Stranger Things Season 5: Unveiling the Epic Transformation That Will Revolutionize the Netflix Phenomenon

Summary

Stranger Things has faced criticism for its lack of diversity, particularly in regards to POC and LGBTQ+ representation.

In an attempt to tackle this issue, the show has taken steps to incorporate a greater variety of characters in subsequent seasons. However, these efforts may not have been sufficient.

Season 5 presents an opportunity to rectify the show's lack of diversity by granting underrepresented characters more significant story arcs and integrating them into the central narrative.

The final season of Stranger Things, set to premiere in 2025, may not have the opportunity to rectify a long-standing problem that has plagued the Netflix show from the start. When viewers were first introduced to the town of Hawkins, Indiana, and joined Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will on their adventures with Eleven in the Upside Down, it became evident that the series lacked diversity, a concern that needed to be addressed in subsequent seasons. Lucas Sinclair, the sole significant character of color, was not given the same level of development as the other core members of the group.

Similar to The Goonies and other '80s films that influenced Stranger Things, issues of diversity and inclusivity were also present. However, the time period in which the show is set should not serve as an excuse for the limited presence and underdeveloped narratives of characters of color and LGBTQI+ characters. Although the final season can potentially tackle these issues, it may be too little, too late, considering the criticism it has already received from both fans and the actors involved.

Stranger Things' Diversity Problem Explained

Stranger Things has faced criticism for its lack of LGBTQ+ & POC characters, as well as for downplaying the significance of Lucas, a valuable and selfless character. Caleb McLaughlin, who portrays Lucas, has addressed this issue openly on social media and at conventions. He has pointed out that his fellow cast members consistently attract more followers and fans at their booths, even though he is part of the same central group of actors. Moreover, the show has made minimal efforts to explore Lucas' racial identity, apart from a racist remark made by a bully in season 1.

In season 2, Lucas's race was marginalized in various ways. For instance, Mike assumed that because Lucas was the only person of color, he would dress up as Winston Zeddemore for Halloween. Additionally, Billy targeted Lucas with racially motivated aggression when he saw him spending time with his stepsister Max. While it is tempting to attribute the dislike for Lucas to his distrust of Eleven, which made his character less popular, this overlooks the fact that the series introduced more diverse characters to address the lack of racial representation in Lucas's friend group.

Stranger Things Has Taken Steps In The Right Direction But Is It Enough?

Stranger Things expanded its source of inspiration beyond '80s movies by incorporating elements from The Empire Strikes Back. In the year 1980, George Lucas introduced Lando Calrissian, emphasizing the existence of people of color even in a distant galaxy. Throughout the series, additional characters were introduced in season 3, such as Kali and Erica, and in season 4, characters like Argyle were included. Moreover, LGBTQ+ characters like Robin and Will were also depicted. However, despite the diverse cast, in a series with numerous characters, it still felt insufficient in terms of representation. These characters became obvious symbols of tokenism as they were forced into storylines that often created divisions within the main "core" Dungeons & Dragons group.

Lucas had a slightly better portrayal in season 4, where he was able to showcase some emotional vulnerability by shedding tears over Max after she was attacked by Vecna in the Upside Down. However, considering that this series primarily takes place in a town in the American South during a time when people of color were not just random additions but fundamental members of this community, the other characters dangerously verged on becoming clichés. Erica, for instance, still embodies the stereotype of the "sassy Black woman," while Argyle perpetuates every stereotype associated with Latino stoners. On the other hand, Dustin's girlfriend, despite having minimal screen time, was given a more intricate background, more scenes with her family, and a greater depth of character.

How Stranger Things 5 Can Remedy The Show's Diversity Issues

In order to address the diversity issues of Stranger Things season 5, deliberate choices need to be made to make previous storylines seem purposeful. One way to achieve this is by developing Lucas' character further and giving him a storyline that highlights his strengths. This would not only allow him to save Max but also have a significant impact on the overall plot. Additionally, it is important to provide closure for characters like Erica and Argyle by adding depth to their personalities. By doing so, they can avoid becoming mere stereotypes by the end of the series.

Rumors suggest that other members of the Hawkins Lab may also return from Eleven's past, potentially allowing for a more diverse cast to join the final fight to save the town. If these diverse characters play a significant role in defeating Vecna, they will be seen as essential to the plot rather than just supportive bystanders. Although Stranger Things season 5 may have stumbled initially, it now has the opportunity to address previous shortcomings and conclude the series on a positive and impactful note.