This article contains spoilers for episode 4 of Skeleton Crew!
One plotline in this week's episode of Skeleton Crew reminded me a lot of a story from The High Republic's Tales of Light and Life, and I think these tales tie very strongly into one of the core themes of Star Wars, all the way back to the original trilogy.
In Tales of Light and Life, Charles Soule's story "All Jedi Walk Their Own Path" follows two storylines. The one which I'm focusing on is the "flashback" story about Jedi Padawan Bell Zettifar and his Master, Loden Greatstorm. Loden and Bell are sent to a planet with two warring factions. The people of this planet have been at war longer than many of them have even been alive- though that has little to do with the mission Loden and Bell have been assigned. They complete their mission, but Loden informs Bell that they're staying on this planet, and destroys their commlink so they can't call a ride. Bell is confused, especially because negotiations between the two factions beforehand have failed, as they've resisted all attempts to make peace.
So Loden does not attempt to make peace. He doesn't try to call meetings, get them to sign treaties, proselytize or anything of the sort. Instead, he (and therefore Bell) go to a local town and do chores. Everyone in the town is extremely wary and distrusting at first, but Loden and Bell help out around town- fixing fences, cleaning stables and any other odd jobs the people need- only asking for food in exchange, and returning to sleep at their small camp out of town each night. Over time they begin to earn the trust of the town, and even start to build relationships with the people there. Bell doesn't mind the work (well, not always) but he's never really able to grasp why he and his master are doing this, and not any greater attempts at helping these people.
Until a few people from town approach Loden and Bell one day. They explain that they were surprised by the kindness that some strangers would show, and how with their help the town was able to restore the damage it has faced from the neverending conflict they've seen. The two Jedi have shown them what their life could be with a new outlook, and it's something they don't want to lose. Inspired by Loden and Bell, they are setting out to the people they've seen as sworn enemies to for the first time, try to broker peace on their own accord. Having finally completed his actual mission, Loden pulls a hidden commlink off of his belt to call a ride back home for him and Bell.
So what's that have to do with Skeleton Crew? Well, it brings us to Neel.
The kids in Skeleton Crew land on this mysterious, war-torn planet. These two factions have been at war for a long time, and we never get a really clear view on why the fighting started- perhaps the people involved don't even remember anymore.
While the rest of the kids are scared, but also initially eager to shoot targets and compete (especially Wim and Fern), Neel has no interest in blasters at all. He doesn't even want to use one. He meets Hayna, the daughter of the warlord in charge of the faction the kids are with, who will lead herself one day. Hayna sees his reluctance to even shoot a target with a weapon, and takes him on a walk through their village, and they each get their daily portion of rations.
Neel surprises her by giving his only food to some younger kids who seem hungry, and then they have a talk. Neel tells her about his home, about the life they live, how they don't have. to fight or starve or anything of the sort. It's as alien to Hayna as war is to Neel, but she's intrigued by the life he lives.
Then, when the kids are all forced to lead a battle and scout ahead, Neel is petrified. But with Hayna by his side, he finds the bravery to push forward, though he knows its wrong and the truly brave thing to do would be to reject violence at all. Fortunately, the battle is averted by Jod approaching with the stolen eopies, and the kids are all free to go, with Hayna leading them to the "Sanctum" they need to find the missing coordinates to At-Attin.
But before they part ways, Hayna tells Neel that she's inspired by him- his stories of home, but most importantly his kindness. While she first thought it made him weak, it's really what makes him who he is, and is a strength. While she doesn't lead her clan yet, she hopes to follow the ideals she learned from him when she does.
It's a very sweet moment, but what I find best about it is that Neel didn't set out to convert anyone to his own beliefs- he was just himself. He talked about his home, his life, and what he was thinking. He was kind and open not to make a point, but because that's just who he is. And that was enough! For someone who was entrenched in a war, and that was all they knew, just meeting someone like Neel and being shown another way was an eye-opening experience, one that can leave a lasting impact.
Between Neel showing Hayna what life could be, and Jod returning the eopies (therefore preventing a battle breaking out and stopping Hayna's clan from striking back by burning granaries as they planned), it's very possible that they've saved countless lives, and even changed the direction of this lifetime-lasting conflict, simply by being who they are, helping others and showing kindness.
And that's what Star Wars is about, right? Luke tosses his lightsaber aside, showing Vader/Anakin that just because he's been on the Dark Side's path for a long time, doesn't mean it's too late to do the right thing. Because that is who Luke is. By being himself, he inspires others to be better. Just like the Jedi helping for nothing in return, and just like Neel sharing his plate of food for people who are hungry.
We know Neel likes to play big adventures with Wim, inspired by tales of Jedi greatness and imagining lightsaber battles. But by staying true to himself, being kind and believing in peace and a better life, Neel is representing the true ideals of the Jedi even without wielding a lightsaber or using the Force- even if he doesn't know it.
Love this!!!