‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Part 1 Ruined Steve and Dustin’s Friendship

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The first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 have unfortunately diminished what made the show so good in the first place. These episodes began streaming on November 26, 2026, with the remaining episodes releasing on Christmas Day and the season finale on December 31st. The first part of the season reveals important details about Will Byers’s abilities and explains what has happened with Max Mayfield. Viewers hoping for intense emotional moments, action, and surprising discoveries will find plenty to satisfy them.

The first part of Season 5 continues to develop Henry Creel’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) story in a significant way, which is remarkable given how much we already learned about him in Season 4. However, it’s hard to stay focused on the show itself with so much discussion about when Season 5 will actually be released. Many fans would prefer the final episodes to premiere at a time when they aren’t caught up in holiday celebrations. Beyond the release date, there’s another reason why some viewers are disappointed with how this final chapter is unfolding.

Dustin and Steve’s Friendship Is the Most Important Part of ‘Stranger Things’


Netflix

If you ask a fan of Stranger Things who their favorite characters are as a pair, most will say Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) and Steve Harrington (Joe Keery). Their unlikely friendship is what makes it so special. Viewers love watching their bond grow with each season, just as much as they enjoy the show’s scary creatures like Vecna and the Mind Flayer.

At the start of Season 1, Steve comes across as a bit arrogant and tough, making it seem unlikely he’d be friends with someone as sweet and genuine as Dustin. However, Steve quickly shows a protective side towards the younger kids and is eager to help fight the monsters from the Upside Down.

The bond between Steve and Dustin is a highlight of the series, showcasing how much the characters have grown throughout the seasons. While Steve has many memorable moments, his support of Dustin’s feelings for Max in Season 2 – telling him he’s “too young” for heartbreak – is particularly touching. Their friendship helps Steve become more mature and Dustin feel more confident, and it’s heartwarming to see them positively impact each other. Beyond the monsters and suspense, Stranger Things is fundamentally about friendship, love, and kindness, and this relationship resonates deeply with viewers.

‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Part 1 Destroys Dustin and Steve’s Relationship


Netflix

The first episode of Stranger Things Season 5, titled “The Crawl,” shows Dustin being bullied at school for wearing his Hellfire Club shirt, a reminder of Eddie Munson. When Steve learns that Dustin was attacked at the cemetery – explaining his absence from “The Crawl” – he reacts with anger and frustration, unfairly taking it out on his friend, which is difficult to watch.

The reference to Eddie from Stranger Things felt forced and didn’t quite land. It was frustrating to see Steve blame Dustin for getting hurt instead of understanding how he felt. It would have been much more satisfying to see Steve and Dustin working together to stand up to the bullies, instead of arguing and letting them win. With a big battle against Vecna coming up in Season 5, the show needs to bring these characters closer, not drive a wedge between them.

Joe Keery explained to Netflix’s Tudum that adding conflict to the characters’ friendship made it more realistic. He said it wasn’t always easygoing, but added a new depth to their relationship. He shared that the motivation behind this was simply wanting to support his friend.

While that might be fair, given everything these characters have been through recently, it’s understandable to expect better from Steve. Doesn’t he see that Dustin is hurting and needs a friend right now? It feels like Steve has forgotten how much he’s grown over the past few years.

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With this being the last season, viewers naturally want to see the characters end up happy. While compelling stories need conflict and character growth, and it wouldn’t be interesting without some struggles, the dynamic between Dustin and Steve in the first part of Stranger Things Season 5 feels off. Steve acting so harshly towards someone he clearly cares for just doesn’t seem true to his character.

The first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 are still enjoyable. Thankfully, no major characters have died yet, Eleven is as powerful as ever, and it looks like Max and Holly will successfully escape from Vecna’s mental grasp. The latest trailer suggests Steve and Dustin will resolve their conflict and reconcile, which is crucial – their emotional connection and support for each other are essential for building anticipation for the final showdown with Vecna.

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2025-12-23 04:20