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We can’t stop obsessing over Neel’s hair in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew

Already before Star Wars: Skeleton Crew The Disney+ folks were obsessed with Neel. How could that not be? The adorable blue alien child gave off such sweet, sweet “oh-shucks” vibes that you just wanted to hug him. And as we have now seen in the first two episodes, Neel lives up to this claim. But there’s one thing these early looks and trailers couldn’t quite illustrate: Neel’s best feature: his hair.

Watch out Skeleton crewNeel’s hair was one of the first things I noticed. We are used to seeing aliens Star WarS. We’re even used to seeing aliens with hair (Chewbacca, anyone?) and blue aliens with trunks (Max Rebo, anyone?). But seeing this little guy – he’s a member of a yet-to-be-revealed species – walking around with what looks like a perfectly groomed human side part or comb over is a perfect decision in every way.

First of all, it’s sweet. Secondly, it really helps define his character. Basically, decades of pop culture have led us to believe that this particular hairstyle is for a stereotypical “nerd.” Imagine a 1980s teen comedy, and once you get through the extremely dated humor, you’re sure to find someone with that haircut, probably wearing a bag protector and glasses, getting a wedgie. See also Pee-wee Herman or Martin Short’s famous character Ed Grimley. The comb/side part reads: “I have hair. I want to look sharp. I think I look smart, but maybe I’m lacking in style.”

That’s perfect Neel! He is a sweet, loving boy who just wants to be home, in his bathroom, with his brothers and his family. And even though he’s not a nerd per se, the coding itself makes him seem all the more vulnerable and valuable. Even though all the crew members are about the same age, Neel somehow feels like the baby of the group. So, as Skeleton crew If we continue, we must protect Neel at all costs. But maybe don’t give him a helmet because then we wouldn’t be able to see those beautiful, perfectly combed curls.

When the crew returns to Attin and Neel reunites with his family, we might see a scene of him doing his hair in the morning. Because you just know that he’ll take good care of it and make sure it’s perfect before he goes to school or goes on an adventure with his buddy Wim.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is now on Disney+. It returns with new episodes every Tuesday night at 9pm EST.

Want more io9 news? Find out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe in film and television, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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