The penultimate episode of Skeleton Crew has now been released, and "We're Gonna Be in So Much Trouble" was as rewarding as it was terrifying from a story-telling perspective. It also left a massive problem to wrap up in the finale, which is a requirement for all good adventures.
Here are the 5 Best Moments of Skeleton Crew episode 7, "We're Gonna Be in So Much Trouble"
1. "I don't even care anymore."
After seeing Wim's quixotic focus in the first episode, Neel's world-defining kindness in Episode 4, and KB's personal strength in "Zero Friends Again," I hoped this week to see a story explore more about Fern. I was not disappointed. It was a beautiful thing to see her giddy with excitement and concocting a scheme in the kids' first scene. Her quiet moments of frustration earlier in the season were poignant, but heart-breaking.
Fern's conversation with Wim then brought to mind her self-assuredness at school. Upon seeing home, she reflected on something that hadn't changed--they'd be in so much trouble--and followed it with a statement that showed how much had changed. We always got the impression that she wasn't easily intimidated on At Attin, but I like this character growth for her.
2. "I'm glad you did."
Neel's comment that "half the time I was about to die, but that's what a real adventure is like" evoked the biggest laugh of the episode for me, but it preceded Wim's regret at having set them off on this incredible journey.
I chose this moment not for the dialogue but for the music. We've heard the "gentle" theme music at the beginning of every episode and as Fern tells him she's glad he turned the ship on, it's played in a lower musical register than usual. An oboe plays it at a slower, more contemplative tempo, and it sounds world-weary but wise. It is what makes SM-33's decision to honor the kids' "Unclaimsies" work. I enjoyed the fact that the music morphed then into a heroic tone.
3. "Brutus was a stinking, backstabbing mutineer."
One of the great mysteries of the show has been what version of Jod should we believe in? The "not quite a Jedi?" "Mad Captain Silvo?" It's been pointed out by that Jod Silvo sounds a bit like Long John Silver from Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. Perhaps he's an ex-Inquisitor.
When Jod sees his former first mate incapacitated, he kills Brutus in cold blood. This puts him back in power. Also, it removes a threat to the kids, though it wasn't immediately clear why he fired that blaster.
4. "Wim, I'm sorry I didn't listen to you."
All of the messages from the parents gave me chills, but the message from Wendle is my favorite. This sometimes absent father used his one chance to get a message out to admit his own vulnerability.
We all saw the admission that the parents had secrets to keep coming and I have many questions about the milestone of graduation. On the other hand, Wendle saw his own shortcomings and communicated his love for his son by making amends.
5. "You must be the visiting Republic emissary."
The droids of At Attin have been annoyingly by the book at times. They have interfered with exploration, been too obsessed with discipline, and attacked parents who were just trying to reach their beloved children. But I felt a lot better when they were the ones to take Mad Captain Silvo and his hostages to the vaults.
Jod has put himself in power, but it is an authority that the droids do not recognize. No amount of self-importance means he will dictate procedure and he can't stop the droids from getting the parents reunited with their children. I never thought I'd cheer for those safety droids, but even with the cliffhanger ending, they did a heck of a job for the protected citizens of At Attin.
Skeleton Crew is streaming on Disney+ and we can all look forward to the finale coming in the next episode.