The fourth season of Netflix’s popular sci-fi show Stranger Things has been announced, with a cryptic ‘We’re Not In Hawkins Anymore’ heralding a new chapter for the Party. The third season concluded with the heroes of Hawkins going their separate way - although, with numerous unanswered questions remaining, it surely won’t be long until fans see them reunite.
Season three saw Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) at a low-point, with her powers gone and adopted father Hopper (David Harbour) presumingly dead. Considering the ominous post-credits scene, however, fans have speculated that we might not have seen the last of the chain-smoking chief. Here are five things fans want to see in Stranger Things 4 and five things they don’t.
Want: Hopper Returns
Chief Jim Hopper seemingly perished in the final episode of season three “The Battle Of Starcourt Mall.” Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) had to make the heartbreaking decision to close the gate to the Upside Down before the collapse of the secret Russian base, sacrificing Hopper for the greater good.
However, there might be hope for Hopper yet. The post-credits scene, set in a Russian facility in Kamatchka, saw an unfortunate man fed to a Demogorgon as well as a cryptic mention of an imprisoned American. If Hopper is indeed the American in the cell, fans might see him reunite with El and the Party after all.
Don’t Want: The Party Separated
This seems like an inevitability as Eleven and the Byers departed Hawkins for good during the season three finale. However, the Party is at their best when they are all together, so hopefully, the group will reunite early in the season.
The Party has been incomplete for most of the previous two seasons, with Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) pursuing other adventures with the Scoops Troop in season three and Eleven having her journey in season two.
Want: Eleven Gets Her Powers Back
It remains a mystery as to why exactly Eleven lost her powers at the end of the last season. It seems as if she overexerted her abilities, though the gruesome Mind Flayer parasite that latched itself to her leg could also be responsible.
Regardless, it will be interesting to see what prompts El’s powers to return in the upcoming season. Considering the excitement of seeing the telekinetic teenager use her powers, it would be a shame to see her depowered for the majority of the season.
Don’t Want: Kali’s Gang
Season two’s “The Lost Sister” was a controversial episode. It was a stark divergence from the action in Hawkins that had just reached critical as Demodogs stormed the lab, and many fans resented Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) and her gang of punk misfits for taking up valuable screen time.
Kali’s character has potential, and the solo scenes between her and Eleven are touching. If the Duffer Brothers do bring her character back for the fourth season, however, then they should leave her group of friends behind.
Want: A Love Interest For Robin
The reveal that season three’s new character Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke) is gay was a surprise that was received well by fans. LGBT characters are being represented more in the media, and the scene in which Robin comes out to Steve (Joe Keery) is an emotional highlight in the series.
If Stranger Things wants to fully commit to their portrayal of LGBT characters then they should introduce a love interest for Robin’s character - potentially a returning Kali.
Don’t Want: Another Lackluster Nancy & Johnathan Subplot
Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Johnathan (Charlie Heaton) had an interesting season one subplot which focused on the horror aspects of the Stranger Things story. The couple went on to shut down Hawkins Lab in the next season, before taking matters into their own hands and investigating the strange occurrences in town afterward.
The pair have been considerably overshadowed in the plot due to the popularity of the Party. Despite this, they are still valuable characters who should have an engaging plot of their own next season.
Want: More Upside Down Monsters
Stranger Things has included a plethora of gruesome monsters spawned from the shadowy dimension that is the Upside Down. Season one’s Demogorgon made a surprise return in a post-credits scene, reminding fans just how terrifying a creature it is, whilst the Mind Flayer of season three was a grisly display of horror.
The show should introduce at least one more monster from the Upside Down in the upcoming season. Stranger Things excels with its creative portrayal of horror, and the heroes need new foes to battle.
Don’t Want: Bad Luck Steve
Although he debuted as an antagonistic bully, Steve Harrington is now a fan-favorite character. The audience fell in love with him during season two, in which he became a gallant babysitter to the Party and older brother figure to Dustin.
Despite his popularity with fans, the character has struggled on-screen. During season three he was dejected and aimless, failing to get into college and losing his luck with the ladies. It would be nice to see Steve have better luck next season, as well as more adventures with new friend Robin.
Want: A Final Showdown With El & The Mind Flayer
Eleven is currently depowered following her last confrontation with the Mind Flayer in “The Battle Of Starcourt Mall.” Although the gate has been closed once more and the Mind Flayer banished to the Upside Down, a third and final confrontation between the shadowy entity and El seems inevitable.
Stranger Things 4 appears as though the Party will have a different enemy in the form of the Russians and their secret Demogorgon, but the last battle between the show’s ultimate hero and villain has to happen.
Don’t Want: Another Main Character Death
Hopper’s death was the most heartbreaking moment of Stranger Things 3, with the following voiceover of his letter to Eleven a definite tearjerker. Although Hopper appears to be returning in the upcoming season, another death in the Party would be a devastating blow that would shock fans.
The cast of Stranger Things is vast but valuable, as every character contributes to the overall plot in Hawkins.
