Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Stranger Things season 2, volume 2Stranger Things season 5 is making sure to pay off some major character arcs ahead of the finale, and that includes the beloved relationship between Steve Harrington and Dustin Henderson. Their friendship has long been one of the show’s very best, blending goofball humor, mentorship, and a genuine bond you love to see.
That’s why it was so concerning to see their relationship so fractured at the start of Stranger Things season 5. Generated by the brutal fallout of the previous season with the death of Eddie Munson, here’s how Steve and Dustin’s fractured friendship is ultimately paid off in Stranger Things season 5, vol. 2.
Why Steve & Dustin Fight About Eddie In Stranger Things Season 5
As we’ve seen since the first episode of Stranger Things season 5, Dustin’s grief over Eddie’s death has manifested as anger and intense isolation, pushing away those who care about him most (particularly Steve). This culminates in the duo eventually confronting each other and clashing in episode 5, trading insults and eventually even fists.
Unfortunately, the fight gets pretty intense and cruel. Steve claims Eddie died for nothing, saying that he didn’t need to die had he just listened to him when he told him and Dustin not to be heroes in Stranger Things season 4. Dustin has his own harsh words, calling Steve fake and accusing him of chasing after Nancy when she’s (presumably) still with Jonathan.
It’s Steve and Dustin at their very lowest, though it thankfully leads to something much better for the iconic duo.
How Steve & Dustin’s Fight Brings Them Closer In Stranger Things Season 5
Trying to get to Nancy and Jonathan, Steve risks crossing an unstable ladder in episode 6, which is the moment that Dustin finally breaks. Begging Steve to stop and not be a “selfish” hero, Dustin admits he can’t lose another brother. Having revealed the truth behind his anger, Steve recognizes Dustin’s fear and agrees to stay (mere moments before the ladder’s collapse).
Remarkably, this decision proves Eddie’s sacrifice mattered far more than saving Dustin at the end of Stranger Things season 4. By choosing each other at this moment, the door opens for Steve and Dustin to finally make up. As such, it’s one of Stranger Things season 5’s most emotional turning points thus far.
Is Stranger Things Teasing Steve & Dustin’s Deaths In The Series Finale?
Steve and Dustin reconciling in episode 6 makes what follows all kinds of scary in episode 7. After Steve and Dustin come up with the plan to stop Vecna’s plan from merging Earth and The Abyss, the reunited best friends promise each other, “If you die, I die.”
Seeing as how there have been no major character deaths in Stranger Things’ final season, I know I can’t be the only one who’s worried about one or both of them not making it. By healing their friendship before the finale, Stranger Things season 5 is ensuring that any loss will hurt far more than if they had remained fractured.
All things considered, I’m glad Steven and Dustin are back together again, no matter what may happen by the end of the finale (though my fingers are still crossed they’ll both make it out unscathed).
The series finale of Stranger Things season 5 releases on New Year’s Eve.
- Release Date
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2016 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Showrunner
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Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer
- Directors
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Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz
- Writers
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Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock
