
Season 5 of Stranger Things really stuck the landing, delivering a thrilling and genuinely emotional finale. A big part of why it resonated so strongly, I think, was how cleverly the writers wove in callbacks to key moments from earlier seasons. There was one particularly heartbreaking death that fans desperately wanted reversed, and the creators explained – after a lot of online petitions! – that this character’s tragic fate was actually planned from the very beginning. They shared the reasons why this character was always destined for a sad ending, which honestly made the whole thing even more impactful.
Ross agreed, explaining that the character was destined for a tragic end. He believed there was no other possible path for him, and the hopeful idea of him finding a normal life, like graduating in Milwaukee, was never realistic.
The Stranger Things Creators Are Likely Right About Eddie Munson’s Arc

Eddie Munson quickly became a fan favorite in season 4, and his brave death resonated with viewers. He heroically sacrificed himself to save his friends, using a guitar solo to lure away dangerous creatures. His impact continued into season 5, largely through Dustin, who spent much of the season grieving and ultimately paid tribute to Eddie at his graduation.
Eddie Munson was seen as either a strange outsider or a dangerous criminal by the people of Hawkins. If he’d lived through the final battle in season 4, he would have immediately returned to that hostile environment and likely been arrested and put on trial for the crimes he was suspected of. That wouldn’t have been a happy outcome, so while it’s unfortunate to lose such a character, it was probably the right decision for his story.
Eddie Munson’s death had a profound effect on the show and its characters. Dustin’s heartfelt tribute at graduation beautifully captured Eddie’s rebellious spirit, and even Steve’s newfound understanding of what Eddie meant to Dustin stemmed from that emotional moment. While we might always wish Eddie had lived through season 4, his ending ultimately felt fitting and meaningful.
Stranger Things is now streaming on Netflix.
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2026-01-12 08:10