Stranger Things: Season 4 succeeds in dividing main characters

Although splitting up the main characters for most of the season can be a dangerous story design, Stranger Things makes it work to its best advantage in season 4. Stranger Things may begin with two prominent locations, but it quickly becomes clear how broken-up things will evolve as the season continues.

Although Mike starts the season in Hawkins, he quickly moves to California to spend Spring Break with Eleven, Will, Jonathan, and Joyce. However, Joyce does not stay in California for long either, going on a trip with Murray to free Hopper. Except, rather than a quick trip to Alaska and back, the duo is brought to Russia, allowing them to reunite with Hopper.

Meanwhile, although Eleven spends some time with Will and Mike, she ends up separated from them when she is offered the chance to regain her powers. Eleven’s storyline brings her back to the past to re-live the memories she had long ago buried in hopes that getting in touch with the truth of the past may help her.

Back in Hawkins, the central storyline is playing out with Vecna and is spearheaded by the rest of Stranger Things’ main characters. Dustin, Lucas, Max, Nancy, Steve, Robin, and Eddie take the lead on finding out more about Vecna, how to defeat him, and that a person’s favorite song can save them from death.

A lot is going on in the fourth season of Stranger Things. But, given how ambitious it is, the season needed to separate everyone for all the pieces to come together by the finale. Although the final two episodes have yet to air, the series is set up for several grand reunions as nearly everyone, while having a piece of the puzzle, is missing something vital in understanding what is going on.

Stranger Things makes the separation work. Although the Hawkins group may be getting more involved in the main plot, and Eleven is quickly catching up, things are moving slower for Mike, Will, and Jonathon. Still, the way the series has divided them has allowed all the main characters, although separated in groups, to be still kept together. In addition, nearly everyone is involved with someone essential to the story thus far, allowing for new dynamics between those who previously may not have spent as much time together.

Stranger Things takes advantage of the division, letting different characters take the lead or take a step back depending on the storyline. The growing friendships make the series more well-rounded as Stranger Things sprints toward the finish line.