Why Steve Harrington is the Best Character in Stranger Things

[@SilverYXU]

I just want to thank everyone who has watched the video. When I made it I only had 4 subscribers and never expected it be seen by so many people. The support and encouragement I have seen in the comments has been overwhelming and I appreciate them all. It makes me really happy to see that so many people have enjoyed the video. Thanks again for everything.

[@Fazzberry_Editz]

Apparently we all love Steve!

[@theonlysinoda]

Keep at it!

[@jaxx1360]

He didn’t die

[@mobylobster]

wtf u have 1k now

[@RadicalSquidward]

This comment got you my sub. Your video was really in depth and well done and I hope you continue to make more content after this.

[@Insipid42]

The fandom season 1: "Nancy is too good for Steve" The fandom Season 4: "Steve is too good for Nancy"

[@jeremiahscott2032]

I said that in the beginning 😂😂😂

[@maanasbagguAIIMSK]

Steve is way too good for anyone

[@KLawrence-mn7gh]

Yep. I reached that conclusion too

[@that_tall_guy7437]

Brah fr 😂

[@blakeallen391]

Season 2 Steve is too good for Nancy

[@krystalmary1985]

I never saw Steve as a bad guy. His self centered moments just made him a believable teen to me. Favorite character since season 1.

[@thornprick2645]

That's also what makes Nancy a believable teen to me, but ik a lot of people who don't like her character.

[@krystalmary1985]

@@thornprick2645 I find her annoying at different places but I don't think she is all together unlikable. That's one of the best things about the show, there's a lot of people you find yourself rooting for

[@MyBitch925]

I like nancy her character growth from this normal teenager to this badass monster killing woman

[@likelyLuna]

THIS

[@ryanperez5457]

Least favorite season 1 character: Lucas.

[@_____4278]

his whole dream about having 6 kids and a big family makes sense now. since he’s always felt so alone and neglected, he wants to bring ppl into the world so they can have a chance at having what he never did

[@GentlemanMudkip]

I think the 6 aspect too is the company he has had around him the past couple years. Im sure like a lot of people, the idea of kids, or atleast a lot of kids, is a turn off for a lot of people as a hassle. But for steve, he's essentially helped raise and babysit all this grown kids, in such a weird time in history with invadian russians, supernatural forces and a whole other world trying to take over. That he see's himself fit to be able to have that if the moment presents itself. and like you said as well, gives a chance to provide that which his own family couldnt do for him, happiness and acceptance of who you are.

[@icarenotreally]

i think it just goes to show how even though he gets frustrated with it sometimes, under the surface, "babysitting" is actually the most fulfilling thing in his life. he is naturally a protector, as we saw even back in season 1. he has this instinct to lead and protect and wants to do so with people he loves. he wants a large family just like the one he has now in hawkins, he just also wants a partner to babysit with him.

[@cee-ho]

I think part of it is also how he was a single child, and loved being the big brother for Dustin, so he wants his kids to have those siblings

[@thrashmetalmatters4678]

The six kids represents Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, Eleven, and Max

[@zionkaushagen1228]

Could’ve told me he was the best at the beginning and I would’ve agreed

[@OFB_skates]

No one talking about how Steve tried to get in Nancy's pants by pretending to help her study, and the minute she showed the slightest hesitation, he backed off and actually helped her study. That's when I new he was a good dude. No pressure, no mind games, just respect.

[@SnowDreamFlake]

Also no one is talking about how he bought jonathan a new camera after destroying it and wanted to be sure nancy gave him the camera by asking her. It was the moment I knew he was a good dude.

[@wizzlem1615]

she actually said no five times before he stopped, but okay

[@nestoisjustbored1525]

@@wizzlem1615 😐

[@MasterMike_]

@@wizzlem1615 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MrEvldreamr]

@@wizzlem1615 sometimes it takes more than 1 no. Ima be honest, i think nancy is a worse person than steve.... at the very least shes a cheater

[@damiancenteno9829]

The infamous bat flip before he bonks the demagorgon is such a badass moment

[@onlygood222]

The cinematography was so incredible with that

[@harrypotter7652]

timestamp?

[@Reaper._.Z-Z]

@@harrypotter7652 Season 1 Final Episode Idk The exact time on the ep or video

[@Reaper._.Z-Z]

@@harrypotter7652 7:54

[@tracylmax]

When you're a kid they always tell you: in an emergency, look for the helpers. It's ingrained deep inside of us to love Steve. He is the ultimate helper, the protector of young, the keeper of most excellent hair. He has all the qualities we want and want on our side. I really hope he gets his reward. He deserves that dream of fatherhood. At the very least, he deserves to make it to adulthood.

