Vol 1 was a rollercoaster to say the least. The Duffer Brothers made sure we were FED.
Despite being absolutely blinded by Finn Wolfhard’s face card this season, we had a lot to learn. Alongside Mr Whatsit, viewers now understand Vecna is targeting children because they are ‘perfect vessels’, begging the question of what will happen to the future of the upside down/Hawkins. We see Robin deliver the speech of the century DAMN, ultimately leading to Will unlocking his powers. 008 is alive and being kept hidden by the military, Max and Holly are supposedly trapped in an alternate state (001’s memory is my guess?) Dustin and Steve’s friendship seems to be on the rocks, a case of two men secretly battling with their own demons, unable to open up to each other. Karen and Ted Wheeler are severely attacked by a demogorgan, Hopper is ready to sacrifice himself again (pls dont x) and Joyce apparently went to school with Henry Creel (thanks for never mentioning this Joyce *sigh*). Finally we also discover Jonathan plans to propose to Nancy and oh- Derek Turnboat genuinely reached flow state.
In the midst of so many narrative threads, what Season 5 has truly excelled in is demonstrating character development and helping to show how they have changed during the 5 year time jump. Since the end of season 4, which saw Vecna create a huge divide through the center of Hawkins, audiences are shown Max is still in a coma and the town has been in a military controlled lockdown. Whilst these are the most important to notice, other changes include Robin and Steve now working at WSQK radio station, Dustin is grieving Eddie, El is training and building upon her powers, Will is still suffering from that damn neck tickle and the team have been going on ‘crawls’ in which they ultimately search for Vecna. Amongst these changes is the inevitable growing up of Holly Wheeler who is possibly this seasons most significant character. Now 10 years old, Holly’s disappearance sparks the teams exploration into Vecna’s plan for the other children of Hawkins. Whilst her only experience of the upside down consists of seeing flashing lights and speaking to Henry, these interactions can be re-examined as vital clues, suggesting her importance in finding out how to defeat Vecna. If we look into Henry’s development, many viewers have been left speculating whether he is a misunderstood villain (this idea was echoed by Noah Schnapp who stated this too.) Why give Holly her favourite record, aka the ability to escape from Vecna? Perhaps Henry is merely the only ‘good’ left in Vecna or both are being controlled by the mindflayer?
Other developments see Mike back to his leadership ways, granting a maturity and level-headedness. Lucas similarly has stepped into role of ‘protector’ as seen in episode 1, standing up to Dustin’s bullies and in episode 4 as he protects the kids from a demogorgan. However, some might say he’s a protector, others say a sacrifice. This could literally relate to the ‘sacrifice’ he plays in the season 1, episode 1 of DnD, possibly hinting to a character death, I sure hope NOT 🙁
Joyce, this season, is possibly one of the weaker characters. I believe her role is struggling to find significance but this will change in Vol 2. Before we found out she might know Henry Creel, Joyce played the frantic, anxious mother struggling to deal with her son’s new found self-sufficiency thats inevitable with age. Although he relationship with Hopper has us all squealing, there is not much else going for her currently (sorry queen, still love you.) Hopper on the other hand has gone from potbellied police chief to sword-weilding hero, pop off.)
Despite being absolutely annihilated by the demogorgan lol, Karen Wheeler still had her moment to shine as badass mother and Ted Wheeler remained as irrelevant as ever. Whilst we know he has been distant throughout the series why have the Duffer Brothers kept him in scenes at all? Either he’s a mindless side character or he has secret significance yet to be revealed.
Now I realllyyyy don’t want to do this, but it’s time for death predictions. In all honesty the only way I’ll be able to cope with any character death is if I accidentally guess it. I think the Duffer Brothers confirmed four deaths (but i may be wrong) so here’s who I think is getting the cut.
Lucas is a contender, simply for his new ‘protecter/sacrificial role. A character death from the core four would be hugely unsettling and shocking for fans but I think out of all four, Lucas and Will are the most likely. We shouldn’t forget how crucial the D&D symbolism remains and should also consider how we know at some point in Vol 2 Max and Lucas are trying to escape a demongorgan. Except one of them is obviously still in a coma and I don’t like those odds, at all.
Out of our next group of four Jonathon, Steve, Robin and Nancy I believe its got to be one boy and one girl. Nancy’s death would be significantly rattling but I don’t think it will be her as there has been no subtle foreshadowing or indication. Jonathan is another big possibility however, with the reveal of the engagement ring pretty much solidifying the idea he isn’t going to have the chance to use it. If he is going to die it’ll be to save Nancy. Steve and Robin have the most cult following out of audiences so either death will ricochet across the fanbase. As leaked, episode 5 is called ‘Shock Jock’ opening an absolute can of worms. Considering ‘shock jock’ is a term used specifically to label an eccentric radio show host who uses humour to entertain audiences, its not looking good for Robin. Some may argue this is too obvious to promote and have simply suggested someone will die via electrocution aka ‘shock.’ The ‘jock’ part could also not relate to a disc jockey at all but to Dustin bullies or the fact Steve was a jock in season 1. Whilst this idea is definitely clutching at straws, I think viewers will find any reason for Robin to stay alive.
What doesn’t help her odds is how much screen time she got in Vol 1. It’s almost as if her character has filled its role when her words ultimately lead to Will unlocking his powers. Similarly this season, Will discovers Robin is gay, something she also suspects of him. Her words echo ideas of Mike being Will’s Tammy Thompson and that he should stop being ‘so damn scared.’ If that doesn’t put Robin in the firing line I don’t know what does. (ps. if we don’t get a ‘byler’ confession next volume i’m sueing.)
Finally, out of El, Will and Kali (008), many believe at least one will die. Kali’s death could be a possibility but won’t shock or upset viewers as much as others. Will is intrinsically linked to Vecna, given they can see through each others eyes and more. Because of this, it seems likely his death will coincide with Vecna’s. As we discovered last season, El ultimately sent Henry to the upside down. She is the OG in terms of power, visions and telepathy so her death is also a considerable possibility. I think her training is yet to be put into more practice.
As we know El= 011, Kali= 008, Will=001? which adds up to 20. In season 4, episode 1 Erica is seen playing D&D with Eddie in which she rolls a 20- a ‘critical hit’, which defeats “Vecna” in the game. Foreshadowing? i think so.
Stranger Things Vol 1 was quite possibly the most anticipated television release in history. From Murray to Mr Whatsit, the first four episode’s are full of conspiracy and tension. We enter round two on the 25th of December and the finale on New Years Eve with six characters in the upside down, a powerful new weapon and a new insight into Henry Creel’s past. BRING IT ON!
This will be an intense Christmas for a lot of people. At least I won’t be the only one crying into the new year lol.
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