The most prevalent theory regarding Stranger Things 4‘s newest character Eddie has four main issues. One of Stranger Things‘ biggest strengths is its characters. New side characters are usually well-rounded, compelling, and easy to get attached to. Stranger Things is well known for introducing new characters only for them to be harshly ripped away at the last second, and Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) in Stranger Things 4 was no exception.
Introduced as a Dungeons & Dragons-loving metalhead, Eddie stole every scene he was in. His friendship with Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) provided some of the most heart-warming scenes in Stranger Things season 4, and Eddie’s personality provided some of the biggest laughs. His death at the hands of a swarm of Demobats in the Upside Down was perhaps not surprising but felt undeserved for a character that was finally starting to realize his true potential. As a result, many theories have sprouted about how Eddie could possibly return for Stranger Things‘ final season, the biggest of which has deep links to Eddie’s favorite fantasy role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons.
The most prevalent Stranger Things theory about Eddie’s possible return likens him to a D&D character called Kas The Bloody-Handed, Vecna’s vampiric lieutenant, who, after years of loyal service, eventually betrays Vecna and manages to harm him substantially. This piece of lore is even referenced in Stranger Things season 4 during the Hellfire Club’s explosive D&D campaign. It’s no surprise that this particular theory has gained traction, as there are seemingly many clues that point to this theory coming true. These include the fact that Eddie was killed by bats, which are linked to vampirism, and the fact that he fought them off with a makeshift sword and a shield, which are weapons that Kas also carries. There are a few big problems with this theory, however. Not only would it do a disservice to Eddie’s death and sacrifice in Stranger Things 4, but it would also do a disservice to Stranger Things‘ storytelling and the original characters that have been through the wringer since season 1.
The Eddie Is Kas Theory Relies Too Heavily On D&D Lore
One of the reasons that Stranger Things has become so beloved is its storytelling. While it has been inspired by some of the most popular media from the 1980s, such as E.T. and various Stephen King novels, it has never actively copied those narratives. Likewise, Dungeons & Dragons has acted as a reference point, both for the show and the characters that inhabit it. They use the lore from a fantasy game to contextualize dimensions and monsters they have no names for. But, the Mind Flayer from Stranger Things isn’t the same as the Mind Flayer from D&D, nor is Vecna, or the Demogorgon. If the “Eddie is Kas” theory were to come true, however, it would mean that Stranger Things had suddenly abandoned its original storytelling to take something directly from D&D. It would also be relying too heavily on a piece of lore from a game that most of its audience likely doesn’t understand.
Eddie Shouldn’t Be The One To Defeat Vecna
If Stranger Things were to follow the concept of “Eddie is Kas” as closely as the theory suggests, then that would also likely lead to Eddie being the one to kill Vecna, or at least harm him to such an extent that Vecna’s defeat is imminent. Eddie is a great character, and yes, he sacrificed himself in the Upside Down and ultimately lost his life because of Vecna, but this defeat would feel unearned. The killing blow should be dealt by one of Stranger Things‘ original characters, those who have been in the fight from the start. Everything that Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) has ever been through, from being separated from her mother to the torturous experiments, has been because of Vecna. Likewise, Will’s entire life changed the day he went missing, and his connection to the Upside Down has haunted him ever since. One of them should be the one to defeat Vecna, not a character who was given that role simply because of a piece of D&D lore.
Stranger Things Already Did Its Best Dead Character Cameo Trick
One of Stranger Things 4’s best storylines was Max (Sadie Sink) being haunted by Vecna. In one particularly effective scene, Vecna uses the memory of her deceased step-brother Billy (Dacre Montgomery) to crumble her defenses and traumatize her further so that he can access her mind and kill her. This was a powerful moment, made even more so when Max admitted that the reason she was being haunted by Billy’s memory was that she had wished him dead when he was still alive. Bringing Eddie back as a copy of a D&D character, in a way that isn’t as powerful or as affecting as the moment between Billy and Max would feel inferior and cheapen Eddie’s own narrative arc.
Eddie’s Return In Stranger Things 5 Would Hurt His Season 4 Death
If Eddie is to appear in Stranger Things 5, it should be as no more than a vision or a flashback. Returning as a stand-in for a D&D character, no matter how interesting that character’s storyline may be, would nullify the meaning behind Eddie’s sacrifice. He bought the rest of the Hawkins crew time because he knew the fight was bigger than himself, and he wanted to know that he could be a hero. His death may feel somewhat contrived, but that doesn’t negate the fact that it rounded off his character arc, and bringing him back as a servant to Vecna would obliterate the reasons for Eddie’s sacrifice as well as do a disservice to a character who only wanted to be seen as a person deserving of empathy, rather than a freak.
Eddie will certainly go down in history as one of Stranger Things’ most beloved characters. Yet, his sacrifice does provide the show with an opportunity. Now, hopefully, the last season of Stranger Things will be able to focus on the core characters that made the show what it is and deliver a finale that does its unique brand of storytelling justice.