[@johannefb]

"the keeper of most excellent hair" lmao

[@meltedprincess]

@@johannefb His hair is amazing which is why I'm disappointed every time I see him with it cut short in between seasons lol

[@DreamgirlBlue]

Just not with Nancy cuuuuz let's be honest here, he deserves WAYY better.

[@lakkpom]

@@DreamgirlBlue Agreed. I headcanon him as bisexual but even if he's canonically straight, I would rather him get with ANYONE other than Nancy again. I disliked her from the beginning so I'm kinda biased but their relationship was never going to work out from the very beginning.

[@awkawkawkx]

Steve really is great helper and support. Even in one game (dead by daylight) where you can play As Steve, they gave him one unique skill "Babysitter/Guardian" xD even in the game they made him a great support character

[@unthoughtanomaly387]

I really want to see Steve and Hopper tag team a monster next season.

[@ahhh4117]

I want them to have an Andy Dwyer&Ron Swanson dynamic, like for me that'd be everything

[@BrunetteGiant]

Ouuuuuu that’s actually a dynamic I never knew I needed until now

[@turtletank4784]

@@ahhh4117 As someone who has never seen an episode of "Parks and Recreation" I'm going to need you to explain that to me

[@ahhh4117]

@@turtletank4784 goofy himbo and the rough-around the edges guy who is prepared for literally any situation

[@turtletank4784]

@@ahhh4117 Which one would be which in this scenario?

[@thurstarca4995]

COOL FACT: The Duffer Brothers, originally, were planning on killing him off in the first season finale, but let him live because they were impressed by Joe Keery's portrayal to the character and made him a better script and eventually gave him a better character arc in future seasons 💯

[@posthawk1393]

Whew, that was close!

[@misteruncanny]

Wish they did that with Eddie tho

[@velvetthunder6213]

​@@misteruncanny and bob and maybe alexi

[@serayvlogs]

@@misteruncanny and Benny!

[@Picked_toez]

Yeah I read he was supposed to originally rpe Nancy but Joe was like nope!😶

[@kingleonidas2182]

Honestly I love how Stranger Things often gives the bully characters real motivations. Like Jason clearly wanting to find Eddie because of how obvious the murder would have been in a normal series.

[@subscribetomeplease]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-udnuYj8mnrdk

[@sambreyer7344]

Jason wasn’t really a bully tbh. He’s just a broken guy who wants justice. He tells his friends to shut up when they start acting like pricks too

[@kingleonidas2182]

@@sambreyer7344 I agree wholeheartedly. But the bully characters have been a reoccurrence for the series and he fit into it more than anything else when I wrote that.

[@ARandomGuy24]

@@kingleonidas2182 I like the subtle aspect of Jason calling Mason an asshole after he insulted his basketball team. He could have called him a freak which you would do with a bully character (which he does no doubt think of Mason as) but by calling him an asshole it kinda implies something more than a bully. Like a bully wouldn't see this weird kid as an asshole but as a guy to be picked on. It kinda establishes that he kinda sees himself as the guy in the right foreshadows his spiral instead of just a guy picking on a nerd.

[@nooooooooope3809]

Except that bitch who bullied El. She totally had that skate to the face coming.

[@MrMcp1995]

When Robin came out to Steve in a moment of incredible trust and vulnerability, did he judge her for being a lesbian? No. He judged her for her bad taste in women. Be like Steve.

[@skibiditoiletgyattrizzy]

remember when steve called jonathan a little screw up and a queer (which was an insult in the 80s) that wasnt a very #supportiveally moment of him was it?

[@lucyy.k06]

Let’s not forget he called Jonathan a queer (which was a slur in the 80s) sure he’s changed, but he bullied Jonathan for it and he also nearly outed Robin to Nancy in s4 “I would date her if she was stra-“

[@lucyy.k06]

@@skibiditoiletgyattrizzy I agree with you

[@MrMcp1995]

@@skibiditoiletgyattrizzy Whoa, it's like he went through... character development and became a better person or something. Crazy right?

[@skibiditoiletgyattrizzy]

@@MrMcp1995 not really tbh. idk if you realize but he did almost out robin as a lesbian

[@Terra-Hawk]

After seeing this video it makes me believe they created Eddie purposely so they didn't have to kill off Steve. They needed a stand in for Dustin so Steve could be safe. But jeez Eddie's character was so god damn epic. I wish he could have lived but I guess Hawkins would never believe he wasn't the killer. Rip Eddie

[@wendychen2419]

The part with Dustin's talk with Eddie's uncle broke my heart - how he risked his life and died for the town that hates him. Volume 2 had me ugly crying throughout the episode for sure!

