“Why did this have to happen?”: 1 ‘Stranger Things’ Character Arc Continues to Annoy Fans Even after 5 Years as Netflix Series Inches Closer to Its Finale
- Billy Hargrove's character arc in ‘Stranger Things’ still frustrates fans.
- A controversial scene features Billy's inappropriate interaction with Mrs. Wheeler.
- Despite his tragic past, Billy's actions continue to be unsettling and hard to ignore.
Stranger Things has been a cultural phenomenon since it first whisked us away to the eerie, neon-drenched world of Hawkins, Indiana. From its nostalgic nods to ‘80s pop culture to its gripping storyline, the show has been our go-to escape from the mundane. Who doesn’t love a good adventure with a gang of plucky kids facing off against monsters from another dimension?
It’s the perfect blend of heart, humor, and horror that keeps us coming back for more. Yet, as the series inches closer to its finale, there’s one character whose arc continues to irk fans. It is none other than Billy Hargrove.
Introduced as the quintessential high school bully, Billy’s journey took a surprising turn that was meant to add depth and complexity. But did it? Even as we’re captivated by the show’s nostalgic charm and other character arcs, his story remains a sticking point that fans can’t seem to get past.
Billy Hargrove’s Character Still Frustrates Fans
Dacre Montgomery‘s Billy Hargrove is one of the most talked-about characters from Stranger Things. Even though the show is almost done with its final season, people are still buzzing about him. Why? Because his story didn’t exactly turn out the way everyone thought it would.
From his debut as Hawkins’ new troublemaker, he seemed primed to be a straightforward bad guy—a bully with a bad attitude and an even worse haircut. Remember that time when his rugged charm really stood out, especially with Mrs. Wheeler? And she crossed the line by flirting with him in a way that felt pretty creepy and awkward. This is one of those scenes fans aren’t really fond of.
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Yet, as the series goes on, Billy’s layers start to peel back, revealing a tragic backstory marred by an abusive father. It is designed to add depth, making him more than just a stereotypical bully. We learn that his father’s harsh treatment shaped his own cruel behavior.
This can make us feel some sympathy for him and understand why he behaves the way he does. However, on the other, it’s hard to overlook the fact that Billy perpetuates the cycle of abuse. His volatile behavior, especially towards his sister, Max, often seems less like a tragic flaw and more like a frustrating plot point.
Billy’s Tragic Backstory Doesn’t Erase His Cruelty
Despite his nasty streak, no doubt, Billy’s backstory is heart-wrenching. In Season 3, we get a peek into Billy’s past, where we see him as a happy kid who used to have fun with his mom before she left him with his mean dad. This backstory helps us see why Billy might be victim of circumstance, making his cruel behavior more understandable, if not entirely forgivable.
Yet, the show manages to push and pull on audience emotions. While Billy’s troubled background tries to make us feel for him, it doesn’t exactly erase the sting of his actions. We’re left in a bit of a tug-of-war between feeling sorry for him and being annoyed by his terrible behavior.
And then, just when we think his character arc might find some redemption, Billy meets a brutal and drawn-out end. His death is as painful and messy as his life, adding a final layer of tragedy that’s hard to digest. So, as much as the show wants us to see Billy’s struggles and feel for him, many fans are still caught between empathy and exasperation.
The exact date isn’t known yet, but Season 5 is coming in 2025. In the meantime, watch Stranger Things on Netflix.
