WARNING! Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 4, volume 1.
Murray Bauman is undoubtedly Stranger Things season 4, volume 1’s most valuable player, and his transformation demonstrates a screenwriting knack the Netflix show has for character growth. Not only does Murray help Joyce Byers reunite with Jim Hopper, he does so in a believable way while keeping his personality intact. Like Steve Harrington before him, Murray’s transformation illustrates the brilliance of Stranger Things‘ writing.
First introduced in Stranger Things season 2, Murray starts out as a conspiracy theorist, uncovering the secrets of Dr. Martin Brenner and the Hawkins lab. After Jim Hopper’s apparent death at the end of season 3, Murray becomes close friends with Joyce. The two even head to Alaska to meet Yuri Ismaylov and rescue Jim from the Russians. When Yuri turns on the pair, Murray uses his newfound black belt in karate to knock him out, crash landing himself, Joyce, and Yuri in Russia, where they eventually infiltrate the prison and save Jim Hopper from a Demogorgon.
Stranger Things season 4 shows Murray coming into his own. His transformation from crazed conspiracy theorist to central character reflects the care that the writers put into the characters of Stranger Things. Not only is the character written in a convincing way, but his actor Brett Gelman sells Murray’s transformation into a heroic figure. Like Steve and Billy Hargrove, Murray is a testament to the ability of the writers to craft compelling character arcs for characters that initially start off as jerks or side characters. Moreover, his black belt seemingly makes him a (somewhat) genuine physical threat that may be helpful as Eleven is away with Brenner to get her powers back.
Murray’s promotion from supporting cast to main cast is also a genius move. Stranger Things season 4 introduces several new characters, including Eddie Munson, Jason Carver, Argyle, Vecna, and Angela. It is thus reassuring to viewers of seasons 1-3 to see previously established characters like Murray return. Introducing this many new characters without giving attention to established supporting cast like Murray, Martin Brenner, and Sam Owens would be jarring.
As many consider Murray one of Stranger Things‘ best sources of comedic relief, Netflix would have been foolish not to feature him in season 4. Fortunately, the writing is strong enough to make his presence seem justified, as he supports Joyce through her grief after Hopper’s apparent death at the Key under Starcourt Mall. Bringing back Murray in a convincing way is a challenge, but Netflix pulls it off, delivers a great character arc, and makes Murray’s return feel earned in Stranger Things season 4.
Want more Stranger Things season 4 articles? Check out our essential content below…
- How Old Stranger Things’ Kids Cast Is Compared To Their Characters Now
- How D&D’s Vecna Is Different From Stranger Things 4’s
- Stranger Things’ Vecna Identity, Powers & Origin Fully Explained
- Exactly How Powerful Is Eleven In Stranger Things?
- Is Will Byers Gay? Stranger Things Certainly Wants You To Think So
- How Hopper Survived Stranger Things Season 3’s Ending
- Every Song In Stranger Things Season 4
Stranger Things season 4, volume 2 releases on Netflix on July 1.