[@theanimefan00]

As you start to watch Volume 2, the very first words of Eddie already give you red flags about his fate. People, who say things in movies like "I'm not a hero..." with sutch an ambience, will surely become one. "This is my year... I will graduate" is just like characters in movies saying "I have 2 months until my retirement..."

[@raesk6811]

They’ll probably bring him back since they haven’t wrote the script for the next szn and everybody loves Eddie

[@deprivedofeverything-_-yt4467]

@@raesk6811 just no lol

[@connormcpherson2546]

@@sorentramell8609 Bro if you actually cared enough about the show you would've watched the episodes by now.

[@LOUPENEDITS]

Steve is the perfect case of hanging out and being influenced with the wrong people, and reflecting their behavior onto to others. When he starts hanging with Dustin and Robin he really reflects his true nature, of being a really good person at heart.

[@parknplay8328]

To be honest I think constantly being worried about Steve dying was one of the things that has made the last few seasons of Stranger Things so intense for me. It's so obvious that the tropes point to him dying that every time he's in any bit of danger I just go "oh god oh god oh god", which even with other characters I really like such as Hopper, I never felt that way about.

[@laurocoman]

He survived season 4, but hia death is very possible in the next one. There is some heavy foreshadowing on Will's part and his link with all the supernatural beings from the Upside Down, he was the one trapped in there for the longest time. If the next season is the last one, it feels very fitting to have Will kidnapped again and having the rescue party a second time. And we all know who will be in the first line of that party.

[@venturacogrown6140]

yeah they always put him an inch away from death at some point in all the seasons and I got so worried O-O

[@BertockLeg]

​@@venturacogrown6140for me is quite the opposite. It is clear that the writers don't want any of the main characters to die. Once you realize that the only characters that have ever died are not the main chracters or they were introduced at most a season earlyer, the tension kinda drops

[@l4cunaz]

@@BertockLegyeah i think the duffer brothers have spoken abt how they really hate killing characters off and don’t wanna harm the main characters, but honestly i wouldn’t put it past them to not let some of them survive the entire series and kill some people off in the last season, which makes me so worried for steve 😭

[@Tyler_W]

​@@laurocomanI completely agree that Will's connection to the Upside-Down is going to be exploited, but making Will the "damsel in distress" again, so to speak, would be much too derivarive of not just the first season, but derivative of the first two seasons, albeit in different ways. When he's a prominent character, Will us great, but he's never really been an active participant in his own story except for when he was assisting others solve the mystery or when he was being manipulated and coerced by the Mindflayer (who in turn was being directed by Vecna). Will's final story Arc needs to involve him claiming his own agency over ever his life in spite of everything that's been done to him. That could be a great source of connection and understanding between Will and El. Perhaps Will even willingly dies in order to save his loved ones as a kind of role reversal. I think the youngest characters are all gonna survive (even Max, albeit disabled now) with the possible exception of Will and El. The story began with them, amd it makes total sense if they end th le story woth them too.

[@jittercritter]

The fact that Steve has explained his ideal future makes me REALLY NERVOUS bc often that means the character in question won’t actually get one, or their ideal future will go horribly wrong somehow. I don’t want anything to happen to my boy 🥺

[@dianarusnov292]

THIS. People don't realize this. I don't think my heart can take a Steve death.

[@adi_Iastname]

part of me thinks they did that just because they heavily hinted at the possibility of her and steve getting back together in season 4. however, at the end of vol. 2 you could definitely still see the chemistry between nancy and jonathan when they see each other again, so you could be 100% right about steve not getting his family the way he wants but not dying. (you’re probs right about him dying tho, i just don’t wanna lose steve :’()

[@jittercritter]

@@adi_Iastname Oh I definitely think you’re onto something too! Wether or not Steve and Nancy actually do get back together, it’s undeniable that they’re pushing the love triangle again

[@mikloridden8276]

Right? They set him up to die this season but held off.

[@shuraito]

oh its definitely ah death flag right there. like so many before it but they are so aware of it. i dont think that he will die anymore. i have the feeling that it might be jonothan who will die. my thoughts were and i was really afraid of it:"he will die in season 4 or he will never do it"

[@geronimus4288]

Steve was 100% justified in breaking his camera, Jonathan was a HUGE creep in the first season, and honestly he shouldn't have gotten the girl in the first place in season 2

[@thesecondderivative8967]

THANK YOU. No one talks about how creepy that was. I never liked Jonathan and Nancy's relationship. I just stopped hating it in Season 3.

