Spoiler Warning: Stranger Things Season 4
Netflix’s dramatic horror fantasy seriesStranger Thingsmade its debut in 2016. Critics and viewers alike were amazed at Matt and Ross Duffer’s creativity and aptitude. The pairs' newest work demonstrated mastery in their ability to materialize a series with contagious energy and a magnetizing story. The iconic nature of the story of Hawkins and its adolescent saviors was evident from its open sequences. And the show’s powerhouse draw for Netflix cemented that success.
The brothers did for the small screen what Chris Columbus and Steven Spielberg did with TheGooniesfor the big screen in 1985. The massive success of TheGoonieswas transcendental. With their brand of magic, the Duffers created the possibility of the series following the same path.
Stranger Thingstook fans back in time with vintage backdrops and costuming, invoking a fever of nostalgia for the ’80s. The appeal was widely appellant to the adventurer and geek alike. From the inception, viewers formed sold connections with the characters; Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Eleven. And no matter the span of time or age, the heroic gang felt like friends, siblings, peers, and for others, their offspring. No matter the classification, viewers were invested in seeing Will free from the forces of the Upside Down. And the desire to discover El’s identity and source of power kept observers rooted, especially sinceEleven was supposed to die in season one.
The series has significantly progressed over the last four seasons. The characters, as well as the plot, have matured before the viewer’s eyes. The second season couldn’t come fast enough. Like season one, the Duffers gave fans the same spellbinding magic. Hawkins was in trouble, and the only thing standing between the small town and the flipped world was the gang who were now pre-teens. Nevertheless, as much as viewers warranted answers, the addictive nature of the developing action trumped all proving powerful storylines make fans rest their guard.
While the show offed some likable and closely linked characters, the main characters held firm. However, It was also becoming more apparent the characters perhaps had an indestructible plot armor. And the plot, although intriguing, wobbled a little too close to predictability. Like other shows who have fallen prey to characters who are too likable, the lack of fallout raised a few questions, such as is the series too predictable? Should a significant character die to shake things up? And more importantly, does the show now feel too safe?
Is Stranger Things Too Predictable?
Arguably,Stranger Thingshas come dangerously close to earning the series the predictable label. The heroes have maintained the same mission, and for the first couple of seasons, they carried out that mission within the confines of the small town of Hawkins. Furthermore, no proper sacrifices were made for the story. However, in season three, the creators gave fans a bit more of the divergence needed.
Related:Why Vecna is the Series' Best Villain
The dark force behind the encroaching reach of the upside Down gained greater clarity. The gang was risking it all to destroy the Mind flayer. So, not only did the team rise up against a clearly defined force, but the Duffers teased a greater revelation. The dark element now had branches extending well outside of Hawkins. The Russians were now an integral part of the storyline. Of course, more questions posed themselves, such as where do the Russians tie in? Who was the mind flayer, and what were its dark origins? Despite the new questions, the introduction of new elements helped maintain the intrigue. This shake-up kept viewers on their toes.
Season four kicked things into another gear, introducingVecna at perfect timing. Not only did fans have a new villain to hate or root for, but the story branched out even further as geographical lines separated the gang. The shift in regions, characters, and the expansive monstrous element was a timely shift.
Should a Major Character Die?
Creators walk a tightrope when it comes to developing a character’s story arc. For sure, one cannot always please all fans, as seen in other top-rated shows such asThe Walking DeadorGame of Thrones.There is a lot of volatility and hostility surrounding the continuation or dissolution of a character’s storyline. Making such a critical decision could make or break a show.The Walking Deadsaw a significant decline in viewers from season five onward to the tune of a million per season. One of the primary contributing factors recorded was the death of a character. According toScreen Rant, “Viewers also took issue with the deaths of big characters as well as the gratuitous use of gore.”
So, axing a character is a decision not to be made lightly.
Related:The Duffer Brothers Will Begin Writing Stranger Things Season 5 Next Month
Furthermore, fans have gotten attached to the merry band of friends from Hawkins. Annihilating any of the characters would surely toss up the story and sentiments regarding such a decision. Whether the Duffers should employ this as a method is questionable. According to sources, season five will concludeStranger Things. Over the last four years, the Duffers managed to maintain their momentum without offing main characters. They have kept a strong and steady viewership by dangling the possibility. So, one would say, what’s the purpose behind disrupting a good thing.
They have already proven, It is not necessary to eliminate a central character to keep things interesting, a point whichScreen Rantsolidifies in referencing the deaths in season four:
“Each of three [secondary] characters got enough depth for their deaths to really sting, proving thatStranger Thingscould make a minor character’s death matter.”
So, getting rid of a critical character may not be necessary. Rather nixing one or two significant characters may prove extremely risky, possibly killing such a great story at its finality.
Does Stranger Things Feel Too Safe?
The conclusion of season four dangles on the precipice. The creators pushed the storyline to the brink, and in the end, they let up. Many people like a happy ending, but happy endings don’t always equivocate to an epic run. Nevertheless, thedeaths of Eddie Munsonand Dr. Brenner and the unconfirmed status of Max gave viewers a taste leaving fans thirsting for the next installment.
However, the series does play dangerously close to lacking an edge. And while the creators have managed to do enough thus far to keep the momentum, avoiding such a critique will take a bit more edginess. Since the Duffers will start writing season five next month, it will be wonderful to see where they land.
