Stranger Things Season 4 culminated in a major cliffhanger that left audiences desperate for answers, only for the final episode to be followed by a three-year waiting period that seemed to last forever. But, at long last, Season 5 Volume 1 is here, and it marks the return of many fan-favorite characters that won over our hearts... with one big exception, that is.
Throughout the years, the Stranger Things gang has been growing in numbers. What was once a group of four young friends is now an entire team consisting of a former Chief of Police, a Radio host, a skateboarder who is battling for her life, and even a telekinetic superheroine, among others. However, there's one specific member of the group that didn't make a comeback for Season 5. Worse yet? His character wasn't even mentioned throughout the entirety of Volume 1.
Argyle is missing throughout the entirety of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1
Argyle was introduced as a prominent character back in Stranger Things Season 4. He acted as Jonathan's new friend when the whole Byers family moved to California, and he quickly discovered the dangers that lurk in the Upside Down and how powerful Eleven really is. He added some much-needed comedic relief in a season that's really dark, even when compared to its predecessors. As such, fans were eager to see what Argyle would be up to in Stranger Things Season 5... only to discover he's not even mentioned in the first four episodes.
Eduardo Franco, the actor behind Argyle, had already confirmed that he never got a call to reprise his character in Season 5. On paper, his absence makes sense considering that Argyle lived in California, and now the Byers family has moved back to Hawkins, Indiana, in the Wheelers' house. On the one hand, the whole team could definitely use the help of someone who is already up to date on who Vecna is and what his master plan was during last season. On the other hand, it's also hard to deny that the Stranger Things cast had been growing so much to the point that it could be a bit distracting.
The core story of Stranger Things will culminate in Season 5. Granted, there's a mysterious spin-off in the works, but chances are that the stories of many fan-favorite characters, such as Mike, Dustin, Eleven, Lucas, and Will, are ending on December 31. With that in mind, it makes sense for the show to turn its attention back to the original cast and give them the spotlight while it's still possible. Besides, it's not like newcomers haven't joined the show either.
Doctor Kay is a key new character whose true motivations are still surrounded by mystery, even after the release of Volume 1. Besides, Derek Turnbow and Holly Wheeler have also been getting a lot of screentime, and other key characters are likely to get a lot of attention in Volume 2 (but we won't discuss them here to avoid spoilers). With that in mind, it's easy to see why there wasn't enough breathing room for Argyle to make a comeback.
With a bit of luck, we'll get a hint of Argyle's fate in Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2, or he'll at least be mentioned by Jonathan. Who knows? His character can even be one of the main stars in the upcoming Stranger Things spin-off. For the time being, it looks like he's still in California, making the best pizzas in the whole country.
Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 will be released on December 25 on Netflix.