Editor’s Notice: The next incorporates spoilers for ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’.Star Wars’ newest present, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, has little reference to the broader universe so far. Although, with solely two episodes out, that might change (because it did in The Mandalorian). Nonetheless, not one of the predominant characters have appeared earlier than, nor has the central planet At Attin. The 2-episode premiere centered round 4 youngsters — Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Neel (Robert Timothy Smith), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and KB (Kyriana Kratter) — who haven’t any motive to be immediately concerned within the large-scale conflicts of the galaxy, it is comprehensible for the present to be separate. And, so far as the planet, At Attin’s eliminated nature serves a goal. The collection revealed that the planet is a mysterious place rumored to carry treasure, explaining why the inhabitants would need to distance themselves from others, particularly the grasping pirates poised to be the collection’ villains. However Skeleton Crew does have one simply missable line that connects to a very uncommon arc in Star Wars Insurgents.

How Does ‘Skeleton Crew’ Hook up with ‘Star Wars Rebels’?

Skeleton Crew doesn’t comply with within the footsteps of Ahsoka, which used characters and a narrative that deeply intertwined with the animated Rebels, however references a planet that performed a major position. Skeleton Crew‘s story takes off when the youngsters discover a ship buried within the woods. By accident getting trapped inside, whereas trying to find a manner out, the ever-curious Wim initiates a launch as a substitute. Unfamiliar with flying a starship, they put it in hyperspace reasonably than touchdown, getting them misplaced. Happily, they discover an surprising ally within the pirate droid SM-33 (Nick Frost). However SM-33 has no file on At Attin, so he can’t set a course to take them dwelling. SM-33 would not even acknowledge the planet’s identify, and when requested, he begins itemizing locations that sound comparable the place he may take them as a substitute. This second contains a number of Easter eggs as the droid mentions Aldhani, which Andor launched, and Atollon, a planet that performs an essential position in Rebels.

The ‘Rebels’ Crew Encounter the Bendu on Atollon

Atollon is a largely uninhabited planet within the Lothal sector, and in Rebels, the riot units up Chopper Base there (naming it after Dave Filoni‘s chaotic droid character). It is usually the situation of an essential battle in Rebels, however Atollon’s declare to fame is being the house of the Drive-sensitive being known as the Bendu (Tom Baker). This formidable creature is an historical being representing the middle of the Drive between the sunshine and darkish sides. The center floor between Jedi and Sith has gotten more and more widespread in Star Wars, particularly after Ahsoka, making the Bendu extra related. Nonetheless, the mysterious character is an odd entry within the franchise. Drawn to neither the sunshine nor the darkish, he’s pleasant to all Drive-sensitives, together with Kanan (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and Ezra (Taylor Grey), however doesn’t participate within the ongoing battle.

Clever, highly effective, and mysterious, the Bendu units the planet of Atollon aside. After Kanan’s imbalance wakes the Bendu, he helps the Jedi Knight, reassuring him about his worries relating to Ezra and instructing him to make use of his different senses to compensate for his blindness. He additionally informs the Jedi concerning the risks of a convergence between a Jedi and Sith Holocron after they come into battle with Maul (Sam Witwer). Nonetheless, the Bendu steadfastly refuses to aspect with the Jedi of their struggle in opposition to the Empire, even when the battle involves Atollon. And when Kanan calls him a coward, the Bendu creates a storm to destroy each the rebels and the Empire on his planet.

This enigmatic being is highly effective sufficient that Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) can’t kill him, as an injured Bendu disappears when the Grand Admiral tries. However earlier than vanishing, the Bendu predicts Thrawn’s eventual defeat, displaying a capability to see the longer term in addition to his intensive data of the Drive. Nonetheless, little concerning the Bendu is ever actually defined, making this odd addition to the franchise notably intriguing.

What Does ‘Skeleton Crew’s Reference to Atollon Imply?

Star Wars has develop into an expansive universe, and small Easter eggs like Skeleton Crew mentioning Atollon are widespread. Probably, the Bendu won’t reappear, nor will Atollon immediately affect the brand new collection’ story. However the Easter egg has an fascinating implication. Atollon is distant and largely uninhabited, and SM-33’s data of it suggests a connection between the planet and the pirates in Skeleton Crew. A pirate presence on Atollon fleshes out the planet just a little extra, giving it yet another thriller that might be solved if the insurgent base planet comes again into play.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is now streaming on Disney+ within the U.S.

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