Stranger Things is approaching its apocalyptic final season. As the Upside Down threatens to engulf Hawkins and others, the characters must unite against whatever comes their way. But an unlikely hero may soon rise : Yes, Ted Wheeler (Joe Crest) might be the hero Hawkins needs.
The fourth season of “Stranger Things” ended on a cliffhanger. Vecna (Jamie Campbell-Bower) managed to open his biggest door yet, throwing Hawkins into chaos and killing many citizens. Hope seems slim, though Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven has the potential to save the day through the power of love. Other unresolved plot threads include the fate of Max (Sadie Sink), the nature of the Upside Down, and the whereabouts of Vecna.
In an interview with Pop Culturalist, Chrest was asked where he wanted Ted to go in season 5 of Stranger Things. “You know he has to be good with a fairway wood or a 9-iron. I know he loves his kids — he works so hard for his family that he passes out when he gets home. At some point, now or forever, I want to see By internet moment : “I’m crazy, I can’t take it anymore! “Give me an upside-down shot! Audie Murphy with a golf club! Watch out, Russians!”
Up until now, Ted, like most other parents, had not been aware of the upside-down threat. He’s notoriously forgetful, and even the characters seem to find him a liability. However, Ted does know that Hawkins has Russian espionage going on (although he doesn’t know the full story). In Stranger Things season 1, the government covered up who Eleven was by telling the Wheelers she was a Russian spy.
Parenthood has been a central theme of Stranger Things from the very beginning. David Harbor’s performance as Hopper is closely related to fatherhood and is a prime example of it. Meanwhile, Ted has been on the sidelines for most of the show. If he took up arms to protect his children and family, it would be a heroic moment for the character and reveal some hidden depths of his personality.
It may also lead to his reconciliation with his wife Karen (Carabino). Karen has always thought of Ted as ignorant and forgetful, so if Ted does a heroic act, her opinion of him might change for the better. It could also mark a shift in their marriage. While this may be a minor storyline, addressing it will be a small step toward the “home run” the writers hope to hit for Stranger Things season 5.
Stanger Things seasons 1-4 are now on Netflix.