The second season of Stranger Things gifted fans with one of television’s most unlikely and heartwarming pairings: the budding mentorship between the quirky, science-obsessed Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) and the formerly aloof “king” of Hawkins, Steve Harrington (Joe Keery). While this relationship became a staple of the series, many viewers felt the magic lost some of its luster during the show’s final season. Fortunately, the new animated spinoff, Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85, breathes new life into the duo, reminding us exactly why this unconventional bromance was so beloved in the first place.
In the show’s early days, the pair seemed like oil and water. Dustin was a lovable nerd, while Steve was the archetypal popular jock with the perfect hair. However, their paths converged when both were grappling with feelings of abandonment and self-doubt—Dustin reeling from social rejection, and Steve navigating the messy aftermath of his breakup with Nancy. What emerged from this collision was a refreshingly sincere, no-nonsense friendship that became the emotional bedrock for much of the series.
By the time we reached the fifth season, the narrative forced a wedge between the two. The grief surrounding Eddie’s tragic death caused a rift, but the friction often felt forced, serving the plot rather than the characters’ organic growth. The Duffer Brothers seemingly pulled them apart only to reassemble them for the sake of emotional beats. This is exactly why witnessing their reunion in the fourth episode of Tales from ‘85 feels like a nostalgic breath of fresh air; it captures the effortless, genuine camaraderie that fans have missed.
The episode wastes no time, throwing the pair into a classic 80s-inspired predicament. After a narrow escape from a botanical horror, Steve and a wandering Dustin cross paths, sparking a spontaneous team-up. Watching them brainstorm an escape plan—which includes a hilarious sequence involving a bicycle ride and a repurposed refrigerator truck—is a joy. Despite the change in medium and the presence of new voice talent, the quintessential banter and mutual reliance remain intact.
Though Steve is only featured in this specific installment, his presence anchors what is arguably the series’ strongest outing. Whether or not the animation receives a renewal, this standalone adventure stands as a perfect tribute to the heart of Hawkins. For those of us who felt that the original series drifted away from what made these characters tick, this episode is a necessary and delightful course correction.
Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85 is currently streaming on Netflix.
Source: Polygon
