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'Stranger Things': From Eddie Munson to Alexei, 10 characters that deserved better in Netflix's all-time favorite show

A look back at 'Stranger Things' characters who deserved better fates
UPDATED MAY 28, 2024
From Eddie Munson to Joyce Byers, these characters faced hardship, unfair deaths, and unfulfilled potential (@netflxi)
From Eddie Munson to Joyce Byers, these characters faced hardship, unfair deaths, and unfulfilled potential (@netflxi)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The Upside Down looms large once again. As the anticipation for the final season of Netflix's pop culture phenomenon, 'Stranger Things', reaches a fever pitch, fans can't help but reflect on the Hawkins heroes who have bravely faced Demogorgons, Mind Flayers, and the ever-present threat of interdimensional invasion.

While Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and the gang have consistently defied the odds, their victories haven't come without sacrifice. Many beloved characters have fallen victim to the supernatural forces lurking beneath the seemingly idyllic town of Hawkins.

But beyond those who perished, others endured immense suffering, questionable decisions by writers, or simply didn't get the full potential of their storylines explored. This season, with the fate of Hawkins hanging in the balance, it's time to remember those who deserved better.

Let's delve into the stories of ten 'Stranger Things' characters who, despite their bravery, loyalty, or simply being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, were dealt a less than ideal hand.

Eddie Munson aka Joseph Quinn

Eddie Munson is a misunderstood metalhead with a heroic heart who deserved much better (@netflix)
Eddie Munson is a misunderstood metalhead with a heroic heart who deserved much better (@netflix)

Eddie Munson, the heart-wearing metalhead, became a fan favorite in just one season and captured #1st place in everyone's heart. His misunderstood exterior hid a giant heart, evident in his love for Dustin and his willingness to defend Hawkins, even if it meant facing his deepest fears.

Despite his loyalty and bravery, Eddie was tragically labeled a villain. Judged solely on his appearance and taste in music, the town never saw the hero beneath the leather jacket. His brutal death at the hands of demobats added insult to injury, robbing him of a chance to redeem himself in the eyes of Hawkins. Eddie deserved more.

He deserved a chance to shed his "freak" label and prove his worth. He deserved recognition for his courage and his sacrifice. He deserved to be seen not as a monster but as the loyal friend and protector he truly was.

The final season could offer some solace perhaps a glimpse into the impact Eddie unknowingly had on Hawkins, a town that owes him a debt of gratitude for his bravery.

Bob Newby aka Sean Astin

Bob Newby, a sunshine beacon who deserved a happy life with Joyce (@netflix)
Bob Newby deserved a happy life with Joyce (@netflix)

Bob Newby, a beacon of sunshine in the grim world of Hawkins, captured our hearts in a single season. This intelligent, charming man brought stability and love to Joyce's life, and readily embraced her sons, Will and Jonathan, as his own. He saw their potential and championed their well-being, even suggesting a fresh start away from the darkness plaguing Hawkins.

Tragically, Bob's heroism was short-lived. While aiding Joyce and the kids in their fight against the Upside Down, he fell victim to a Demodog attack. Bob's death wasn't just a loss for Joyce, it was a loss for the entire audience who had grown to love his genuine warmth, quirky humor, and unwavering support.

He deserved a peaceful life with Joyce, a chance to build a happy future together.

Alexei aka Alec Utgoff

Alexei as a scientist yearning for freedom and friendship, who deserved the whole world gone too soon (@netflix)
Alexei as a scientist yearning for freedom and friendship, who deserved the whole world, gone too soon (@netflix)

Alexei, a scientist on the wrong side of the portal, emerged as a gem in Season 3. Forced into building a monstrous gateway, his forced collaboration with Hopper led to an unexpected friendship. Alexei's childlike wonder at Slurpees, fireworks, and even cartoons melted the hearts of viewers.

His innocent joy, perhaps a product of a deprived childhood, resonated deeply. He dreamt of a new life in America, a life filled with freedom and simple pleasures. This endearing yearning for a brighter future made his demise at the hands of a ruthless assassin all the more tragic.

He deserved a chance to escape the shackles of his past, to experience the wonders of American life he craved. 

Chrissy Cunningham aka Grace Van Dien

Chrissy Cunningham, a glimpse of kindness lost to the Upside Down's darkness (@netflix)
Chrissy Cunningham, a glimpse of kindness lost to the Upside Down's darkness (@netflix)

Chrissy Cunningham, a fleeting presence in Season 4, left a lasting impact. Though her backstory remained largely unexplored, glimpses of a kind and anxious soul peeked through. Her tragic demise, a brutal display of Vecna's power, was undeniably shocking.

Chrissy's death wasn't just about the horrific manner; it resonated deeply because of its effect on Eddie. The charismatic metalhead, wrongly blamed for the incident, grappled with the guilt of being unable to save her. Their brief interaction hinted at a potential friendship – a connection Eddie desperately craved.

She deserved a chance to regain strength after her anxieties, to find solace and support. Her brief time on screen left a lingering sadness, a reminder of the innocent lives lost to the Upside Down's darkness.

Barb Holland aka Shannon Purser

Barb Holland, a loyal friend deserved more than being a plot device (@netflix)
Barb Holland, a loyal friend deserved more than being a plot device (@netflix)

Barb, Nancy's loyal confidante, became the chilling symbol of the Upside Down's unforgiving grip. Unlike Will, her encounter with the Demogorgon ended tragically, snatching her away in a moment of horror. Barb's significance extends beyond her death. She was a voice of reason, urging Nancy to stay true to herself and challenging the superficiality of their high school social circle.

