Stranger Things Season 5: The Ongoing Joyce Problem

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Warning: spoilers for Stranger Things season 5, part 2

The latest episodes of Stranger Things season 5 bring the Hawkins group back together as they devise a last-ditch effort to stop Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). While these episodes are thrilling, the show still struggles with how it uses the character Joyce (Winona Ryder). With the second part of the season now released after a month-long wait, Stranger Things season 5 is heading towards its series finale.

Following Will’s use of his abilities to save his friends from the Demogorgon, the final part of Stranger Things season 5 reveals significant information about the Upside Down and Vecna’s intentions. This knowledge allows the Hawkins group to devise a plan to finally defeat Vecna, and this time, everyone is involved.

Honestly, I’m really worried about Joyce Byers. Even in the second part of season 5, the show still doesn’t seem to know what to do with her, and I’m starting to fear they’ve waited too long to give her a satisfying story arc. It’s looking like her ending might not be as great as it deserves, and that’s just heartbreaking after everything she’s been through.

Stranger Things Doesn’t Seem To Know What To Do With Joyce In Season 5

©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

Joyce Byers (played by Charlie Heaton and Will’s mother) was a central figure in the first season of Stranger Things. She strongly believed her son Will was still alive, even after he disappeared, and tirelessly sought ways to reach him. Working alongside Hopper (David Harbour), she ventured into the terrifying Upside Down to find him. In the second season, Joyce continued to be a vital support, helping to sever Will’s dangerous connection to the Mind Flayer.

As a big fan of Stranger Things, I’ve noticed a frustrating trend with Joyce Byers. Remember in Season 3 when she and Hopper went down into that crazy Russian base under the mall? And then she and Murray went all the way to Russia in Season 4 to try and save Hopper? It felt like she was a key player then, but honestly, the show seems to have sidelined her more and more. Now, heading into Season 5, it feels like the writers are really struggling to find a purpose for her character, which is a real shame.

Okay, so I just finished the first part of Stranger Things season 5, and honestly, I was a little disappointed with Joyce’s role. It felt like she was sidelined, mostly just focused on Will and staying back in Hawkins while everyone else was really driving the plot forward. Even when she did have a moment with Vecna and the Demogorgon, it just didn’t pack the same punch as, say, Karen Wheeler’s fight to protect Holly – that was a truly powerful scene, and Joyce’s felt…underwhelming in comparison.

In the second part of season 5, Joyce’s behavior shifted unexpectedly from fiercely protective to actively pushing Will to re-enter Vecna’s mind – a change that felt abrupt and disorienting. While the kids of Stranger Things have always driven the plot and matured throughout the series, it became increasingly apparent that the show struggled to find a meaningful role for Joyce.

How Stranger Things’ Series Finale Can Fix Its Joyce Problem

Image via Netflix

The plan to stop the danger in Stranger Things needs everyone to pitch in, including Max (Sadie Sink), even though she’s currently unable to walk and fight. Joyce is with the team that ventured into the Upside Down, and while it’s a large group, each person has a vital part to play in finally defeating Vecna.

Because of recent developments, Joyce might have a more significant and involved part in the final episodes of Stranger Things compared to earlier in season 5. Ideally, Joyce would have been more prominently featured throughout the final season, but at the very least, fans hope she receives a satisfying conclusion.

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2025-12-30 01:39