In the cavalcade of characters who appear throughout Netflix's hit show Stranger Things, few prove to be as heroic as Mike Wheeler. As the dungeon master of his friend group's Dungeons & Dragons game, Mike's determination to find Will drives most of the series' first season. This often puts him at odds with other characters.
However, most of Mike's story in Stranger Things also revolves around his relationship with Eleven. Together, the two prove to be one of the most fascinating pairs of characters in the show. With the fourth season on the horizon, it'd be nice to remind audiences of some of Mike's funniest lines, and greatest moments.
9 A Suspenseful Opening
Mike has the distinguished honor of being the first of the main cast to speak in the very first episode of Stranger Things. He's introduced alongside his friends Dustin, Lucas, and Will as the dungeon master of their D&D game. Not only does this scene reveal lots about their dynamics, but it also foreshadows the danger to come.
Setting the stage for the gang's encounter with the Demogorgon, Mike's strength for luring them into danger is shown through his DM-ing skills:
Something is coming. Something hungry for blood. A shadow grows on the wall behind you, swallowing you in darkness. It is almost here.
This moment becomes even more ominous when Will is moments later kidnapped by the creature that will later also be referred to as the Demogorgon.
8 Mike's Kindness Towards Eleven
After discovering the quiet girl in the woods at the end of the first episode, the group takes her back to Mike's basement. There, they argue about what to do as the girl watches in fear and confusion. Eventually, Mike decides to let the girl stay with them, and fashions her a pillow fort out of blankets.
Mike asks the girl's name, and she indicates the numbered "11" on her arm to mean her name is Eleven. Though this provokes many questions, Mike remains calm and polite to this stranger, welcoming her by saying:
That's your name? Eleven. Okay. Um, well my name's Mike, short for Michael. Maybe we can call you "El." Short for Eleven.
This scene is only the start of what will become a very deep friendship, and later romance, for these two kids.
7 Mike Prepares For The Worst
Eventually, Mike's hiding of Eleven results in scientists of Hawkins Lab coming to his house. Needing to make a getaway, Mike confronts his mother to confirm that the vans pulling up to his house are not expected. Their interaction is quickly interrupted by Dustin, who warns that they need to leave immediately.
Before Mike has a chance to explain anything to his mother, he makes a run for it. Turning back, he says, in an adorable childlike earnest manner:
If anyone asks where I am, I've left the country!
This doesn't answer any questions for Mike's poor mother. Luckily she has nothing to worry about when Mike and Dustin have the powerful Eleven on their side.
6 Mike Tries To Make Contact
By the time season 2 begins, it's been almost a year since the events of season 1. Unfortunately for Mike, Eleven has gone missing since the battle with the Demogorgon at the school. Unbeknownst to him, Eleven is actually in the care of police chief Jim Hopper, though Mike attempts to communicate with Eleven anyway.
Into his radio every night, Mike sits in Eleven's old blanket fort and talks to her through the void. In the first episode of season 2, we see this happen:
El, are you there? El? It's me. It's Mike. It's day 352, 7:40 pm. I'm still here. If you're out there, say something. Or give me a sign. I won't even say anything. Just... I wanna know if you're okay.
Mike gives up, though if only he knew that Eleven would be sitting in Hopper's cabin listening at the same time. Sadly, the two remain apart for most of the season.
5 Mike Learns The Truth
It's not until episode 9 of season 2 that Mike and Eleven finally reunite. After Eleven rescues the group from Demodog attacks, she enters the Byers home in her new outfit. Mike immediately greets her with a hug, before Hopper interrupts, concerned for his adoptive daughter, to the shock and frustration of Mike.
When Hopper pulls Mike into another room to explain himself, it only ends up being a cathartic moment of Mike's anger at not being able to see Eleven. It's also a great moment for Finn Wolfhard to show off some acting skills:
Nothing about this is okay! You're a stupid, disgusting, lying piece of shit!
4 Mike And Eleven Dance
Season 2 ends on a sweeter note than season 1, finding the gang attending a winter formal. There, Mike and Eleven reunite once again after Hopper allows her to attend. Set to The Police's "Every Breath You Take," Mike approaches Eleven on the dance floor, and nervously asks her if she wants to dance.
However, Eleven sheepishly tells Mike that she doesn't know how to. Mike smiles, and replies with his signature charm:
I don't either. Do you wanna figure it out?
Eleven smiles as she takes Mike's hand, and the two get to share a special moment together. This propels them into season 3, where they are a happy couple.
3 Mike Breaks His Only Rule
One of Mike's earliest quotes in the series, adopted by Eleven, is the rule that "friends don't lie." However, the events of Season 3, Episode 1 cause him to abandon that mindset. After being threatened by Hopper to stay away from Eleven, Mike nervously dodges her questions and suspicion over the phone.
Eleven doubts Mike's alibi about his grandmother being sick. When Mike tries to justify it, his attempts are thwarted by his mom, who has remained on the phone line. Frustrated, Mike shouts to her:
MOM! GET OFF THE PHONE! HOW MANY TIMES?!
Suffice it to say, Mike's plan to lie to Eleven doesn't go the way he thought it would.
2 Mike And Eleven Make Up
After spending part of the season separated, Mike and Eleven are forced to reunite while dealing with the actions of a possessed Billy. The gang ends up at a hospital to visit another possessed woman, Doris Driscoll. While waiting there, Mike and Eleven interact for the first time after Eleven spies on Mike calling girls a different "species."
Mike is able to break the tension by sitting next to Eleven. He offers her some candy, charming her by quipping:
Does your species like M&M's?
Eleven quietly accepts some M&M's while Mike compliments her new attire. It's a cute moment that shows these two are warming up to each other again.
1 Mike Tries To Express Himself
After Eleven's leg is bitten by the Mind Flayer, the gang heads to a convenience store for supplies. There, Mike tends to Eleven's wound, and they get some much-needed alone time following their awkward season together. Mike makes a bold move and attempts to open up to Eleven in lieu of them being broken up.
In classic Mike Wheeler fashion, he isn't even able to make this apology not awkward. Granted, him and Eleven are still kids, but it's still hilariously cringe-worthy to see Mike try to explain love to Eleven like this:
You never heard that term? You know, like, the phrase, like... "blank makes you crazy," like the word...
It's hard to watch this scene and not scream at Mike to tell Eleven he loves her. Which, he thankfully does by the end of the season. Well... kind of...
Stranger Things 4 will premiere on Netflix on May 27, 2022.