Ever since its debut, ‘Stranger Things’ has captivated audiences with its mix of ’80s nostalgia, supernatural adventures, and lovable characters. While the Upside Down has always been the source of the show’s monsters, the fourth season took a different approach, pointing the spotlight at the true villains lurking in our world. As the season unfolded, it presented us with three potential candidates: Eleven, Papa/Dr. Brenner, and Vecna/Henry. The series played with our perceptions, but as the final episode revealed, there is an undeniable answer. Let’s explore the reasons behind each contender and the insights the show provided.
Eleven: The Light in the Dark
In a world where darkness prevails, it’s easy to question if Eleven, also known as Jane Hopper, could be the true villain. At the start of Season 4, suspicions mounted as the first scene suggested that Eleven was responsible for the laboratory massacre, making her a prime target for Papa’s obsession. The show emphasized her internal struggles, her anger, and the potential danger her powers posed. However, Episode 7 dispelled these fears, revealing that Henry, not Eleven, was the culprit behind the Hawkins Lab incident and the deaths of his own family.
While Eleven may have created the portals to the Upside Down and inadvertently brought forth Vecna, her actions are driven by love and the desire to protect those she cares about. Her battles against darkness are fought with the power of her cherished memories, illuminated by her mother’s love in the first confrontation and supported by Mike’s affection in the final fight. Yes, Eleven has faced numerous challenges, but her powers are a beacon of light amid the ever-present darkness. There will be no Daenerys Targaryen twist for Eleven in ‘Stranger Things.’
Papa/Dr. Brenner: The Manipulative Scientist
Papa, or Dr. Brenner, is a character shrouded in darkness and manipulation. He abducted innocent children, separating them from their mothers and subjecting them to torturous experiments, all in the pursuit of his own egotistical ambitions. He left Eleven’s mother in a vegetative state after she sought her daughter in the hopes of reuniting their family.
Season 4 briefly hinted at potential redemption for Papa, as he initially appeared frightened by the possibility that Eleven had killed the other children. It seemed he held the key to unlocking Eleven’s powers, having raised and mentored her. However, in the aptly titled eighth episode, “Papa,” the truth emerges once again. Papa returns to his deceitful ways, betraying trust, and attempting to control Eleven through confinement and sedation. His disregard for the well-being of Eleven’s friends, Hawkins, and the world reaffirms his despicable nature.
Although Brenner dies, Eleven escapes his clutches and removes the taser collar that sought to control her. Despite his demise, Papa does not witness his “daughter” proving him wrong. While Brenner is undoubtedly a villain, he is a complex character whose madness stems from personal insecurities and the pursuit of excellence through the exploitation of gifted children. In the ‘Game of Thrones’ analogy, Brenner aligns with Cersei, a villain with vulnerabilities. However, the true monster of ‘Stranger Things’ has yet to be revealed.
Vecna/Henry: Unleashing Chaos
The creators of ‘Stranger Things’ sought inspiration from their work on ‘Game of Thrones’ when bringing Vecna to life through Jamie Campbell Bower. Vecna is the ultimate monster in the series, paralleling the Night King from ‘Game of Thrones.’ We learn about Vecna’s troubled past, the torment inflicted by Dr. Brenner, his isolation, and near-death experience in the Upside Down. All this weighs heavily on Eleven’s mind when she confronts him in the final episode.
Desperately trying to prevent Vecna’s destructive rampage, Eleven tells him that Papa is dead and that he and his abominable experiments are to blame. She offers him a chance to change his ways. Initially, it seems she might be onto something, considering that a confused child with powers might unknowingly harm their family and potentially be steered towards the path of righteousness. However, Henry proves that he was a monster long before he killed his family. He confesses to Eleven that he reveled in his power, taking pleasure in using it to kill animals, and that the Upside Down provided him with the means to fulfill his destructive desires. Vecna stands as the mastermind behind it all, with Papa and Eleven merely instrumental in his plan.
In all likelihood, ‘Stranger Things’ will conclude with Vecna’s defeat, bringing an end to the reign of all the show’s villains. With his demise, our beloved group of friends will finally be free from the unprecedented disaster that has befallen Hawkins.
While ‘Stranger Things’ has made us question who the true villain is, the series has thoughtfully unraveled the complexities and motivations behind each candidate. As we eagerly await the fifth season, we can’t help but wonder what new challenges will test Eleven, the gang, and the resilience of their bonds. One thing is for certain: the Upside Down will never be far away.
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Disclaimer: This article is purely speculative and based on the events and characters of ‘Stranger Things.’ The opinions expressed here do not reflect the official stance of the show’s creators and are intended for entertainment purposes only.