If anything, Season 3 proves that even if you divide our favorite characters into separate groups, it's still an engaging series. There are so many possibilities for Season 4 to explore here. Now that Eleven and the Byers family are moving away from Hawkins, what implications does that have for Dustin, Lucas, Nancy, Mike, and Max? Splitting the group up is a bold move by the Duffers, but also an appealing one. Would you want him to come back, or is that tearful farewell a fitting send-off?įor the rest of the Hawkins crew, the final moments of Season 3 feel like a big shift in terms of the show's larger narrative structure. Hopper's words of wisdom for El are something she'll likely never forget, but if the Duffers choose to bring him back, it undermines the importance of his sacrifice. Firstly, Hopper's tear-jerking letter to Eleven is the perfect way for his daughter and us (the viewers) to mourn his loss before the final credits roll. Maybe he went into the Upside Down and will somehow be rescued/captured by the Russians or some other military force?Īnd while the prospect of Hopper coming back to Stranger Things is a pleasant thought, there are some problems with that scenario. But before we bring the tissues out again, do you think there's a chance Hopper is still alive? If you think about it, we never see his body disintegrate like the other scientists. The second half of the nearly 80-minute episode centers on Hopper's sacrifice and the effect it has on the loved ones he leaves behind. Here's hoping Suzie will find a way to leave the Beehive State and join Dustin in Hawkins for Season 4. That wonderful musical number comes out of nowhere, and it's an unexpected high point of the season, partially because of how random it is. The Duffers also do a great job of balancing the more tragic moments with some whimsical flair, courtesy of Dustin's epic duet of The Neverending Story theme song with Suzie from Utah. It's just too bad Max will never get a chance to spend time with the "new and improved" version of her brother.
Dacre Montgomery and Millie Bobby Brown give excellent performances here, with the Duffer brothers favoring compelling visuals over an abundance of dialogue. Let's start with Billy, whose journey from bad-boy a**hole to martyr is heartbreaking.