Tense air runs through the new season of Stranger Things: a showdown, new beginnings, and the feeling that nothing will be completely the same. The fifth season brings together the return of the old heroes of Hawkins, new threats, and broken alliances, all under the shadow of Upside Down, which is getting bigger and riskier. However, some fan-favorite characters might be missing from this season.

And one major name is already gaining the most attention, Jonathan Byers’ friend. Is he not going to be back one final time? 

Argyle won people’s hearts in Season 4 with his charm and also quite surprising fidelity, the one he had to Jonathan Byers. He not only delivered pizza but also main character energy. However, his return to Season 5 is highly unlikely. Eduardo Franco, who immortalized Argyle, has clearly stated that Argyle will not appear in the fifth season. During an appearance on the Steve Varley Show, he said, "I never got a phone call. So, I think that’s it," axing all hopes of Argyle's return in the final battle on Hawkins.

Stranger Things Season 5's first cast announcement met with disappointment as the cast photo saw the notable absence of Franco, which gave birth to speculation among fans. Franco, later on, expressed his appreciation for the fans for whom Argyle was not just a comic relief, as he brought a new atmosphere to a dark and complicated season. However, he clarified that the fifth season will continue without him, like a few other important characters who had to bid goodbye. 

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Not only Argyle, but Hawkins' growing hostile environment will be seeing the end of several other side characters.

Argyle's coolness was just the right counterpoise to the horror and heaviness of Hawkins’ saga, and his being around constantly reminded the audience of the show’s core of friendship and survival. However, Hawkins has been suffering from the ramifications of Vecna's plan, and side-characters like Claudia Henderson, played by Catherine Curtin, Dmitri Antonov, played by Tom Wlaschiha, and Yuri Ismaylov, played by Nikola Duricko, seem to have no place in the story. 

As the saga concludes for one final time, the story seeks to provide complete focus on the core characters, such as Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Max, Steve, Nancy, Jonathan, and the like. Though Argyle's disappearance from the cast list does not make for its haunting absence, it signals a shift in tone for Stranger Things Season 5, which gets closer to a darker predicament.

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Will you miss Argyle in Season 5? Comment your thoughts below.