However, Barb's story feels incomplete. She served primarily as a catalyst for Nancy's journey, a plot device to propel the narrative forward. Her own potential, her dreams, and her struggles remain largely unexplored. The audience connected with her loyalty and grounded nature, and craved a deeper dive into her character.

She deserved to be more than a stepping stone in someone else's story. 

Max Mayfield aka Sadie Sink

Max Mayfield deserves to heal from trauma and find joy again (@netflix)
Max Mayfield deserves to heal from trauma and find joy again (@netflix)

Max, a beacon of resilience, arrived in Hawkins and quickly bonded with the core group. Despite her initial standoffishness, she found friendship and even love with Lucas. But beneath her tough exterior lay a well of trauma. The loss of her abusive stepbrother, Billy, left a gaping hole in her world, a vulnerability Vecna ruthlessly exploited.

Targeted by the villain, Max became a pawn in a horrific game. Vecna preyed on her grief, using her past trauma to manipulate and nearly take her life. Though Eleven intervened, Max's fight was far from over. Coma, blindness, and broken limbs are a harsh price for her bravery.

She deserves to wake from her coma, to heal both physically and emotionally. She deserves to find joy again, to rebuild her life surrounded by friends who love her. The final season needs to offer Max a chance at true recovery, a chance to emerge from the darkness and reclaim her strength.

Joyce Byers aka Winona Ryder

Joyce Byers is a mother's unwavering love deserves a break from hardship. (@netflix)
Joyce Byers is a mother's unwavering love deserves a break from hardship (@netflix)

Joyce Byers embodies unwavering maternal strength. A single mother grappling with financial struggles, her world shatters when Will disappears. Refusing to accept the official narrative, Joyce becomes a beacon of relentless determination, driven by an unshakeable belief in her son's survival.

From deciphering cryptic messages to battling dismissive authorities, Joyce's fierce love fuels her unconventional but ultimately successful efforts to find Will. She endures the trauma of the Upside Down's horrors, witnessing the toll it takes on Will. Even after his rescue, the trauma lingers, demanding constant vigilance and support.

Joyce deserves better. She deserves a break from the constant fear and hardship. She deserves to see Will truly heal, to find happiness and stability. Perhaps the final season can offer a glimpse of Joyce finally finding peace of mind, knowing her family is safe and her unwavering love has emerged victorious.

Will Byers aka Noah Schnapp

Will Byers deserves to thrive and have his identity acknowledged. (@netflix)
Will Byers deserved to thrive and have his identity acknowledged (@netflix)

Will Byers unwittingly sets the stage for the chaos of 'Stranger Things' when he vanishes into the Upside Down. Rescued but forever changed, Will becomes a conduit between our world and the horrors beyond. While his friends battle monsters, Will grapples with the trauma, haunted by the Upside Down and ostracized for being "different."

Season 4 hints at an even deeper struggle. Will's tearful outburst suggests unrequited feelings for Mike. This potential storyline, exploring his sexuality and navigating complex emotions, deserves proper focus.

Will deserves more than just being the catalyst or the haunted one. He's a hero who has faced unimaginable horrors. Hopefully, the final season will give him the chance to not just survive, but truly thrive, with his identity and feelings acknowledged.

Steve 'The Babysitter' Harrington aka Joe Keery

Steve Harrington, from arrogant jock to deserving of his own love story (@netflix)
Steve Harrington deserved a love story (@netflix)

Steve Harrington's journey from arrogant jock to fan-favorite babysitter is a testament to his growth. He shed his shallow exterior, revealing a kind heart and unwavering loyalty to the kids of Hawkins. But while he bravely battles Demogorgons with a baseball bat, his love life remains a comedic punching bag.

Despite finally ditching his toxic relationship with Nancy, Steve pines for her ever after. Season 4 hints at lingering feelings on both sides, complicated by Nancy's current relationship with Jonathan. This love triangle leaves Steve stuck in the 'friend zone', a role he's mastered but arguably deserves more.

The final season offers a chance for Steve to find his own happily ever after. Wouldn't it be great to see him with a genuine romantic interest, someone who appreciates his humor, bravery, and (let's be honest) killer hair? Steve deserves a love story that celebrates his growth, not one defined by chasing an unrequited past.

Jim Hopper aka David Harbour

Jim Hopper, sacrificed much, deserves a chance to heal and find solace (@netflix)
Jim Hopper sacrificed much and deserved a chance to heal and find solace (@netflix)

Long before becoming Hawkins' unlikely guardian angel, Jim Hopper was burdened by a past stained with tragedy. The loss of his daughter, Sara, to cancer left a gaping hole in his life, mirrored by the subsequent breakdown of his marriage. Yet, amidst the grief, Eleven became his beacon of hope, a surrogate daughter he fiercely protected.

But Hopper's heroism came at a heavy price. Haunted by past mistakes and driven by a relentless need to protect those he cared for, he continually faced unimaginable hardships. From confronting monstrous threats to enduring the grueling reality of a Russian prison camp, Hopper's sacrifices were monumental.

As the final season looms, a question lingers: will Hopper find solace? He deserves more than just survival. He deserves a chance to heal, to rebuild a life where the weight of the world doesn't rest solely on his broad shoulders. Perhaps a reunion with Eleven, a shared moment of peace – that's the least the universe owes Jim Hopper, the man who gave so much for the town of Hawkins.

'Stranger Things' is available for streaming on Netflix.

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