Matt and Ross Duffer open up about Stranger Things season 5 and Nancy's love triangle. The Stranger Things character is used to upheavals in her romantic life. In season 1 of the popular sci-fi show, Nancy pursues a relationship with Joe Keery's character Steve and ends up with him despite bonding with Charlie Heaton's Jonathan. In season 2 however, she and Jonathan slowly kindle a romance after her messy breakup with Steve. In the most recent season of the series, Nancy and Jonathan's physical distance begins to equate to an emotional distance. At the same time, she and Steve must work together in Hawkins and she witnesses firsthand how much her old beau has matured.
Though season 4 just wrapped up in early July, there are already talks about Stranger Things season 5, which is confirmed to be the show's final one. With plenty of storylines to wrap up as well as a confirmed time jump and hints that season 1’s character groupings will return, the Internet has been ablaze with theories. Development of the final season is slated to begin in the first week of August, so more information is sure to be forthcoming. For now, the showrunners and main cast have responded to some comments about where the season might go, as well as confirming that they know where it all ends. In a show that often boasts of having something for everyone and enjoys paying tribute to the movies of the '80s, including their love triangles, those rooting for Nancy and Jonathan may have a few surprises in store.
In an interview with TVLine, the Duffer brothers were asked whether they are "Team Jonathan" or "Team Steve" leading up to Stranger Things season 5. Here's what they said:
Ross: We love all the characters so much, it’s hard to choose. The last time Nancy really spent time with [Steve] was the first couple episodes of Season 2, where he was a very different person. That was pre even his bromance with Dustin, so the Steve that Nancy knew and spent time with is not the Steve that we have all come to know and love.
Matt: Steve has grown immensely, as has Nancy, so what happens when you add that on top of the fact that she and Jonathan [were] separated by such distance?
While Steve's character growth has been praised immensely among viewers of the show, it's true that his previous on-screen love interest hasn't had many interactions with the person he became. This shows that Steve's growth was genuine and not fueled by an attempt to earn back Nancy's favor. However, it's clear in season 4 that he harbors feelings for his ex, and their chemistry cannot be denied. Where does this leave Jonathan? Throughout season 4, Nancy is shown to be ambitious, pushing forward in her career and making attempts at closure in her personal life. Jonathan on the other hand expresses feeling stuck and seems to be devolving at some points in the season. Though he deserves a much-needed break from the pressures he has faced, perhaps he and Nancy have simply outgrown each other in their time apart.
Regardless of what happens, the Duffer brothers’ comments confirm that they only have the best interests of the characters at heart. Whether Nancy ends up with her old flame, rekindles her bond with her current boyfriend, or even decides to take on the next chapter of her life solo, it's sure to be based on a respect for the character’s trajectory rather than being a love triangle for the sake of it. With all the high-stakes storylines left to resolve within the Stranger Things universe, the romance between the older teens may not seem particularly significant. But for those who have connected with Nancy's story of balancing independence with vulnerability, season 5 is sure to provide a satisfying conclusion to her arc (just not without some drama first).
Source: TVLine