NetflixStranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 introduces us to a host of new kids to root for, including Derek (Jake Connelly) and Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher). But one fan favorite character didn’t get so much as a mention – and we’re not talking about Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn).
Although the original Hawkins gang are the heart of the story in the fifth and final chapter of the Netflix show, they’re brought together when Holly – Nancy and Mike’s baby sister, who was recast for Season 5 – is kidnapped in the same way Will was in 1983.
Matt Duffer has said that the decision to focus on Holly at this stage was intentional. “Obviously our ‘kids’ are not kids anymore… and because we wanted this season to harken back a little bit more to Season 1, we felt it was very natural to bring in the next generation,” he told THR.
It’s yet another stroke of genius, with Holly’s classmate Derek emerging as a new fan favorite. Stranger Things Season 5 also revisits the story of Eleven’s lost sister, Kali, aka 008 (Linnea Berthelsen), but this begs the question: what happened to Argyle?
Stranger Things fan favorite character is missing in Season 5 Volume 1
NetflixArgyle star Eduardo Franco made it clear that he wasn’t asked to return for Stranger Things Season 5, but fans are “incredibly sad” about the fact that he doesn’t even get a mention in Volume 1.
The character was first introduced in Season 4 as the stoner friend of Jonathan’s (Charlie Heaton), where he quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his laid-back yet chaotic energy and perfect comic timing.
But in early 2024, when filming for Season 5 commenced, Franco revealed on the Steve Varley Show, “It’s nice to hear that there’s some sort of concern or something, you know what I mean? But I never got a phone call, so I think that’s it.”
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The same can be said for Eddie, who was killed during a final act of (heavy metal) bravery. However, his legacy lives on through Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), whereas Argyle is all but forgotten.
NetflixThis could simply be because Argyle didn’t actually die in the show, but it hasn’t stopped fans from feeling upset. Following the release of Season 5 Volume 1, a fan wrote on Reddit, “Bro went to pick some mushrooms and never came back.”
In response, one commented, “I was hoping they would at least mention him. I hope Suzie makes an appearance or gets a mention too.”
“I’m so incredibly sad he’s not in this season. I get that it wouldn’t have made sense, but his humor would’ve provided some much needed levity in the heavier scenes,” said another.
“Besides Robin and the Steve/Dustin bickering (and Erica), I feel like this season is missing some of those really funny bits. Still a great season, though.
“I hope they bring Argyle back for the very last episode, but I know that’s not going to happen. I’ll really miss his character.”
“Really missing Argyle,” added a third, while a fourth quipped, “The finale will reveal that Season 5 was just an extended vision Argyle had while incredibly stoned.”
There is one major reason why Argle is missing: Hawkins is currently under strict military quarantine.
As one fan pointed out, “I guess he was able to get out of Hawkins before they quarantined the city. I’m not sure how Murray is able to get in and out so easily.”
“I’m surprised he wasn’t held back for quarantine,” said another. “But I guess that didn’t happen overnight and he went back to California before the government could put up a wall.”
Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 is streaming on Netflix now. Find out when the new episodes drop with our guide to the release schedule, and read about if anyone dies in Season 5 Volume 1, who Mr. Whatsit is, and whether Will has powers.
We’ve also listed the Season 5 soundtrack so far and ranked the best Stranger Things episodes.