IfStranger Thingswants to provide a rewarding conclusion to the fate of Hawkins, it must break one character death rule that all four seasons have complied with so far. The series rose to popularity after its premiere in 2016, and since then, the Duffer Brothers have been responsible for creating some of the most belovedcharacters on TV forStranger Things. Although the series is praised for its intriguing story, stunning visuals, and homages to the 1980s era, audiences chastise one common theme — andStranger Thingsseason 5 only has one more chanceto fix its most annoying problem.
The most recent season significantly raises the stakes for Hawkins' best defenders, butStranger Thingsstill has a lot of loose ends to tie up in the wake of Vecna(Jamie Campbell Bower). After eight years, it’s becoming more obvious the Duffer Brothers are giving a wide berth to killing any of their established main characters. Essentially, threats are posed, but are rarely enacted. This only serves to highlightone common problem withinStranger Things, which is that its protagonists are too safe, resulting in audiences having increasingly high expectations for the show’s finale — expected in 2025.
Past Stranger Things Seasons Have Always Killed Off A Supporting Character In Tragic Fashion
Stranger Things Sacrificing Its Supporting Ensemble Has Been Happening Since Season 1
Stranger Thingshas become well acquainted with the killing of its supporting characters. Its inaugural season opened with the death of Barb (Shannon Purser), which was essential to establish the threat that the Upside Down poses to Hawkins. However, this was soon followed by the death of Joyce’s (Winona Ryder) partner Bob (Sean Astin) in season 2, which triggered widespread backlash. Fans were devastated by his conclusion, which became one of thesaddest deaths inStranger Thingsas he narrowly escapes the Demodogs — before he’s torn to pieces in front of Joyce as they make their escape.
Virginia and Alice Creel
Jason Carver
Season 4, Episode 9
The two latest installments ofStranger Thingsend with problematic death fakeoutsthat have become censured by audiences after release. However,Stranger Thingsupped the ante ever so slightly in seasons 3 and 4by killing both Billy (Dacre Montgomery) and Eddie (Joseph Quinn). These characters quickly earned their place in the audience’s hearts, but ultimately, as supporting characters, do not serve as important of a role in the wider narrative. This means that, while tragic, their deaths were not as significant.Stranger Thingsseason 5 must avoid this, to ensure its main characters are put at risk.
Stranger Things Season 5 Needs To Kill Off At Least One Main Character, Not Newcomers
Writing Out A Main Character Is The Easiest Route For Stranger Things To Go Out With A Bang
Season 5 will provide a conclusive ending toStranger Things, and it is logical to presumenot every character will make it out of Hawkins unscathed. The first season shows that some individuals must sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the town. It would be remiss forStranger Thingsto not kill one of its main characters given the ongoing risks that have been continuously disregarded. No character should be considered safe, although it seems more likely that young adults, such as Steve (Joe Keery) or Nancy (Natalia Dyer), would be more suitable figures to sacrifice.
If Stranger Things were to discount the foreboding danger Vecna has already posed to the main cast, the finale would be anti-climatic.
What’s more, Vecna is a greater threat than in previous seasons. Season 4 ends on a cliffhanger, audiences unsure if Max (Sadie Sink) will survive the pivotal encounter with the monster. This ironically illustrates thatthe death of one ofStranger Things' main characters is the logical culmination of eventsfollowing Vecna’s vengeance in the previous season. IfStranger Thingswere to discount the foreboding danger Vecna has already posed to the main cast, the finale would be anti-climatic. However, it remains to be seen who will die in the highly anticipated season finale ofStranger Things.
Stranger Things
Cast
Stranger Things is a Netflix series set in the 1980s, where the mysterious disappearance of a young boy leads a small town to uncover secret experiments and supernatural forces. A significant focus is on a peculiar girl who may hold the key to the unfolding mystery.
