I'm Hoping Stranger Things Season 5 Finally Pays Off This 8-Year Returning Character Setup Before The Show Ends

Not much is known about Stranger Things season 5, but I’m hoping that the conclusion of the popular Netflix show will bring back the Demogorgon’s first victim: Barbara Holland. Although Barbara (Shannon Purser) wasn't a main character in the show, her death in episode 3, “Holly Jolly,” had a major impact on her best friend Nancy Wheeler. In fact, her sudden death contributed to the larger mystery surrounding Hawkins National Laboratory in season 2. There is currently no release date for Stranger Things season 5, but it is believed that it will debut sometime in 2025.

A photo of the main Stranger Things cast was uploaded to the show's official Instagram in January, announcing that production for the final season had begun. The Stranger Things Instagram also revealed that filming was halfway through as of July 3. This post included a group picture of the cast and crew. Notably, Purser is absent from both of these shots, suggesting her lack of involvement in the show’s final season. However, I believe that season 5 will bring back Barb because of how important she is to Nancy’s story.

Stranger Things Season 5 Needs To Bring Back Barb For A Full Scene

Barb's Death Sparked The Hawkins "Curse"

Although Barb died early in Stranger Things season 1, her death created a ripple effect on Hawkins, even more so than Will Byers' disappearance. The impact of her death was primarily explored in season 2, when her parents — unaware of the true reasoning behind their daughter’s death — launched a private investigation into her whereabouts. This influenced Nancy and Jonathan Byers to expose Hawkins National Laboratory as the cause of her death. However, while this reveal gave Mr. and Mrs. Holland closure, it did little to relieve Nancy of her guilt.

Unfortunately, Barb’s death was a minor event in the Stranger Things timeline. She was mentioned briefly in Stranger Things season 3 after the debacle at Starcourt Mall in the season finale. Similarly, in season 4, after the gruesome death of Chrissy Cunningham in episode 1, a Hawkins resident revealed that there was a town-wide theory that Barb’s death was the catalyst for the Hawkins “curse.” Despite these consistent references, Barb’s death is treated as an afterthought. She needs a full scene to honor her in the upcoming final season.

Barb's Death Has Continued To Be A Huge Part Of Nancy's Stranger Things Story

Nancy Still Feels Guilt Over Barb's Death

In Stranger Things season 4, episode 7, “Vecna’s Curse,” Nancy was possessed by the titular villain. Because of Vecna, Nancy was taunted with a vision of Barb’s mangled corpse in the Upside Down version of Steve Harrington’s swimming pool, where Barb was originally killed. Vecna weaponized Nancy’s feelings of guilt and grief, claiming that she was responsible for Barb’s death and had effectively forgotten about her best friend.

This season 4 moment was a clear confirmation that Barb’s death remains a key part of Nancy's story. Although Nancy continued to live her life without her best friend, "Vecna’s Curse" revealed that she is still deeply troubled by it. It would be fascinating to see Nancy grapple with and reconcile her feelings towards Barb. I also want to see her unpack her own role in the event. This would be even more powerful if Purser reprised her role during Stranger Things' final season, much like Dacre Montgomery did with Billy in season 4.

Barb's Stranger Things Season 5 Return Is More Important For Nancy's Story Than Her Love Triangle

The Show Needs To Resolve Nancy & Barb's Story First

A greater focus on Nancy’s feelings about Barb’s death would make a far more compelling season 4 story than the revival of Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve's love triangle. Season 4 set up yet another will-they, won’t-they subplot between Nancy and Steve. Once Jonathan Byers and the rest of the Lenora Hills team returned to Hawkins, the long-distance couple seemingly reconciled, pushing Steve back to the sidelines. However, a behind-the-scenes photo uploaded by Ross Duffer showed Nancy and Jonathan sitting in the backseat of Steve’s BMW.

Although Steve was not pictured, this image suggests that the love triangle involving him and Jonathan will be at the center of Nancy’s season 5 story. This territory has already been covered, and it is woefully uninteresting in comparison to the Barb storyline season 4 set up. Barb’s return in Stranger Things season 5 would be a better utilization of Nancy’s character arc. Furthermore, if the foreshadowing of Steve’s death comes to fruition, it would be better if Nancy fully confronted and reconciled with the grief of one friend before facing the potential loss of another.

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