Angela is the weakest character that Stranger Things has ever produced, so season 4, volume 2 should shock viewers by redeeming the one-dimensional villain. Stranger Things 4 solved the show’s villain problems with the terrifying Vecna, one of its most memorable monsters yet. However, the season also introduced the worst Stranger Things villain the series has ever included.

With no defining characteristics beyond being gleefully evil, Angela is the most cartoonishly cruel figure in Stranger Things history. A popular girl in Eleven and Will’s class in California, Angela mercilessly bullies Eleven and even goes so far as to set up an elaborate, mean-spirited prank at the roller rink that requires the cooperation of dozens of onlookers and a DJ. She seems to be dropped in from a goofier, broader, sillier series than Stranger Things, so the show should surprise viewers by giving her more depth and character in season 4, volume 2.

Related: Wow, Stranger Things' Angela Really Sucks

Since this is the show that made season 1’s smug bully Steve Harrington into a lovable supporting star, the second part of the split Stranger Things season 4 should endeavor to do the same with Angela. Her subplot was a lengthy, unpleasant waste of time since it was already clear that Eleven hadn’t grown comfortable with life in California before any of the over-the-top bullying scenes. Since Stranger Things 4 is now positing the professional child abuser, Dr. Brenner, as a complicated, semi-sympathetic character, the show could afford the same empathy to its worst, most underwritten new character — particularly given that Angela is a child who got humbled by Eleven’s roller-skate to the face, whereas Brenner is a grown adult who somehow escaped an attack from the Demogorgon with a single scar.

Stranger Things Angela Roller Rink

While Angela’s redemption isn’t something a lot of Stranger Things fans will be expecting, it is important to remember that this is exactly what made Steve’s character arc so surprising and effective. Even Stranger Things season 2's bully, Billy, got a moving moment of redemption at the tail end of Stranger Things season 3 that made his character feel more layered, complex, and believable than a shallow, over-the-top antagonist. That is exactly what Angela’s entire persona currently consists of too, which is why it would be such a welcome shock if Stranger Things season 4, volume 2 somehow managed to make her a more complicated figure despite such a shaky start.

The odds are good that, with Jonathan, Will, Mike, and Argyle in Salt Lake City and Eleven on her way to Hawkins, Stranger Things season 4 is done with Angela for good. However, if this is the last that viewers see of her, the character will be the least believable villain in the show’s history. With the silliest Stranger Things season 3 plot including some cartoonishly misogynistic newspaper employees who were reduced to goo zombies, that is an impressive achievement. As such, Stranger Things season 4, volume 2 should try to flesh out Angela rather than leaving this pointless subplot to be forgotten.

More: Stranger Things Season 4 Should Kill Off Steve Harrington

Stranger Things season 4, volume 2 drops July 1 on Netflix.

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