5 Stranger Things Problems The Franchise Can Actually Still Fix With New Series

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The ending of Stranger Things sparked a lot of debate. Viewers were so split on how the series concluded that some began to believe a conspiracy theory, dubbed “Conformity Gate,” claiming the finale was a fake and a better one was on the way. This turned out not to be true, leaving many fans dissatisfied with issues ranging from character development to major plot points, like what happened to Eleven.

Although certain plot points can’t be altered now, there’s still room to refine the characters and stories within the Stranger Things universe. Netflix’s animated series, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 – which has already been renewed for a second season – offers a great opportunity to do just that. Taking place between seasons 2 and 3 of the original series, the animated show can address several existing weaknesses. Here are five key areas where Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 can improve the overall story.

Eleven Can Be Given A More Independent Personality

As a big fan of Tales From ’85, I thought Season 1 started to give Eleven/Jane Hopper a little more independence and personality, but I really believe Season 2 has the chance to fully explore that. Honestly, one of the things that always bothered me about her storyline – even when she ‘survived’ – was that she never really got to just be herself. The closest we saw to that was in Season 3, when she and Mike had that little break and she spent time with Max. That’s when she started to figure out her own style and, you know, just be a normal teen, which was awesome.

Even with the hopeful ending, it often feels like Eleven hasn’t truly had the opportunity to develop her own identity. It would be great to see her grow as an individual in the next season, moving beyond just her friendship with Max. However, even that won’t fully make up for the tragic way her story concludes.

Mike Wheeler Could Feel More Like Seasons 1 And 2 Mike

Mike Wheeler is a character who has sparked a lot of debate among Stranger Things fans, especially regarding season 5. Interestingly, his portrayal in season 1 of Tales From ’85 wasn’t much better received either. In the first two seasons of the original show, Mike was known as a consistently loyal and optimistic friend who wholeheartedly believed in the supernatural. While it was natural for him to mature, many felt that in seasons 4 and 5, he became more of a supporting character than a central figure—a point Will actually makes in season 4.

As a fan, I was a little disappointed with Tales From ’85. It just felt…familiar, and honestly, a lot of us were talking about how Mike didn’t seem quite right. There was one scene where he yelled at Will that really didn’t fit with the Mike we know and love from season 2 of the original series. I’m really hoping season 2 of Tales From ’85 brings back that feeling of Mike being both the leader and the emotional center of the group.

Joyce Byers Should Be More Involved, Especially With Jonathan

I was really surprised to find that Joyce Byers wasn’t in season 1 of Tales From ’85 at all. The showrunners said they wanted to keep the focus on the kids, but it still felt odd that she had no part in the story. I’m hoping they’ll change that for season 2, because honestly, one of the things I didn’t love about Stranger Things was that Joyce didn’t get enough development as a character.

While the show concluded with a romantic pairing for Joyce, many viewers felt important storylines were left unresolved. A key one was the relationship between Joyce and Jonathan. Joyce’s constant focus on Will often meant Jonathan was neglected, and fans hoped to see a genuine conversation between them addressing this imbalance.

Lucas Could Be Given A More Central Narrative Arc

Lucas is a consistently supportive friend and boyfriend, but the show doesn’t fully develop him as an individual character. Since Tales From ’85 centers around the kids, it would be beneficial to give Lucas more focus and depth than he received in the original series.

Erica, Lucas’ sister, was also a strong character, though she didn’t always get the same in-depth story or development as some of the others. It’s great that Lucas is a supportive and kind boyfriend, and that both siblings are funny and courageous, but they would both benefit from having their own storylines explored more fully.

The Actual Ramifications Of Living In Hawkins Could Be Shown

I’m really excited about how Tales From ’85 will show us what it’s really like to live in Hawkins. Season 1 gave us a glimpse with the monsters, but honestly, neither Stranger Things nor the first season of Tales From ’85 has truly explored how living in a town like Hawkins affects the people who aren’t directly involved in the main story – the psychological toll it takes on everyday life, you know?

A major criticism of season 5 was that it didn’t show the apocalypse that was built up at the end of season 4. While the new installment, Tales From ’85, can’t change that, it aims to portray how such events would realistically impact the whole town, and not just the main group of friends.

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2026-05-11 18:10