Reviews by Kyle Ellis

Actor: Paul Reiser

At first, Dr. Sam Owens was a tricky case as we were never really sure whether to trust him or not. But by the end of Season 4, he more or less proves himself as an ally, and there’s such an odd charm to his character, regardless of the horrible things he’s been a part of.

We guess this gives him the benefit of the doubt. Though we’ll definitely keep an eye on him (that’s if he survived the military attack)…

Actor: Nikola Đuričko

As annoying as he was, there’s no denying he made you laugh, right? Yuri the Russian smuggler told really bad jokes at inappropriate times, had a thing for peanut butter (and cash!) and had a wheezing laugh that gave you nightmares.

He may have deceived Joyce and Murray by selling them to the Russians, but he ended up being quite the fan-favorite this season, thanks to his slimy, hilarious self.

Actor: Robert Englund

Victor Creel didn’t have much screen time throughout Chapter 4, but his character played a crucial role in discovering the truth behind the evil in Hawkins.

The poor guy hasn’t only been wrongly imprisoned, but has had his face horribly disfigured and lost his entire family thanks to his cruel son. We don’t know much about Creel’s character, but one thing’s for sure – we feel tremendously sorry for him…

Actor: Brett Gelman

Murray Bauman started off as a minor character, but he is by far one of the most agreeable surprises this season. A bit aloof, but hilariously sarcastic, he is also the one who manages to bring Nancy and Jonathan together in one of the best humorous scenes in Season 2 and for this, we feel eternally indebted to him.

His major contribution in Seasons 3 and 4 made his character grow on us just a little more. The “bald bastard” as Erica calls him, is actually an endearing character who never fails to make us laugh.

Died: Season 3
Actor: Alec Utgoff

Poor Alexei. Just as we were beginning to like him, the Russian scientist got wiped out of the show. Kidnapped by Hopper and Joyce in Season 3, Alexei wormed his way right into our hearts, despite not even being able to speak English.

“Smirnoff” (as referred to by Hopper) was provoking indeed (but who wouldn’t be after getting the wrong Slurpee flavor?!), but it’s safe to say his childlike personality, infectious grin and obvious sense of humor will be missed! 

Actor: Charlie Heaton

Misunderstood and broody, Jonathan Beyers remains a fan-favorite thanks to his big heart, his love for Nancy and his deep bond with Will. A bond which, like Joyce, brings him to do anything he can to help his brother, regardless of the danger.

He and Joyce bring a whole new definition to the word ‘family’, the kind that just doesn’t care if it takes defeating a giant monster and its babies to get their loved ones back.

Actress: Cara Buono

Karen is much less tender than Joyce, but she has that kind of panicked affection for her children that we can only respect her for, especially with a husband as passive as Ted Wheeler and children as unpredictable as Mike and Nancy.

We love them, but few of us would want to be their parents while they’re off fighting evil monsters with baseball bats rather than being at school.

Actress:  Linnea Berthelsen

Kali had the potential of being a great character, but her desire for bloody revenge and her wish to attract our wholesome Eleven onto her dark side made her rather difficult to like. Nonetheless, it was impossible not to feel for her and wish for her to find the redemption arc she deserved.

Badass and charismatic as hell, we don’t doubt she had the potential to climb up to the top 10 if she just stopped killing people!

Died: Season 2
Actor: Sean Astin

[Link removed - login to see], but it also features characters from films from that era, too! Bob was brought to life by the incredible Sean Astin whom any self-respecting 80’s movie fan will remember as a member of Goonies! Most of us will also remember him as Sam in [Link removed - login to see].

Bob Newby, Joyce Byers’ goofy and kind boyfriend, was the caring father Will and Jonathan never had, and the zest of positivity Joyce needed in her life. Bob’s fate in Season 2 got us teary and so for us, he has joined Barbara in the list of characters who deserved so much better. #JusticeForBob!

Actress: Natalia Dyer

Nancy is the “shy school girl-turned-badass monster hunter” we all aspire to be! At first filled with self-doubt, but now quite certain of what she wants, we couldn’t love her character more.

In Chapter 4, Nancy proves herself braver than ever, as she hunts down Vecna and uncovers his backstory. I mean, you’ve gotta rate someone who faces the wrath of Vecna…and overcomes it!