WhileStranger Thingsseason 5 may bring the hit Netflix series to a close, the latest trailer has revealed a replacement for a scrapped season 4 storyline. The hit series created by the Duffer Brothers began airing in 2016.Stranger Thingsseason 4 concludedwith the core cast reuniting in Hawkins, preparing to face a terrifying new foe.
InStranger Thingsseason 4, the gang spent most of the season divided, as Hopper (David Harbour) was in Russian custody and the Byers family moved to California. Thinking that their fights were behind them, the Byers family and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) attempted to lead a normal life. As such,Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) found himself making a new friend.
Sadly,Argyle (Eduardo Franco) won’t be back for the Netflix series' last hurrah. However, theStranger Thingsseason 5 teaser trailerteased a replacement story for this season 4 narrative.
Hawkins' Radio Station Will Be Stranger Things Season 5’s Replacement For Surfer Boy Pizza
Argyle’s Van Was Essential To Season 4
When the Byers family arrived in California,Jonathan became acquainted with Argyle (Eduardo Franco), with whom he shared his doubts and fears. When he wasn’t smoking weed with Jonathan, Argyle earned his living as a delivery boy for Surfer Boy Pizza.His access to a vehicle made him essential to El, Will (Finn Wolfhard), and the Byers’mission.
Despite not knowing about their past battles, Argyle quickly committed himself to transporting them across the country in his van. During their visits to Utah and Nevada, Argyle acted as their driver and helped them using his experience and position. He even commandeered a local Surfer Boy Pizza branch when battling Vecna. Argyle also drove them to Hawkins.
With the team settled in Hawkins once more,the town’s radio station seems to be filling in for the elements season 4 introduced. Alongside acting as a safe home base away from their families, the station also provides the core cast access to a vehicle through the van. This is necessary, as Franco’s season 4 addition won’t be returning.
Why Argyle (& His Surfer Boy Pizza Van) Isn’t Returning In Stranger Things Season 5
The Character Will Not Be Part Of The Cast
In January 2024, Franco confirmed that he would not be returning forStranger Things’fifth and final season. As season 5 had begun filming at that point,Franco revealed that he had not been contactedto return. As such, it is safe to assume thatthe core cast will no longer have access to his resources, making Hawkins Radio even more necessary.
Despite his sudden absence, Argyle’s fatehas been accepted as a necessary choice to ensure the final season delivers the best possible conclusion. With the series' core cast already being large, Argyle’s absence can ensure that the series provides its major characters with a good amount of screen time. Season 5 will also focus solely on Hawkins as a setting, bringing things full circle.
Stranger Things Season 4 Already Set Up A Major Story Role For Hawkins' Radio Station
Will Music Hold Back The Horrors?
In addition to replacing Surfer Boy Pizza,Hawkins Radio’s inclusion could hint at a major payoff for one of season 4’s most memorable moments. In season 4,Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) escaped from Vecna’s graspwhen her friends played her favorite music to break through his trance. Throughout the latter half of the season, music continued to ground her in reality.
WhileStranger Thingsseason 4 may have ended with him sent back to the Upside Down, season 5’s trailer suggests it is only a matter of timeuntil Vecna crosses over. If free, he will be able to inflict his telepathic tyranny on the town. As such, Hawkins Radio’s broadcasts may keep Hawkins' citizens mentally grounded during the crisis.
