As Stranger Things prepares to unleash its final season, the excitement is palpable, but so is a creeping sense of dread. Steve Harrington, a fan favorite transformed from a self-absorbed teen to the group’s beloved babysitter, stands at the heart of speculation about who will survive and who may not. With the impending finale promising closure and sacrifice, hope and heartbreak seem poised to dance dangerously close.

Steve’s fate remains one of the most hotly debated questions, and with the series drawing to an end, Stranger Things is raising the stakes and reminding the audience that true heroism sometimes comes at the greatest cost.   

1. Stranger Things' death flag bearer

Steve Harrington has a notable track record of walking right into danger, often placing himself in mortal peril to protect the younger characters. This pattern, affectionately called “death flags” by the fandom, suggests he is ripe for a heroic exit. Stranger Things often uses such arcs to give its beloved characters a meaningful, if heartbreaking, send-off, and Steve’s history makes a powerful case for this classic narrative device.

2. The tradition of fan-favourites

The show has never shied away from killing off fan-favorites to heighten the tension. From Bob Newby’s unexpected demise, Billy Hargroves’s sacrificial act, to the metalhead misfit, Eddie Munson's final encore, Stranger Things has established a precedent that no one is truly safe. Steve’s death would fit this tradition perfectly, and frighteningly well.  

3. Emotionally heavy finale

The final season demands emotional gravity, and what better way to deliver it than to make Steve Harrington join the list of heroes no one can forget? His death would shake the group’s foundation, create dramatic momentum, and punctuate his growth from a carefree teen to a battle-hardened protector. Such a narrative climax would elevate the finale to legendary status.

4. Steve Harrington's full circle of redemption 

Steve’s arc is approaching a natural crescendo. His transformation from high school party boy to fiercely loyal guardian is a tale of redemption that writers may want to conclude with a meaningful gesture. Heroic sacrifice would provide a powerful conclusion to Steve’s journey, tying his growth to a memorable and poignant farewell.

5. The shadows over Steve

Foreshadowing and fan theories have been abound, and several of them point to Steve’s possible death. From chilling promotional material like the lovingly crafted Netflix Tudum posters of Stranger Things, to intense scenes hinting at danger, the signs are there. With threats like VCNA looming, and Steve often placed in perilous situations, fans hold their breath, wondering if the babysitter will stand strong or fall.

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One should also, however, know that in a story already shadowed by loss and sacrifice, Steve Harrington’s survival would be a fragile beacon of hope, one even the Duffer Brothers may not want to play with. 

1. Steve Harrington's plot armor

Steve Harrington is undoubtedly one of Netflix’s best-loved characters, credited with adding heart, humor, and charm to the series. Killing off such a beloved figure risks alienating devoted fans and dulling the show’s emotional resonance. Keeping Steve alive preserves the beloved spirit and familiarity viewers cherish.

2. Risk of a half-baked plot

Steve's relationship with Nancy Wheeler remains a thread untied. The unresolved tension and potential for future development offer compelling reasons to keep Steve in the mix. Removing him now risks leaving half-told stories, whereas a continued presence allows for satisfying narrative closure.

3. The Duffer Brothers' taste for storytelling

The Duffer Brothers are known for avoiding predictable, fan-service deaths. Their creative ethos favors authenticity over shock value, suggesting that Steve’s fate will align with thoughtful storytelling rather than cheap thrills. His survival might see a different kind of closure, one less final but still deeply meaningful.

4. Steve Harrington the support system of Stranger Things

Steve acts as the group’s emotional anchor, balancing tension with humor and embodying resilience. His presence provides stability for the ensemble, making him indispensable to the dynamic. Removing him could disrupt the group chemistry and weaken the emotional core at a critical moment, that will no doubt leave the spectators with a bad memory of the show. 

5. Joe Keery's assurances

Interview hints from Joe Keery, who plays Steve, lean towards optimism. He describes Steve’s ending as bittersweet rather than tragic, implying survival along with hardship. This insider insight fuels hope that Steve’s story will conclude on a note of hopeful resilience.

The Duffer Brothers have made it clear that killing characters is never a decision made lightly. While rooted in the horror genre where loss is common, they strive for deaths that serve the story’s emotional depth and impact. They also acknowledge the weight such decisions carry, especially in a finale expected to wrap up years of complex storylines. They aim to create a sacrifice that feels earned, meaningful, and necessary rather than gratuitous.

The emotional consequences for characters and fans alike are significant, and they balance these carefully. If Steve’s death occurs, it will likely be one with narrative weight designed to honor his journey. The creators have in the past, protected core characters while taking risks with secondary ones, indicating a careful strategy for who survives. While Stranger Things' fifth season promises to be a rollercoaster, Steve Harrington’s fate remains a thrilling mystery. Whatever the outcome, his evolution from troublemaker to hero has cemented his legacy as one of the series’ most memorable figures, firmly etched in audiences’ hearts.

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Do you think Steve Harrington is going to meet his demise in action? Let us know in the comments below!