El’s Frustration With Hopper Is Real and Relatable
Every season of Stranger Things includes Jim Hopper (David Harbour) doing something that, inevitably, makes Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) mad. Whether it is controlling he love life, hiding her, or just not listening, there is always a problem. In season 5, it is lying to her.
**Spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5 Vol. 2 lie ahead**
At the end of the first drop of episodes for season 5, Eleven and Hopper were trapped in the Upside Down in a lab that was just like her Papa’s (Matthew Modine). As a way to try to get out, Hopper revealed that he had a plan to blow their way out of there, no matter the cost. Eleven realized that in that moment, Hopper was telling her that his plan was always to sacrifice himself if it meant protecting her.
The start of Vol. 2 had Eleven not exactly happy with her father figure and that, to me, was incredibly relatable. She was angry that his plan was to die and not let her have a say in it despite her having powers that could stop it. I think many can relate to that. Or at least I do because that’s a lot of how my relationship with my dad was.
He died and didn’t tell anyone of us how much he was suffering because he didn’t want us worrying about him. That frustration and anger El felt, I relate to. It doesn’t come from hatred but instead, it is a reaction to loving someone so much despite what their actions are doing.
Their father/daughter dynamic always connected with me
When Hopper “died” at the end of season 3, I was wrecked. That was before my father even died and still, I connected with their story. A lot of “wish I could have said” moments and a love that is complicated but very real and important between them. That hasn’t really changed for either character. Especially since Hopper was gone in Russia for most of season 4.
Season 5 started with El training, the two still not really talking like they should, and finally deciding to hash it out at the start of Volume 2. But even with their trust of each other growing, they still need to talk. Stranger Things has always had a “characters talk it out” problem. Most of the time, the issues between them could be solved with one conversation.
And Hopper is the king of not saying what he means. So the fact that Eleven finally voiced her frustration is a big step for them. But it is something I think many daughters can connect with. Sometimes, you father is going to be a wall who would rather protect your feelings than ask you what your plan was. They’d rather sacrifice themselves than allow someone to help.
Hopper and El’s relationship is far from ideal but the two talking to each other in Vol. 2 has been a great change to their dynamic and one that I want to see more of in the finale.
(featured image: Netflix)
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