It's hard to remember that Steve Harrington was once one of the least likable characters in Stranger Things. In the first season of the hit sci-fi Netflix show, Steve is the King of Hawkins High and Nancy Wheeler's boyfriend. He plays an antagonistic role especially during his scenes with Johnathan Byers until his late-season redemption.
Steve became a fan-favorite character in season two after striking up a surprising friendship with Dustin Henderson. He has become one of Stranger Things' most beloved and iconic characters - but there are still things about Steve 'The Hair' Harrington that puzzle us. Here are ten things about Steve that make no sense.
Where Are His Parents?
Steve Harrington's parents haven't been featured in all three seasons of Stranger Things. Fans have met the parents of other Hawkins teenagers such as Nancy, Johnathan, and Billy Hargrove, but Steve's mother and father have only been mentioned in passing and never actually portrayed on-screen.
Steve's house has been featured in the show but Mr. and Mrs. Harrington have not. Steve speaks disparagingly of his father several times, including telling Robin that his father refused to let him work at his company "to teach [him] a lesson."
His Lack Of Friends
Steve is generally a likable guy. During the beginning of Stranger Things, he is said to be the most popular person in school and nicknamed 'King Steve.' However, despite his status he is only really shown hanging out with Tommy and Carol, resulting in his isolation after their fall-out.
It doesn't make sense that Steve wouldn't have at least one other friend his age besides Nancy after falling out with Tommy and Carol. Luckily for the former jock, he befriends his Scoops Ahoy co-worker Robin in season three and finally finds the friend he needs.
His Struggle With The Ladies
Season three of Stranger Things portrayed a Steve Harrington that had irrefutably fallen from grace. Working at Scoops Ahoy with no career prospects, Steve struggles to talk to girls and has seemingly lost all of the previous charm and charisma that made him popular.
It is a bit odd that Steve has become a complete disaster in the dating department. Although his social status has taken a blow, Steve is still a great guy who was able to charm and flatter his way to the top of the hierarchy at Hawkins High.
Fighting The Demodogs
Steve proved in the show's second season that he is one of the bravest characters in the series. After Dustin enlists his help taking care of Dart, Steve takes on a pack of Demodogs after volunteering himself as bait to lure the creatures out.
Steve's bravery is one of his most defining and admirable traits. He is fiercely protective of his friends and willing to put himself in harm's way to help them - even if it means taking on a Demodog.
His Bad Luck In Fights
A running joke in Stranger Things is Steve Harrington's inability to win a fight. Steve gets beat up by Johnathan in season one and in season two is brutally beaten up again by Max's bullying stepbrother Billy after defending Lucas Sinclair.
Steve has a moment to shine in season three after he knocks out a Russian guard, with Dustin proudly proclaiming "you won a fight!" His success is short-lived, however, as he and Robin find themselves captured and drugged by the soldiers later on.
Blaming Himself For His Break-Up With Nancy
It was clear to viewers that Nancy and Steve were never going to work out because, as Murray points out in season two, she didn't love Steve. Nancy shared a connection with Johnathan and the two have more in common, so her break up with Steve was no surprise.
What is surprising is that Steve seemingly blames himself for his break-up with Nancy. He tells his ex-girlfriend that he is a better babysitter than a boyfriend, although it was Nancy who broke up with him and pursued a relationship with Johnathan.
His Babysitter Status
Steve becomes friends with Dustin in season two and subsequently becomes the Party's de facto babysitter, helping them infiltrate the tunnels and lure the Demodogs away from the Gate. He continues to help the kids in the show's third season, with Lucas' sister Erica accompanying the Scoops Troop on their mission.
It is unclear whether or not Steve is their official babysitter or whether the title is self-appointed. Hopper and Joyce never question his presence in the group and neither do the other parents in Hawkins.
His Future In Hawkins
The third season of Stranger Things ended with the Byers family and Eleven saying goodbye to the Party and leaving Hawkins for good. Steve could follow them in an upcoming season as there doesn't seem to be much left for him left in Hawkins.
Steve expected to stay in Hawkins with Nancy and work for his father's company but, as we see in season three, this doesn't happen. Steve's career and future in the town seem uncertain at the moment. It would make sense for his arc to end with him and Robin leaving town for good.
Trying To Bribe The Russian Soldiers With Ice Cream
This was a bold move if not a puzzling one. After Steve, Robin, Dustin, and Erica infiltrate the secret Russian base hidden underneath Starcourt Mall, the Scoops Ahoy workers are captured by soldiers. Steve is beaten up and attempts to bribe his way out of interrogation by offering his captors free ice-cream.
This was a desperate plea by Steve that was never going to work. It is a funny moment in an otherwise unpleasant scene.
His Relationship With Nancy
Steve and Nancy were cute but mismatched. Nancy shared much more chemistry with Johnathan and the two have more in common. Plus, as Murray stated in season two, they have "shared trauma."
Steve loved Nancy but he did not understand her. He tells Nancy to try and forget about Barb and move on with her life in the show's second season, although the Nancy Wheeler who fans know and love would never be content to sit out of an investigation.