knowledge of her other work, she does an interesting voice for the critter.

All these names for Jod show that he may be as mysterious as At Attin. He calls himself Jod, the pirates call him Silvo, and Kh’ymm knows him as Crimson Jack. Crimson Jack has received the least context so far, but I imagine it refers to some nefarious deeds he committed as a pirate. Kh’ymm indicates that the children aren’t safe with Jod, although he levels the same accusation at her before he and the kids even meet with her. And we learn in this episode that Jod is Captain Silvo, so that won’t be a big mystery like I thought. I assumed this would be a reveal for the benefit of younger viewers; the helmet and voice modulator made it clear to people like me that Silvo was likely Jude Law. Why hide the identity of a character/actor we wouldn’t care about? Jod was the only adult who got much advertisement alongside the children. I’m relieved this won’t be a major plot point as it’s so obvious, and now there are bigger, more interesting things at play than his identity. I am still interested in who he really is, though. 

I realize I’m talking a lot about Jod rather than the kids, who are meant to be the leads and audience inserts. This is especially true of starry-eyed Wim and hardened rebel Fern. I enjoyed the comedy with the child characters in “Very Interesting As An Astrogation Problem,” particularly a scene in which Fern says she isn’t even tired. Of course, she’s immediately asleep in the next scene, to Jod’s delight and relief. Me, too, Jod. Kids are too much. Jod then notices that KB is still awake, and she indicates that she doesn’t trust Jod at all. Fern is more outwardly defiant towards Jod, while Wim idolizes him, but KB has her reservations quietly. She observes and draws her conclusions based on what she sees. In the first couple of episodes, I thought KB had less personality than the other kids and may serve as more of a sidekick to Fern. But we learn a lot more about KB’s life in “Very Interesting As An Astrogation Problem,” and I like that she’s more subtle and analytical. She’s less hot-headed than Fern but more inquisitive than Wim. Neel is charming, and I like how he cares for the rat that lives in SM-33’s head. Apparently, there’s a controversy surrounding the scene where we meet everyone’s parents. Wim’s dad, Wendle, and Fern’s mom, Undersecretary Fara, were both in the first two episodes. However, Neel’s and KB’s parents are new to us, and KB has two moms. I don’t see why this is a big deal, particularly as the show doesn’t make anything of it. Like the other parents, they’re just worried about KB’s well-being in this scene. KB also evidently wears a “life monitor” that her moms can watch to track her health, and later on, KB displays signs of possible Force sensitivity. It’s a little early to say for sure, but KB might actually be the most interesting of the four kids. They all got likable in “Very Interesting, As An Astrogation Problem,” which makes sense. The exposition is mostly out of the way, and now we can just see them be kids and interact. 

The show’s overall mystery becomes a lot more interesting in this episode, from the many names of Jod Na-Nawood to the fact that there is no map to At Attin in existence. The kids don’t know about the war and are unaware that Alderaan doesn’t exist anymore. They also continue to emphasize the “great work” Fara spoke about in “This Could Be A Real Adventure,” which seems increasingly suspicious and possibly linked to the mystery of At Attin. Skeleton Crew wasn’t marketed as a mystery, but the questions it poses are more interesting than any of the supposed “intrigue” of The Acolyte. I realize The Acolyte was awful and nearly universally hated, so comparing Skeleton Crew to it isn’t saying much. But I find it impressive to be so interested in so many things in this show after just a couple of episodes, and they do it better than an actual mystery show. 

“Very Interesting, As An Astrogation Problem” is Skeleton Crew’s best yet. It’s funny, the characters finally feel more like real kids, and a this is a fast-paced, very fun episode. Jod and Kh’ymm steal the show, along with SM-33, who is also growing on me, and he shares a really good scene with Jod in this episode. I can’t believe how much I enjoyed this, especially after thinking the premiere was just alright. I’m excited for this show now, and I really hope they don’t screw it up.

Let us know what you thought of “Very Interesting, As An Astrogation Problem” in the comments!

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