Even after eight hours spent with the folks of Hawkins, Indiana, the vast majority of Netflix subscribers were left pining for more once the credits rolled on Stranger Things.
Teasing cliffhangers only amplified that longing, of course, though if there’s one character who got short shrift during the inaugural season, it’s Barbara. Pulled into the Upside-Down much like Will before her, the fan-favorite became a point of discussion when series creators Matt and Ross Duffer spoke with IGN.
We should warn you before you proceed that the discussion veers into spoiler territory fairly quickly.
[zerg]While the disappearance of Will very much underpins Stranger Things season 1, those of you who have watched the entire eight episodes will know that Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) stumbles upon Barb’s body in that alternate dimension after she was abducted by the marauding demogorgon.
Sadly, that means the character’s fate is set in stone, and Matt Duffer himself quashed hopes of Barb’s return by stating, “I can’t see it happening.” But don’t fret just yet; there may well be room in season 2 to offer justice for Barb.
But Barb will not be forgotten. We’ll make sure there’s some justice for Barb. People get very frustrated, understandably, that the town doesn’t seem to be really dealing with Barb. That stuff is all happening. We’re just not spending any screen time on it. It’s not like her parents are like ‘Oh Barb left. She died!’ Season One actually takes place over the course of six or seven days – it’s a really short period of time. So part of what we want to do with hypothetical Season 2 is to explore the repercussions of everything that happened.
Outside of Nancy, few of Hawkins’ residents even notice that Barb had vanished – her parents included – so fans can at least take solace knowing that the character will get a proper send-off if and when Netflix renews Stranger Things for an additional season.