Star Wars’ Controversial Holiday Special Was Referenced In Skeleton Crew, And I Absolutely Love It

As a long-time fan of the Star Wars universe, I must say that the recent release of “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” has truly warmed my heart during this holiday season. The cheeky reference to the controversial 1978 holiday special had me grinning from ear to ear like a Wookiee in a cantina, and it’s moments like these that make the journey of being a Star Wars fan all the more rewarding.

As we dive into the festive season, many are immersed in classic Christmas movie viewing, but let me remind you that not everyone is skipping their Disney+ subscription this week to catch “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew”. For those who find it challenging to persuade their family to join the latest 2024 sci-fi series bandwagon, there’s an argument that this show aligns with holiday viewing due to a playful nod to the infamous 1978 holiday special.

Though I remain optimistic that Lucasfilm might one day yield and broadcast The Star Wars Holiday Special on their 2025 TV lineup, this could be as close as we ever get to the franchise officially referencing it within continuity. Here’s a look back at the special for those who missed it, and why some fans would prefer if this eccentric special from years ago were just a figment of imagination.

How Star Wars: Skeleton Crew References The Controversial Holiday Special

I had a strong feeling that “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” would make an ideal holiday streaming choice, and the reference within it only confirmed my hunch. When Wim glanced at Neem’s siblings watching an unusual program on the Holotable, most likely many people raised an eyebrow, but I picked up on it right away.

Since I’ve been an annual viewer of this holiday special, it struck me as reminiscent of the show that Chewbacca’s offspring, Lumpawaroo, or “Lumpy,” enjoyed during the special. Let me share it with you:

It appears that the standards for what constitutes entertainment in a distant galaxy are rather minimal, making my limbo abilities seem insignificant. Simultaneously, watching the Star Wars movies in sequence reveals that the characters in this universe have been preoccupied with war for centuries, leaving little room for development of arts and entertainment. With the Empire always looming, any diversion is appreciated.

Why Is The Star Wars Holiday Special So Controversial?

The elusive Star Wars Holiday Special remains unreachable on streaming platforms due to its poor quality. While it may be found online for those intrigued, viewers will soon discover it bears little resemblance to the beloved Star Wars material cherished nowadays.

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Among the final touches that the creators of Skeleton Crew worked on is a detail so intricate, even die-hard Star Wars enthusiasts will find it exciting.

The CBS special aired on November 17, 1978, about a year and a half after the premiere of “A New Hope,” and two years before “The Empire Strikes Back.” At that time, the franchise wasn’t as popular as it is now, so the creators didn’t need to have a deep understanding of it, and this lack of knowledge is evident in their work.

The aliens appear to be humans dressed in typical sci-fi attire, the Imperial officers’ uniforms seem incorrect, and Bea Arthur sings a song at a cantina. It’s quite unusual and doesn’t fit with established lore, but I still enjoy it immensely. And why hasn’t she been officially recognized as canonical yet?

Despite initially being met with criticism and put aside, certain aspects of the special have persisted in the Star Wars universe. For instance, it introduced the festive occasion known as Life Day, and the Boba Fett animated short was extracted from the special and later officially distributed on Disney+. With Star Wars: Skeleton Crew making a reference to it, there’s a possibility that we might eventually see a complete release of the special. However, considering the history, I wouldn’t hold my breath.

The “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” series is now streaming on Disney+, with fresh episodes set to premiere every Tuesday. Having been captivated by the fantastic first two episodes, I can’t wait to catch more of this exciting show, hoping it continues to deliver high-quality content.

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2024-12-05 21:37