The following article contains spoilers for Stranger Things: Season 4 Vol. 2.
The final two episodes of the fourth season of Stranger Things ended with some major frights and intense battles. Several veteran characters such as Jim Hopper, Eleven, Max Mayfield, Will Byers, Mike and Nancy Wheeler have had significant moments throughout the season, along with new characters such as Eddie Munson, Argyle, and the villainous Vecna.
Now that season four is in the books, many are wondering how the final season of the hit sci-fi series will play out in the end, and how the final battle against Vecna will affect the key players in the town of Hawkins. In the meantime, here are the top five characters in Vol. 2 of the fourth season.
Steve Harrington
Along with Max, Steve has also become one of the most transformative characters of the series. From an annoying bully in the first season, to a tough and friendly protector with plenty of humor, Steve is very invested in making sure the friends he's made in Hawkins are safe. Steve has developed friendly bonds with Dustin, Lucas, Robin Buckley, and ex-girlfriend Nancy, who has respected him for becoming a more mature person. Some of Steve's best moments in Vol. 2 are with Nancy, especially when he tells her that he fantasizes about having a family with her.
Steve has also reacted to the whole Upside Down situation pretty well, especially this season as a heroic leader determined to stop Vecna and the Demobats, along with other dangerous creatures. He's gotten hurt a number of times, but he is skilled in using guns, sharp weapons, and explosives. Steve's friendly banters with Dustin and Eddie are also comedic highlights, contemplating over who's going to play the hero.
Dustin Henderson
As usual, Dustin continues to be one of the funniest and most energetic characters on the show. From his friendly bond with Steve, to his hyped-up reactions in dangerous situations, Dustin is consistently engaging. However, Vol. 2 delivered a more emotional Dustin as he sadly witnessed the death of Eddie Munson, a guy who became one of Dustin's best buddies due to their passion for Dungeons & Dragons and heavy metal music. Dustin and Eddie have some great battles together as they fight off several Demobats, but it's Eddie who sacrifices himself to make sure Dustin survives.
Dustin is left emotionally devastated after Eddie's death. During a sentimental scene in the last episode of the season, Dustin meets with Eddie's uncle, telling him that Eddie died a hero and was in fact a good person, unlike the reports that made Eddie out to be a killer. Dustin's emotionality towards the loss of Eddie shows the character's versatile range, and it will be interesting to see what Dustin will do in the final season.
Martin Brenner
Similar to Ra's al Ghul and his relation to Batman and Gotham City, Martin Brenner (aka Papa) is such a polarizing character because he is both a mentor to Eleven and a villain responsible for what has transpired concerning the Upside Down negatively affecting the town of Hawkins. Brenner has always tried to train Eleven in order to make her stronger and more prepared for dangerous threats and enemies, but he's also controlled her way of life, leaving Eleven in a state of depression and sadness. Brenner's return in season four has been crucial in establishing his past history with Eleven, while also trying to help her face Vecna in the present day.
While Brenner tries to assist Eleven and ensure her safety, he also continues to dictate her abilities, believing that she is not ready nor powerful enough to face Vecna. It's Brenner's failure to allow Eleven to be free and embrace her powers that lead to his downfall, especially since a corrupt U.S. military force is also out to kill her. Brenner has one last poignant moment with Eleven before he dies, bringing their complex relationship to an emotionally powerful close.
Lucas Sinclair
In terms of a character who has a bit of everything, Lucas is special due to his balance of drama and humor. His complicated and loving relationship with Max has elevated Lucas to become more of a leading man who is strong and caring. He understands that Max has gone through a depressing time after the death of her brother in season three, and when Vecna tries to possess Max, Lucas has shown up to protect her at all costs. Lucas also has a difficult time balancing his friendship with Mike and Dustin, while also going for a basketball championship with his rough teammates (led by Jason Carver).
The face-off between Lucas and Carver (as Max is being possessed by Vecna) is one of the most intense moments in Vol. 2. As Lucas states, Carver represents everything he set out to be (a popular athlete and a tough guy), but Lucas realizes that he's nothing like Carver, who's actually conniving and self-centered. While Carver tries to shoot Lucas and throws down some hard punches, Lucas displays his strength, defeating Carver in their physical confrontation in order to save Max. Lucas proves that he's strong in his own way, and will never give up his love for Max and his best friends.
Vecna
This series has delivered its fair share of villains: Demogorgons, Demobats, the Mind Flayer, etc. However, Vecna is now the most dangerous villain of the show due to his menacing presence and extremely powerful abilities. Vecna's physically monstrous and grotesque appearance is also scary and intimidating, inspired by 80s horror movie monsters like Freddy Kruger.
Vecna (aka Henry Creel or One) has also proven to be Eleven's greatest threat since they both share similar telekinetic powers (although Vecna appears slightly more advanced). Vecna's confrontation with Eleven and Max is the highlight of Vol. 2, with the villain displaying some of the show's biggest frights, nearly killing the girls and several major characters. Vecna manages to heavily wound Max, but Eleven fights back to stop the monster from doing more damage. The showdown between Eleven and Vecna will undoubtedly continue in the final season, since Vecna and the Upside Down have now entered through Hawkins.
Stranger Things: Season 4 Vol. 2 is currently available on Netflix.