The Byers family has been through a great deal already since Stranger Things began, and that looks unlikely to change after season 4 set the stage for a huge ending death. Having weathered tragedy after tragedy at the hands of the supernatural forces from the Upside Down, the Byers family briefly attempted to start afresh in Lenora, California in Stranger Things season 4. However, fate, friendship, and loyalty spurred the Byers brothers to Hawkins and Joyce to Russia in order to save their friends and their beloved town.
The Stranger Things season 4 finale ended on an ominous note, with Vecna temporarily deterred but successfully opening a gaping gate between Hawkins and the Upside Down. With Stranger Things season 5’s final showdown rapidly approaching, Team Hawkins has their work cut out for them. With the impending bloodbath guaranteeing grave losses, one would expect Will to be in the most danger, considering his lingering connection to the Upside Down and Vecna. However, Stranger Things season 4 might have hinted at another Byers death for season 5.
Jonathan Byers Is Probably Going To Die In Stranger Things 5
With a frenzy of theories speculating over who will live and who will die in Stranger Things season 5, one character season 4 suggests could meet his maker is Will’s elder brother, Jonathan Byers. Taking into consideration how Jonathan has not been afforded the same care in development as Nancy Wheeler or Steve Harrington, as well as how Stranger Things had the audacity to completely sideline his character in season 4, Jonathan's position is at risk.
While Jonathan is still a caring brother and friend to Will and Eleven in California, Jonathan has not been the most present person, and bashfully admits to being preoccupied by recreational substances and personal struggles. Moreover, his long-distance relationship with Nancy has caused a rift between them, which hints that his Stranger Things chapter might be closing. Now that Steve and Nancy are seemingly rekindling their previous romance, Jonathan is awkwardly misplaced in the Stranger Things landscape, and it becomes difficult to see what a happy ending for him might actually look like.
How Jonathan Should Die In Stranger Things 5
A guilt-ridden Jonathan could heroically step up to the plate and save another character at the expense of his own life - likely either Will or Nancy. When that Stranger Things moment comes, Jonathan could dramatically tell Steve to take care of everyone left. Not only would this redeem Jonathan after his missteps in Stranger Things season 4, it would allow Nancy and Steve's romance to continue without any awkward dumping scene or infidelity.
Jonathan became Nancy and Steve’s plot device in Stranger Things. Because of Jonathan, Nancy discovered her love for investigative journalism, while Steve’s heartbreak taught him to become a better person. Additionally, Jonathan’s main purpose in the story is as Will’s failed protector. Considering season 4 hinted that Will will be in more danger than ever throughout Stranger Things season 5, it makes sense that Jonathan would sacrifice himself for his brother's sake. Alternatively, the growing love between Nancy and Steve could prompt Jonathan to let their happily-ever-after happen at the cost of his own life.