Stranger Things Season 5: The Unexpected Return of a Horror Icon

Summary

Stranger Things season 5 needs Robert Englund's Victor Creel in order to give a satisfying conclusion to Vecna's story.

Englund's depiction of Victor Creel in season 4 was underutilized, resulting in an unfinished character with untapped potential for growth.

Victor Creel's comeback carries significant importance for the conclusion of Stranger Things, as it paves the way for a confrontation with his son, ultimately bringing closure to Vecna's narrative.

Stranger Things is gearing up for its fifth and final season, aiming to provide a fulfilling conclusion to the villain's narrative by bringing back a horror movie guest star from season 4. Since its inception, Stranger Things has left us with numerous unanswered questions surrounding the enigmatic Upside Down and its inhabitants. However, season 4 shed light on these mysteries by introducing Henry Creel. Endowed with extraordinary abilities, Creel became the initial subject (001) of Hawkins Lab, serving as a prototype for subsequent experiments such as Eleven. Regrettably, Eleven was ultimately responsible for his downfall, resulting in his horrifying transformation into the formidable creature now known as Vecna.

Vecna emerged as the true antagonist of Stranger Things, possessing dominion over the Upside Down, the Demogorgon, the Mind Flayer, and more. Utilizing his powers, Vecna wrought destruction and death upon the real world. Yet, this darkness was not a recent development, as he had already committed ghastly acts long before his banishment to the Upside Down. Tragically, Creel's own family became his first victims, leaving his father, Victor Creel, alive but enduring emotional devastation. In order to provide a gratifying resolution to Vecna's tale, the presence of Robert Englund, the renowned horror legend who portrayed Victor Creel, is indispensable in Stranger Things season 5.

Stranger Things Season 5 Needs Robert Englund's Victor Creel

In Stranger Things season 4, viewers had an enthusiastic response to the addition of Robert Englund to the cast. Englund's status as a horror icon from the 1980s perfectly aligned with the show's 1980s influence. This led to much speculation about Englund's character, with many theories suggesting he would be the series' main antagonist. However, Stranger Things did not fully utilize Englund's potential and his performance, although not disappointing, left room for more exploration of his character.

Meet Victor Creel, a former soldier from World War II who tragically ordered the shelling of an innocent household while serving in France. This event haunted him for years, becoming a source of torment for Henry. Eventually, Victor and his family relocated to Hawkins and settled in the infamous Creel House. Unbeknownst to them, they would soon experience strange and horrifying events orchestrated by Henry. Later, Victor was wrongfully accused and imprisoned for the murder of his own family, unaware that Henry was the true culprit who faked his death. While imprisoned at Pennhurst Asylum, Victor attempted suicide by self-inflicted eye injuries, resulting in permanent blindness.

Robert Englund portrayed the character of Victor Creel in the older version and his appearance was limited to a single scene at the asylum, where Nancy and Robin interacted with him to uncover his untold narrative. It is evident that Victor Creel's story is insufficiently explored, leaving plenty of room for further revelations regarding his relationship with his son. Importantly, without even realizing it, Creel inadvertently provided the Hawkins team with a vital clue suggesting the use of music to overcome Vecna's control. Therefore, considering his inadvertent contribution, Creel could prove incredibly valuable in the ultimate defeat of Vecna.

Stranger Things Already Set Up Victor's Return

After his interaction with Robin and Nancy, Victor Creel disappears from the rest of Stranger Things season 4. This has led fans to believe that he may still be alive, unless Vecna has already fulfilled one of his tantalizing hints. When Vecna captures Nancy, he recounts his own story and reveals the truth about what happened to his family through a vivid hallucination. In that hallucination, Vecna mentions remembering Victor well and hints at the possibility of paying him a visit. Although Stranger Things season 4 does not show Vecna visiting his father, this single line leaves the door wide open for Victor's potential return. Actor Robert Englund has expressed his desire to reappear in Stranger Things season 5, suggesting that Victor Creel could either be killed on-screen by his son or that it could be mentioned that Vecna killed his father between seasons.

Victor Creel's Return Is Important For Vecna's Stranger Things Ending

The story of Victor and Henry Creel remains unfinished, leaving some loose ends that Stranger Things season 5 will need to address. Victor unintentionally disrupted Henry's massacre by turning on the radio, serving as a lifeline to reality and saving his life. However, this came at a tragic and hefty cost. Given Vecna's vengeful nature, it is likely that he has devised a plan against his father. A crucial confrontation between father and son, which will undoubtedly shock Victor, becomes a vital component in concluding Vecna's narrative. It also presents a compelling opportunity to bring back Robert Englund and fully showcase his exceptional acting abilities, making up for one of the major shortcomings in Stranger Things season 4.