Why Eddie's Return For Stranger Things Season 5 Would Be a Major Mistake

Eddie Munson's Impact in Stranger Things

Stranger Things has brought multiple characters seemingly back from the dead in its first four seasons, but finding a way to bring back Joseph Quinn's beloved Eddie Munson in season 5 would be a mistake. Speculation has run wild since co-creator Ross Duffer teased a mystery character in season 5, episode 1's call sheet, and Eddie Munson is one of the more common names being guessed for the character's identity. The leader of Hawkins High's Hellfire Club became a fan favorite in season 4 thanks to his quirky, outsider mentality, empathetic nature and memorably courageous sacrificial guitar solo in the Upside Down. Joseph Quinn became a household name on the strength of his performance as Eddie Munson, and that is reason enough to think it plausible that Eddie reappears in season 5 of Stranger Things. Munson's season 4 breakout yielded a prequel story, and it's understandable why the show's creators would want him to return. However, given Eddie's gruesome on-screen death at the end of season 4, it would be somewhat surprising to see him return in any capacity, and frankly, it would not be in the show's best interest.

Eddie Munson looking at something in Stranger Things season 4

Eddie Munson's character was really well-developed considering he only appeared in one season of Stranger Things. Munson was designated 'the freak' by his classmates, a role into which he leaned as the leader of Hawkins High's Dungeons & Dragons club. His relationships with Chrissy and Dustin demonstrated just how kind a soul he actually was, despite his outward appearance. He struggled with his own cowardice throughout the events of season 4, as he was constantly on the run before aligning with Dustin, Steve, Max and Robin.

Eddie Munson scared in Stranger Things

Battling extra-dimensional monsters with the power of Metallica is perfectly fitting for the leader of the Hellfire Club. Eddie's death at the hands of the Demobats in the Upside Down was the perfect, heavy metal ending for his character. Battling extra-dimensional monsters with the power of Metallica is perfectly fitting for the leader of the Hellfire Club. More importantly, the courage of the sacrifice he made for his friends perfectly encompassed who and what Eddie was: a brave and decent person who was unfairly judged throughout his life. Few characters in television are ever afforded such a satisfying ending, and that ending would be sullied if Eddie were to be brought back for Stranger Things season 5.

Eddie Munson shreds with his guitar in the Upside Down in Stranger Things season 4

Why Stranger Things Shouldn't Bring Back Eddie

Eddie's self-sacrifice was a perfect and powerful end for his deeply misjudged character. Even a flashback would devalue his death. While Eddie's death certainly seemed to be final, people (and other creatures) have a habit of coming back from the Upside Down. In Eddie's case, it would be a gross misfire to bring him back to life given how touching his final moments with Dustin were, along with the significance of his sacrifice. Bringing him back to life would essentially invalidate his entire character arc in season 4, which would be a travesty considering how perfect it was.

Bloody Eddie Munson smiling tearfully at Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things.

Even something like a flashback would still cheapen the emotional impact of Eddie's death. The finality of it was part of what made it so powerful, and bringing Eddie back in any capacity would devalue that finality. Ultimately, it would be a mistake for Stranger Things to bring Eddie Munson back in season 5, despite how well-loved the character has become.

Eddie Munson embraces Dustin Henderson in a field in Stranger Things