As any self-respecting fan knows, Star Wars is much more than the story of an intergalactic rebellion. The Star Wars trilogy analyzes the struggle between good and evil, as well presence of both good and evil in all of us. Lucas uses Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker as the two foils largely responsible for conveying this message.

Throughout the trilogy only one symbol a) operates on many levels to develop this theme of good vs. evil b) develops the theme of the potential for good and evil in all of us, and c) is just plain bad-ass: the mullet.

The mullet begins to operate as a symbol throughout Star Wars even before the original Episode 4. As Anakin Skywalker is lured to the Dark Side of the Force he is transformed into an evil machine characterized by his dark suit and tough-as-hell polycarbonate super-mullet. This super-mullet is to become the main symbol of evil throughout the trilogy.

Notice the prominence of the mullet as we become acquainted with Luke Skywalker in Episode 4. The mullet is a foreshadowing of Luke’s relationship to Vader, as well as a symbol of the potential for evil in Luke and all of us (the mullet operating as the key symbol of evil throughout the movies). Later in Return of the Jedi, as Luke is brought before the Emperor, there is a noticeable lack of the Skywalker mullet, a clear foreshadowing that Luke will not, in fact, be turned to the Dark Side.

And finally, following Vader’s defeat of the Emperor, during Vader’s final moments of life, Luke removes the evil mullet, signifying Anakin Skywalker’s triumphant return to good.

Although very subtle, the mullet is a key symbol to understanding the many complexities of one of the greatest films of our time. May the Force be with you!