Eddie Munson may have died, but he is far from forgotten, especially by those for whom he gave everything. In Stranger Things season 4, his heroic sacrifice left an indelible mark, cementing his place as one of the show’s most unforgettable characters. Now, as season 5 unfolds, the Duffer Brothers appear to have slipped in a subtle nod to him.

This clever reference unabashedly honors Eddie's legacy, reminding people why not only his courage and loyalty but also his larger-than-life personality continue to resonate, keeping the spirit of the Hellfire Club alive in Hawkins in his absence.

The allusion was such a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, but not for those who made the show their top priority since its debut in 2016.

Stranger Things season 5, only with its Volume One released so far, has already given Hawkins loyalists plenty to talk about, from intense storylines to subtle callbacks. In the very first episode of this season, Robin casually remarks, “A good friend once said… bad news first, always.” For eagle-eyed watchers, this line immediately recalled Eddie Munson from season 4.

In episode 3 of last season, Eddie Munson, who died for his friends, said, “Bad news first, always” during a tense moment. Its connection to this season is unmistakable, suggesting Robin did not utter those words randomly but as an honor to the Joseph Quinn portrayed character.

This reference goes beyond nostalgia for those who follow the Netflix epic in discussion, as it highlights the bonds between Hawkins’ characters and nods to Eddie’s lasting impact. Even as the town faces new threats, the show ensures that key relationships and memories remain at the heart of the story.

Small moments like these enrich the viewing experience, offering the emotional depth that Stranger Things has come to be known for. It also serves as a reward to attentive viewers. And though Eddie Munson long left Eleven and her crew behind, whispers of him appearing this season in some capacity never faded.

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It would not be wrong to say Eddie Munson’s potential Stranger Things return sparked the most theories among the show’s admirers this season, and they continue to hope for at least one of them to materialize.

Joseph Quinn never closed the door on his return to Stranger Things. The actor, speaking to Entertainment Tonight in 2024, was asked about the possibility, and instead of denying it or asserting that his character is dead, he said he would love to pop up and say hello to everyone on the show's filming set, hinting at his return to the title in the process.

Matt Duffer, however, has denied the possibility, telling Empire recently that Eddie is under the ground for good. With Stranger Things, though, as many may know, nothing is ever written in stone.

Clearly, even in his absence, Eddie Munson continues to stir conversations, ignite theory threads, and fuel that stubborn spark of hope people refuse to let go of. As Stranger Things moves toward its conclusion, the emotional chaos is only intensifying, with Eddie’s potential comeback emerging as the loudest force of the season so far. With Volume Two nearing its debut, the possibility of Eddie slipping back into the frame, however briefly, remains part of the show’s undeniable thrill.

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What do you think of Robin quoting Eddie Munson in Stranger Things season 5? Let us know in the comments.