Stranger Things 4 Finale Finally Fixed The Show's Lucas Problem

WARNING! This post contains SPOILERS for Stranger Things season 4.

Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin) was truly able to shine with his own storyline in Stranger Things season 4, which finally fixed a repeated issue with the character. Among the younger character group of the Stranger Things main cast, Lucas has had a remarkably compelling development over the first four seasons. While he has always been an integral member of the “party,” it wasn’t until Stranger Things season 4 that Lucas had his own much-deserved personal storyline separated from the other kids.

Stranger Things season 4 begins with Lucas facing a dilemma between wanting to be popular with the basketball team and remaining loyal to his ostracized best friends in Hawkins High’s D&D club. When Eddie Munson is accused of murdering Chrissy Cunningham, Lucas is still running around with the jock bullies, but soon abandons them to help Dustin, Steve, Nancy, Robin, and Max. Lucas’ story then takes a life of its own as he dedicates himself to supporting Max (Sadie Sink) as she’s targeted by Vecna, which includes physically overpowering Jason at a crucial moment only for Max to briefly die in his arms.

Not only did Caleb McLaughlin give one of the most gut-wrenching performances of Stranger Things during Max’s death scene, but he was also able to exhibit a wider range of Lucas’ personality and struggles during season 4. Lucas had never received such an impressive showcase during Stranger Things as he did in season 4, which refreshingly fixes the problem of the character always being important, but rarely having enough to do in the major storylines. Lucas’ story in Stranger Things season 1 largely involved him rejecting Eleven from the group, season 2 saw him falling for Max and inviting her into the group, and season 3 primarily depicted his off-and-on relationship with Max while trying to help Mike through his breakup with Eleven. Rather than being given another small side story that doesn’t allow Lucas or McLaughlin to show their full potential, Stranger Things season 4 gave the character a long-awaited focus that validated his personal struggles and finally highlighted him as a major hero in the supernatural story.

Lucas Had One Of The Best Storylines In Stranger Things 4

While Stranger Things season 4 can be considered Max’s big season, her story was improved by a deeper examination of her relationship with Lucas. At the encouragement of Lucas, both characters were able to elicit more vulnerability and go through a dire life-and-death situation together rather than Max traversing it alone. Out of all of the Stranger Things season 4 storylines, Lucas’ was one of the most consistent in its significance to the larger plot. Even though his storyline with Jason and the basketball players in the first few episodes of Stranger Things season 4 felt too drawn-out, this was largely due to the unnecessary focus on the side players over Lucas himself.

In the end, Lucas’ struggles culminated in the heartbreaking, show-stopping moment in which he screams and sobs as Max dies, with McLaughlin even improvising his agonizing line “Erica, help!” Perfectly capturing the desperation and helplessness of the moment for a character who is always sure of himself, the Stranger Things season 4 finale was an unusually emotional journey for Lucas, which proved to be the most compelling route for his character yet. Lucas’ storyline in season 4 also suggests his prominence won’t be removed in season 5, as he’s apt to take the lead on the mission to help return Max’s consciousness. Each of the other main Stranger Things characters in the younger group – Mike, Dustin, Will, Eleven, and Max – has had their personal journey showcased in the series, with Lucas finally receiving his spotlight in season 4.

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