Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Skeleton Crew episodes 1 and 2.One aspect of the newStar Warsseries,Skeleton Crew, shows just how much the galaxy has changed sinceStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.Skeleton Crewtakes place firmly within theNew Republic Era, as established in the series' opening text. This is after or around 9 ABY (or 9 years afterA New Hope), judging by theSkeleton Crew’s close relation toThe Mandalorian, which is 41 years after the beginning of the Skywalker saga in 32 BBY withThe Phantom Menace.
Aside from time passing, much has changed in the galaxy since the events ofThe Phantom Menace. TheGalactic Republicfell after the legendary Clone Wars, and theGalactic Empirerose from its foundations, ruling the galaxy for 24 years, only to be overthrown by theRebel Alliance, who founded theNew Republic.Galactic society has shifted immensely, and with it, the currency of theStar Warsuniverse has shifted as well.
Old Republic Credits Are Now Valuable On The Outer Rim
“Republic Credits Are No Good Out Here, I Need Something More Real”
InSkeleton Crew’s two-episode premiere, credits play a small but significant role. Upon leaving for work, Wim’s father gives him a pile of credits to spend on lunch during the week. These credits don’t seem suspicious at first, until the second episode. In thepirate hub Port Borgo, Wim offers these same credits to pay for food – to the pirates' surprise. They’re absolutely shocked that a kid has old Republic credits, and they want them for themselves!
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 in stark contrast to the identity Republic credits have in the Outer Rim inThe Phantom Menace. In that film, on Tatooine, Qui-Gon offers the junk dealer Watto Republic credits for a new hyperdrive, to Watto’s shock and dismay.He claims that Republic credits are absolutely worthless on the Outer Rim, and refuses to accept them as payment. This is a far cry from the value they seem to have on Port Borgo 41 years later.
Why Are Old Republic Credits So Valuable?
The New Republic’s New Credits
The reason that these old Republic credits, likely dating back to a time beforeThe Phantom Menace, are so valuable is because of the Empire. After the prequels, every aspect of the Republic was all-consumed by the Empire and its identity. It makes sense that credits also succumbed to this, meaning thatRepublic credits may have been rounded up and smelted into new, Imperial credits during the Imperial era.
This means that the Republic credits Wim has inSkeleton Creware extremely valuable, at least much more than their actual value used to be. This is even more true when compared to Republic credits' value in the Outer Rim inThe Phantom Menace, showing how much time can add value to many things. Hopefully, this type of attention to detail continues asSkeleton Crewreleases more episodes, and builds up to a satisfying conclusion.
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.
