At first, Mike Wheeler was a significant andvital part ofStranger Things. As Eleven’s foremost advocate that helped lead the way for their strong bond and eventual romance, Mike was one of the show’s most vital members. However, Mike’s significance to the plot became less critical over time. While he remained an essential part of Eleven’s life, Mike’s storyline started to surround Eleven completely, and his screen time showing his companionship with his friends began to lessen. As a result, season four completely sidelines Mike, teaming him up with Will and Jonathan for the season’s lowest-stakes adventure. This needs to change asStranger Thingsprepares for its fifth and final season.
Although Mike should not become the show’s most essential character,Stranger Thingsdoes need to remember what made Mike so integral to the plot, to begin with. Mike is supposed to be a vital member of his friend group, and while it worked out to see everyone else flourish without relying on Mike,Stranger Thingsshould not disregard him entirely in the final season. With significant threats looming and Eleven andWill potentially meant to be right in the middle, it would make sense for Mike’s involvement to be kicked up a notch, given how important he is to Eleven and Will.
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He Is Essential To Eleven
Eleven’s connection to Mikehas played an integral role inStranger Thingssince they began bonding in season one. But, it soon became the most crucial thing about Mike as well. Mike’s relationships with the rest of his friends took a backseat to how much he cared for Eleven. However, that can still play a massive role in the show without it being the only thing about Mike worth referencing. Given Eleven will likely be at the heart of the incoming threat that season five will be focused around, it makes sense that Mike could grow concerned for Eleven’s safety. However, this also gives Mike a chance to expand on his own, inspired by his wish to help Eleven or Will, whose connection to the Upside Down remains a dangerous part of his life.
In season four, Mike is primarily useless, focusing on his falling apart relationship with Eleven. Mike’s most impactful moment comes when he speaks to Eleven while she does all the hard work fighting Vecna. Mike may not be a fighter, but perhaps season five can use him as a strategist, using his knowledge as a Dungeons and Dragons player. Mike’s relationship with Eleven can remain at the core of the show, but allowing Mike to develop individually could also strengthen their bond, especially as part of Mike’s insecurity in season four was that Mike put Eleven on a pedestal as a superhero while he looked down on himself.
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Will’s “Heart Of The Group” Declaration
In season four, Will declares Mike as the heart of their friend group. It is a kind sentiment and one thatmay be influenced by Will’s romantic feelings for Mike. But, if Will is going to make a statement like that, one that at a point in time had been likely accurate, thenStranger Thingscan devote some time in season five to see Mike earn the title. Given the events of season four, Mike is not the heart of the group, but that does not mean that Mike can not become an essential part of it again. Naming someone the heart of the group is a massive statement, and it is not one that Mike had earned throughout the fourth season. Instead, Mike had played a background role without directly influencing his friends other than Will and Eleven.
As for the others, Dustin has been more at the heart of the group with his connections to all of their mutual friends. Max’s sacrifice may even be a catalyst for everyone’s emotional stakes to be raised. Lucas, in the aftermath of Max’s sacrifice, may be motivated toward going after Vecna. Meanwhile, the Upside Down is still directly connected to Will. Steve, Nancy, and Robin forged strong bonds with the rest of the group while Mike, Will, and Jonathan were out of Hawkins. Mike can be a part of that ifStranger Thingsallows Mike to show emotion and care for the rest of his friends.
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Mike’s Role Has Diminished Over Time
Mike is not the most useful of all the main charactersin season four. His big moment does not come until the end, when he encourages Eleven to fight, inadvertently insulting his friendship with Will in the process. Otherwise, Mike brings more teen drama elements toStranger Thingsthan participating in supernatural mysteriesand horrors. Pushing Mike to the background does not help his relationship with Eleven when it appears she is all-powerful, and his most significant addition is an inspiring speech. Mike needs to be brought to the forefront, ready to help his friends rather than being attached to Eleven at the hip.
Given how essential Mike once was, the final season needs to address that. Otherwise, Mike being so central in the beginning barely means anything if the subsequent execution made it appear that Mike was easily replaceable. Season four centered on Mike as a romantic lead but did not do much else to show him invested in the events of Hawkins, which included Nancy’s safety. This sibling dynamic also got pushed to the background while Nancy fought Vecna and Mike traveled the desert.
