A fish-headed admiral in a white uniform leans over his flagship's console as a space battle rages around a half-built battle station beyond the viewport.

Original artwork, not a still

Admiral Ackbar

It's a trap!

— Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi • 1983

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Three words that every Star Wars fan can deliver in the same strangled, fishy panic. Ackbar is on screen for barely three and a half minutes across all his film appearances, yet this single outburst made him a fan favourite and one of the most quoted characters in the original trilogy. It outgrew the film as an internet meme, now shouted whenever anyone spots an obvious scheme: a too-good offer, a suspiciously easy plan, a sequel announcement.

Context reviewed

In context

Spoilers for Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the JediShow the scene

At the Battle of Endor in Return of the Jedi (1983), the Rebel fleet sets out to destroy the second Death Star while Han Solo's ground team tries to knock out the shield generator on the forest moon. Admiral Ackbar commands the fleet from the bridge of his flagship Home One. Once the fighting begins, the Rebels' sensors are jammed and an Imperial fleet closes in behind them, cutting off their escape. Ackbar realises the Empire has lured them into an ambush and cries out the warning. Lando Calrissian then persuades him to press on with the attack.

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Context reviewed

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