When it comes to eight-episode series, the fifth episode is usually the turning point for the back half of the season. Skeleton Crew was no exception as our young protagonists searched beneath the spa world of Lanupa for the once-pirate hold of Captain Tak Rennod, SM-33's previous captain. Dodging traps, bounty hunters, pirates, and hoteliers, the kids make a remarkable discovery. However, there is a massive betrayal, too. Let's recap the ending of the episode.
Skeleton Crew Season 1 Episode 5, "You Have A Lot To Learn About Pirates" Ending Explained
After running from pirates hunting Jod Na Nawood, the kids, Jod, and SM-33 get to the treasure room of Captain Rennod, who is the last person to know where At Attin is, so the children can go home. Careful of booby traps mixed in, including pushing down on a stool that makes the floor drop out, the group finds the puzzle that reveals a hologram of Rennod. It reveals the coordinates to At Attin and the fact that the planet is the last mint of the Old Republic, making it a planet that literally creates treasure.
As soon as he has the information, Jod orders SM-33 to flood the previous room with acid. The kids listen in horror as the pirates on the other side of the door scream... and then silence. Jod then challenges Fern, who is the current captain, to a duel. He orders her to yield as he doesn't want to kill her. Fern fails in her attack, and Jod takes her at knifepoint. She cries that it's not fair because he's a grown-up, and they're just a bunch of kids.
Wim steps up to have his big hero moment, pulling out a lightsaber he found earlier in the episode. Turning it on, the saber is upside down. It scares him, dropping the weapon on the ground, where it snaps off. Fern yields and Jod is now captain, meaning that SM-33 has to listen to him.
The kids huddle together, and Wim suddenly has an idea. He smacks the stool, triggering the trap that makes the floor drop out under the children. They might be temporarily safe from Jod, but we don't know where they land. Episode 5, "You Have A Lot To Learn About Pirates," ends with Jod taking up the lightsaber with the Force and igniting the blade.
If you want the full play-by-play, you can see the full recap of the episode here.
You can watch Star Wars: Skeleton Crew on Disney+.