Unveiling the Fate of Eddie Munson's Father in Stranger Things

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Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus unveils the tumultuous history of Eddie Munson's father, Al, offering insight into Eddie's challenging upbringing.

The continuous absence and questionable behavior of Al placed immense strain on their relationship, eventually driving Al to coerce Eddie into participating in a perilous robbery plot.

Following a failed robbery, Al deserts Eddie and departs from Hawkins, leaving Eddie to handle the aftermath and rebuild his life under the guidance of his uncle Wayne. Stranger Things has at last disclosed the backstory of Eddie Munson's father, Al, preceding the events of season 4. Although Joseph Quinn joined the Stranger Things cast for the 2022 season, the only other Munson character introduced was Eddie's uncle, Wayne. Eddie had already been residing with Wayne in a local Hawkins trailer park when Vecna's attacks occurred in 1986. It was evident from the beginning that Wayne played the role of a father figure in Eddie's life, essentially becoming his sole parental figure following the loss of Eddie's mother.

The video tag is not supported by your browser. In the ending of Stranger Things season 4, the fate of Al Munson remains unexplained, even after Eddie's death is confirmed. Wayne learns about Eddie's tragic fate from Dustin, but there is no mention of informing Al or other family members. Although Eddie's strained relationship with his father can be inferred, the official Stranger Things prequel, Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus, provides backstory for Al. Clues about Eddie's mother hint at his eventual demise, but it is the revelations about his father that set the stage for the events in Eddie's life depicted in season 4.

Al Munson's Stranger Things Backstory Explained

Events Of Eddie Munson's Early Life Through 1984

Taking place in 1984, two years prior to season 4, the events of Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus revolve around Eddie. Despite having to repeat multiple times, he is already a senior at Hawkins High and still resides in the Munson family home. In the prequel tale's early stages, Al Munson returns to Hawkins after an absence of almost two years, with references made to the state prison in Joliet by Wayne. Eddie's account of his past reveals that he has been dealing with his father's intermittent absence for most of his life. Although Eddie's mother passed away when he was ill, he mentions that he has been taking care of himself since third grade.

With Al's prolonged absences, Wayne often took on the responsibility of caring for Eddie in Stranger Things season 4. However, this dynamic also strained the bond between the brothers. Adding to the family's challenges, Al's legal troubles and numerous schemes caused him to become a pariah in the town, resulting in the Munson family being targeted with ridicule. Eddie not only faces the nickname "Junior," implying that he is following in his father's footsteps, but he also encounters prejudice from law enforcement officers and school staff members who anticipate that he will become a deadbeat like his dad. Even when Al reenters Eddie's life, he fails to disprove the doubts and stereotypes surrounding their family.

Stranger Things Prequel Details Al & Eddie's Robbery

Eddie Joins Al Munson's Crime Attempt In 1984

Upon Al's return to Hawkins, he immediately reveals the burden of a $10,000 gambling debt. In his quest to alleviate this financial strain, Al devises a cunning scheme to steal marijuana from a powerful drug kingpin. Convinced that he has transformed his ways, Al successfully persuades Eddie to join him in this risky endeavor. As they embark on their mission, their ill-fated attempt at stealing a tow truck and inadvertently causing damage to the weed delivery truck forces them to assume the roles of a tow truck driver and mechanic. In an unexpected turn of events, they manage to make off with $15,000 worth of the stolen supply, providing Eddie the means to fulfill his dreams and pursue a record deal audition in Los Angeles. However, their triumph is short-lived as the truck's drivers trace the stolen goods back to Al, who withheld the crucial information that he had once served as the right-hand man to the drug kingpin. Unbeknownst to Eddie, Al had deceived him into participating in a heist against his own boss, resulting in the wrath of the kingpin's associates. In a devastating chain of events, their actions lead to the burning of the Munson house and the shooting of a police officer. Seizing the opportunity to evade responsibility, Al abandons Eddie to resolve the catastrophic aftermath on his own.

Why Al Munson Isn't Around In Stranger Things Season 4

Eddie's Father Isn't Around During The Events Of 1986

After assisting the injured police officer, Eddie remains at the scene while Al takes the opportunity to leave Hawkins, seemingly for good. Eddie is subsequently arrested, but Chief Hopper quickly realizes that Eddie is not to blame for the events at the Munson home. Upon being bailed out, Wayne warmly greets Eddie and invites him to live in the trailer. Wayne even manages to salvage one of Eddie's guitars from the burnt remains of the house. Although Eddie recovers his van, which Al had used to flee the town, it is uncertain if he ever sees his father again.

According to the timeline of Stranger Things season 4, Eddie has been living with Wayne for approximately two years. After dropping out of school in 1984, Eddie decides to re-enroll for the following academic year with the goal of becoming the first Munson to graduate in half a century. He manipulates the principal into allowing the continuation of the Hellfire Club and embraces his reputation as a "freak" as long as he remains true to himself. Despite feeling the weight of his father's legacy, Eddie understands that he is not his father, and those close to him frequently remind him of this truth. While the residents of Hawkins may never discover the real story behind Eddie Munson, he has made every effort to distance himself from his father and become a different man.

Stranger Things: Flight of Icarus was published by Penguin Random House and released on October 31st, 2023.

Editor's P/S

In the fourth season of Stranger Things, we finally learn more about Eddie Munson's father, Al. Al is a complex and troubled character, and his relationship with Eddie is strained and complicated.

We learn that Al has been in and out of Eddie's life, and that he has a history of gambling and criminal activity. When Al returns to Hawkins, he involves Eddie in a dangerous robbery scheme, which ultimately leads to Eddie's death.

It's clear that Al loves Eddie, but he is also selfish and manipulative. He is willing to put Eddie in danger in order to save himself, and he ultimately abandons Eddie when things go wrong.

Despite Al's flaws, it's clear that he has a profound impact on Eddie. Eddie's anger and resentment towards his father are evident, but he also longs for his approval and love. Al's death is a major turning point for Eddie, and it forces him to confront his own demons.

Ultimately, Eddie is able to find redemption and forgiveness, and he dies a hero.