Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Skeleton Crew episodes 1 and 2.While the biggest mystery surrounding a character inStar Wars: Skeleton Crewis no doubt that of Jude Law’s Jod Na Nawood, this could all be a ruse to hide the real mystery of the latestStar WarsTV show’s secret villain. WhileSkeleton Crew’s castis mostly composed of its four young protagonists - Wim, Neel, Fern, and KB - there are still plenty of other new faces (and surprises, certainly) in store. This is particularly true of Law’s Jod, who appears to be a Force user.
This mystery has been built up byStar Warsover the course ofSkeleton Crew’s marketing thus far, but the hype surrounding Jod’s identity may actually be hiding another, and perhaps more consequential, reveal. Jod is not the only notable adult character who’s been introduced inSkeleton Crew’s two-episode premiere, as both Wim’s father Wendle and Fern’s mother Fara are also given their moments to shine. The latter character seems especially significant, given her higher-up role inAt Attin’s operations as the Undersecretary to the Supervisor - a title that’s only been seen one other time inStar Wars.
Fern’s Mother Has Interesting Ties To Another New Republic Era Villain
She’s Not The Only “Fara”
TheStar Wars: Alphabet Squadrontrilogy by Alexander Freed introduces Fara Yadeez in the novelShadow Fall, the aide of an Imperial Undersecretary on the planet Troithe.Yadeez remained loyal to theGalactic Empireeven after its fall, assisting in an insurrection against the New Republic that gave her and otherImperial Remnantloyalists control over Troithefor a duration of time. Ultimately, Yadeez was arrested and charged byGeneral Hera Syndullaand theNew Republic, but her story served as a warning to the galaxy’s fledgling government.
As pointed out byStar Wars Megon Twitter/X in the above post, there are some truly uncanny parallels already between Fara Yadeez and Fern’s mother, Fara.Both characters are the only ones to have connections to the title of “Undersecretary” inStar Wars, and both of them seem to be quite enamored with power- and the fact that there aren’t many places for others at the top of the social, and political, ladder. There’s still much that’s left to be seen with Fern’s mother, but these connections are already quite jarring, especially givenSkeleton Crew’s similar timeline.
The New Republic Era’s Biggest Villains Are Political Figures
Senators & Other Influential Politicians
It’s also worth pointing out that in theNew Republic era, it’s quite common for the biggest villains to be political figures. This is particularly the case for issues that take place between the Empire’s fall and the rise of theFirst Order, which is explored in depth in the novelBloodlineby Claudia Gray.These politicians and social figures are the reasons why the First Order was able to rise without anyone else truly being aware of what was happening; the politicians acted as the proper cover and quite literally funded this secretly-blossoming government.
All 28 Star Wars Easter Eggs & References In Skeleton Crew Episodes 1 & 2
Skeleton Crew has premiered on Disney+ with its first two episodes, featuring some very exciting and fun Easter eggs and Star Wars references.
This is even seen to a degree inThe Mandalorianand its spin-offs, with Moff Gideon and some of the senators inAhsoka. While Gideon is much more involved in terms of military force, having garnered an army of his own on Mandalore in secret, the senators inAhsokaare a fantastic example of villains who enabled the First Order to rise over time - particularly Senator Xiono. There’s no mysterious Sith villain at the forefront of these conflicts, or even wartime generals. These are simply figures of influence.
Could Fern’s Mother Be The Live-Action Version Of Fara Yadeez?
An Undersecretary Seeking More
While there are still some very considerable differences between Fara inSkeleton Crewand Fara Yadeez in theAlphabet Squadrontrilogy, most notably in their physical appearances and the circumstances of their homeworlds,it could still very much be the case that elements of Yadeez from the books are being borrowed for Fara inSkeleton Crew- somewhat similarly toCobb Vanth’sThe Mandalorianadaptationfrom theAftermathtrilogy by Chuck Wendig. Fara in live-action could have the same dedication to the old Republic that Yadeez had to the Empire. Both are complicit in somewhat hiding their homeworlds for that cause.
It will be fascinating to see if these parallels between the Faras continue asSkeleton Crewgoes on, and if there’s more to Fern’s mother than what meets the eye. It’s worth noting, however, thatFara is played by Kerry Condon inSkeleton Crew, an Oscar-nominated actor who would no doubt be sought out for more than just the performance of a background character. So far, it seems as if the potential reveals of Fara’s intentions inSkeleton Crewcould ultimately eclipse whatever reveals await Law’s Jod character, though this is left to be seen.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
Cast
Skeleton Crew follows four ordinary children who become lost in the expansive Star Wars galaxy. As they navigate unfamiliar worlds and the challenges they present, the group endeavors to find their way back to their home planet, undertaking a journey across the iconic Star Wars universe.
