The five worst deaths in ‘Stranger Things’ so far
Netflix doesn’t flinch in letting go. But the same cannot be said about its audience, who have time and again had to come to terms with on-screen deaths, especially in the decade-long run of the beloved sci-fi series, awaiting the end, Stranger Things.
The death trend in Stranger Things has only grown larger season by season, with characters often succumbing to the Upside Down and its all-consuming forces.
In fact, the Grim Reaper’s presence is growing all the more palpable as the fifth and final season of the hit Netflix series inches closer, with all eyes now set on the main Hawkins squad. But before that happens, let’s take a recap of the five worst deaths in Stranger Things so far.
While many deaths may have felt earned, some made viewers want to throw up and leave the room. So, here are the top five deaths we are yet to get over.
The five worst deaths in Stranger Things
Chrissy Cunningham
One of the most haunting deaths in Stranger Things was probably Chrissy Cunningham’s after she became a target of Vecna. The scene was not just tragic; it was horrifying to say the least. As viewers might remember, Vecna has an appetite for victimising those who have insecurities and traumas buried underneath. Turns out that Chrissy had plenty. As one of the uber-popular Hawkins High students and a cheerleader, she initially came across as picture-perfect.
But Chrissy had long been subjected to her mother’s emotional abuse, which aggravated her state of depression. What made things all the worse was the disorienting visions and hallucinations she couldn’t make sense of. However, when she found a friend in Eddie and went to his trailer for a drug purchase to ease those visions, Munson found Chrissy in a state of trance. Although he tried to awaken her, it was to no avail as the lights began to flicker, she began levitating, and slowly her limbs and body began to snap and be mutilated right in front as she failed to escape the vicious trap of the Upside Down.
Bob Newby
Bob Newby was the ultimate “nice guy” of Stranger Things. Introduced as the love interest of Joyce Byers, Bob was the epitome of kindness. He worked with Joyce in a RadioShack store, and even though the oddities surrounding her and her son would have turned any other man away, Bob was not one to take the easy route.
He even pitched in to solve some of the most horrifying mysteries in the season. But as he attempted to restart the power system of the Hawkins National Laboratory, Demodogs got the best of him. His tenure was probably one of the most touching arcs of the show, and his death, equally devastating.
Barbara Holland
Barbara Holland’s death in Stranger Things is often considered one of the most unjust deaths in the entire television landscape. But it’s not without reason. Early in the show, she mysteriously vanished after being dragged by the Demogorgons in the Upside Down as she waited for Nancy Wheeler poolside at Steve Harrington’s party.
The scene was so unsettling, it led to a humongous fan outcry, making way for the #JusticeForBarb movement, as her disappearance was initially overlooked and the Hawkins Lab tried its best to cover up the incident to keep the town oblivious to the Demogorgons’ existence. Although she was eventually given a deserving funeral after her death was confirmed, Barbara’s death still makes fans shed a tear or two.
Billy Hargrove
Billy Hargrove’s introduction in Stranger Things was one rooted in evil, as he was possessed by The Mind Flayer throughout the third season. He had long become a puppet of the Upside Down forces and, in turn, one of the antagonists of the show. But his death during the confrontation at the Star Court Mall felt like staying awake through an operation.
Although Billy nearly defeated Eleven by strangling her, the Hawkins hero was fortunately able to access his memories, briefly reinstating his free will and consciousness. In that moment, not only does Billy break free from the Mind Flayer and the Spider-like creature’s control, but he also protects Eleven, apologises to Max, and leaves the audience drenched in tears. But before viewers can grapple with the emotional climax, the enraged monster punctures several holes through him, causing his death.
Eddie Munson
No matter how many years pass and however things turn out in the Stranger Things finale, nothing will erase Eddie Munson’s death from the audience’s mind. Despite coming across as the outcast who seemed irredeemable from every aspect, Eddie became the hero we never knew Stranger Things needed. As the leader of the Hellfire Club, he was always misunderstood as someone inherently arrogant, and his presence during Chrissy’s death didn’t exactly help his reputation.
Although he couldn’t save her, he saved the town and his friends in the season four finale by buying them more time as he lured the Demobats with his heavy metal rifts, ultimately leading to the most heartbreaking death of the series so far.
