Now that Netflix’s hit series, Stranger Things, has come to an end, fans are connecting the finale to other moments throughout the series. And the feature length finale did a great job honoring one character who was gone too soon.
Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) was introduced in season 4 and was the Dungeon Master of the Hellfire Club. A club that Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo). But as quickly as Eddie was introduced to fans of Hawkins, he was taken away. In an act of bravery, Eddie sacrificed himself in the Upside Down to protect Dustin.
There were a lot of theories about Eddie after his death. Many thinking he’d return as a vampire in the Upside Down due to his death from Vecna’s bats. Ultimately, Eddie Munson’s death was finite. But he did have a lasting impact on the show. Dustin’s entire storyline centered around his grief over Eddie’s death. And while Vecna’s demise took precedent, we did get to see Steve (Joe Keery) and Dustin dealing with Dustin’s emotions.
All of it led, however, to a great final nod to Dustin’s friend by the end of the series. After Vecna is gone and the kids of Hawkins return to their normal life, Dustin does a speech as Valedictorian at his graduation. While his speech starts normal and heartfelt, he does something that is exactly what Eddie Munson wanted to do when he finally graduated Hawkins High.
Eddie Munson would have loved it
Eddie was a “super” senior when we met him. Meaning he was older than everyone else and repeating his senior year of high school. All because he couldn’t pass a class. So he was not happy with Principal Higgins. His plan was to flip the principal off, grab his diploma, and “run like hell.” While it wasn’t exactly what Eddie said he was going to do, Dustin’s speech had the same energy as Eddie’s wish.
Dustin declares that “This is our year!” while on stage. He pushes back at conforming, especially after being labeled a “nerd” for his love of Dungeons & Dragons, and at the end, he does what Eddie wanted. He reveals he’s wearing a “Hellfire Lives” shirt under his robes, takes his diploma, flips off the principal, and everyone cheers.
So yes, Eddie Munson didn’t make a grand return, he’s not a vampire, but he did have his moment. All thanks to Dustin Henderson.
(featured image: Netflix)
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