Even before Star Wars: Skeleton Crew hit Disney+ people were obsessed with Neel. How could they not be? The adorable blue alien child gave off such relatable, sweet “aw-shucks” vibes that you simply wanted to give him a hug. And, as we’ve now seen in the first two episodes, Neel lives up to that. But one thing those early looks and trailers couldn’t quite illustrate is Neel’s best feature: his hair.
Watching Skeleton Crew, Neel’s hair was one of the first things that struck me. We’re used to seeing aliens in Star Wars. We’re even used to seeing aliens with hair (Chewbacca, anyone?) and blue aliens with trunks (Max Rebo, anyone?). But to see this little guy—he’s of a yet-to-be-revealed species—walk around with what looks like a perfectly groomed human side part/comb-over is a perfect decision on all levels.
First of all, it’s cute. Second of all, it really helps define his character. Basically, decades of pop culture have led us to believe this particular hairstyle is for a stereotypical “nerd.” Put on any 1980s teen comedy and once you wade through the extremely out-of-date humor you are sure to find someone with this haircut, probably with a pocket protector and glasses, getting a wedgie. See also Pee-wee Herman or Martin Short’s famous character Ed Grimley. The comb-over/side part says “I have hair. I want to look sharp. I think I look sharp, but maybe I don’t quite have style.”
Which is perfectly Neel! He’s a sweet, loving boy who just wants to be home, in his bath, with his brothers and family. And while he’s not a nerd per se, coding him as that makes him seem that much more vulnerable and precious. Though all members of the crew are roughly the same age, Neel somehow feels like the baby of the group. So, as Skeleton Crew moves on, we must protect Neel at all costs. But maybe don’t give him a helmet because then we couldn’t see those gorgeous, perfectly combed locks.
Maybe when/if the crew gets back to At Attin and Neel reunites with his family, we can get a scene of him prepping that hair in the morning. Because you just know he takes good care of it and makes sure it’s perfect before heading out to school or on an adventure with his buddy Wim.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is now on Disney+. It returns each Tuesday night at 9 p.m. EST with new episodes.
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