Stranger Things Season 5 Doubles Down On A Harsh Truth Surrounding The Wheeler Family

by

Season 5 of Stranger Things is giving the Wheeler family a central role, and it’s confirming what fans have long believed about one of its members. Holly’s disappearance kicks off the main storyline for the first part of the season, and while Nancy is stepping up as a strong action hero and Karen is surprisingly capable in a fight, Mike isn’t the only important Wheeler family member anymore.

Though the parents of Lucas and Dustin haven’t been very involved, the latest season of Stranger Things is really utilizing the Byers and Wheeler families. Mike and Nancy have always been important to the story, and it’s great to finally see Karen and Holly helping fight Vecna. However, not all of the Wheelers are getting the same attention.

The Wheeler Family Totally Forget About Ted In Stranger Things Season 5

If you think back to when the Demogorgon attacked in the first part of Stranger Things season 5, you might recall that Ted was also at the house. He’d gone outside to practice golf, but came back inside when he sensed something was wrong. In fact, he was the first one to try and stop Vecna’s creature.

Ted bravely confronted the Demogorgon armed with just a golf club and did his best in the fight. Afterwards, Stranger Things only quickly mentioned that Mike and Nancy’s father was put into a medically induced coma.

All eyes were on Karen as she bravely used a wine bottle to defend her youngest daughter. She then gave Mike and Nancy a crucial tip that would help them find Holly. Meanwhile, the children showed no desire to go see their father, even though he was in bad shape.

Ted receives very little attention in the first part of Stranger Things season 5, but he’s completely forgotten in the second. Even when Karen finds Mike at the hospital, no one thinks to ask about Ted, or whether he’s safe after a Demogorgon attacks the hospital.

Even though Mike tries to reassure his mother at the hospital, he never suggests she stay in case his father wakes up. Instead, he tells her they’ll bring Holly back to her, completely ignoring the fact that Holly has a father. After returning from the Upside Down, Nancy doesn’t ask about her dad, and Vickie, who works at the hospital where he’s being treated, never gives anyone an update on his condition.

Ted’s Fate Feels Fitting In Stranger Things Season 5

It’s not really a shock that Stranger Things seems to have sidelined Ted in its final season. Throughout the show, Ted has consistently been shown as somewhat ineffective – a classic ’80s movie dad who’s out of touch, doesn’t pay attention to his children, and lacks a strong connection with his wife or any sense of excitement.

As Stranger Things has progressed, the show has increasingly highlighted how unimportant the character of Ted is. While increasingly bizarre events unfold in Hawkins, Ted’s internal monologue focuses on trivial concerns like not getting bacon for breakfast and questioning Holly’s age.

It’s a shame Nancy, Mike, and Holly don’t seem to visit their father very often, considering how supportive he was during the Demogorgon attack. However, Ted mostly just wants peace and quiet, and often keeps his head buried in a book or newspaper. This makes it understandable why he doesn’t have a close bond with them, especially when compared to their warm and attentive mother.

A running gag in Stranger Things is how easily people overlook Ted Wheeler. While forgetting about him in season 5 felt a bit extreme, it seemed like a natural progression for his character—or, more accurately, the lack of development he received throughout the series.

Read More

2025-12-30 19:20