[@idealistic6440]

i honestly agree. i was always confused how jonathan got off the hook after literally taking unconsenual pics of nancy. it always bugged me.

[@potatozinc]

The worst part is when he ARGUES WITH NANCY HERSELF AND SHE HAS TO DEFEND STEVE! If I was her I would have been the defensive one not allowed him to be defensive to me. Huge red flags.

[@fionagreen5598]

Low key, no one talks about the fact that Nancy full on cheated on Steve in season 2. I know Steve wasn't angry, but I'm angry on his behalf. He deserves better.

[@peachiechu]

exactly this.

[@thornprick2645]

I rewatched season 1 the other day. I felt like Barb said 'this isn't you' because Nancy was being selfish towards her, more than the fact that she doesn't approve of Steve. She invited her to a 'party' that Barbara didn't want to go to in the first place, then didn't help her when she cut her hand, then essentially forgot about her and told her to go home so she could have sex with Steve. She also made her park like three blocks away so Barb would have had to walk three blocks at night by herself during a time when people are nervous about their kids and teens being out on their own. Barb originally seemed to prefer parking at Steve's house or dropping Nancy off. I would have been pissed if I were Barb, too.

[@TheFandomGirlCreations]

And people say Steve was the only one being a jerk in s1 now that I think about Nancy was pretty flawed herself. I feel so bad for barb.

[@NoConsequenc3]

@@TheFandomGirlCreations Nancy is a shithead from day 1, you can see it in how she treats her family. Bitch of a teen, that one

[@dawhandaonli5925]

Y’all know what I want more than anything for Steve? I want Steve to be Hawkins next sheriff. At the very least have the show end with him becoming a deputy. There really is no one in Hawkins more qualified to take over Hopper’s role as the Hero of Hawkins.

[@dawnboyd1384]

This is a fantastic idea! Kudos to you sir!

[@flavinhofortino8483]

Not sure about it... he's brave and protective, but not as smart as a sheriff needs to be. I'm rewatching the first season and man... Hopper did some neat investigation.

[@keegan.j1321]

@@flavinhofortino8483 well yeah he could go thru that necessary growth while on his way to sheriff. There’s a middle to the story too lol

[@DayDreamsofaStranger]

There was a fanfic that actually explore this idea! Sort of! I don't really like much fanfic from this fandom, but it was a neat look at his character

[@JHowesitgoing123]

Idk about Sheriff, he's a bit young, but seeing him pursuing a law enforcement job would be a nice bookend to his character, and some romantic resolve as well. (With Nancy or somebody else).

[@dylanmiller2163]

I had a fight with my friends about this. I told them since season 1 he's been a good dude but has been hanging out with the wrong people. they're like "oh you're switching up and he was a creep". since when. if it's the bedroom thing. she told him to turn around and Jonathan is the one who was the creep. he snuck on HIS PROPERTY and took pictures, the camera thing was the act of protection of nance. so I don't know why they're like this. but they are just dumb

[@shahanahsan05]

EXACTLY!!!! he was kinda douchy but the camera thing was definitely justified + your friends are dumb

[@filmfangirls9163]

Yeah even before I liked him, I was on his side about the camera. Those pictures were wrong.

[@GabesEdtiz]

@@filmfangirls9163 I completely understood his reaction when it came to the whole camera situation. Do I think he handled it in the best way? No. Do I think his actions were understandable? 100%

[@filmfangirls9163]

@@GabesEdtiz totally!

[@Persephone_Personified]

@@GabesEdtiz yes yes YES (Meaning I agree with you)

[@Ispirazione_bardica]

I think his bond with the childrens in the latests seasons reflect also on the facts that he told Nancy he wants to have 6 childrens - Dustin, Mike, Will, Lucas, Max and Eleven are 6.

[@keegan.j1321]

@@aloe704 and the rest of the kids also have their own parents…? What’s ur point lol

[@Rezesko]

@@keegan.j1321 it's because he has grown attached to them he doesn't want to steal them away from their families he wants to raise his own kids with Nancy and bring him back to reminiscing about hanging out and protecting the 6 kids we know and love.

[@L0JP]

BARB!

[@k1ara981]

replace el with erica bc he never rlly took care of el he takes more care w erica

[@thesudricenginee]

@@k1ara981 I mean they barely interact in the show anyway, but still when he said those 6 I think he also meant El

[@aidanhughes5664]

The way he says "*Like* we're in love?" completely turned him around for me. His character arc and all certainly did good in his favor, but that was what made him one of my favorite characters, by showing the pain I his voice. Not to mention drugged up Steve in S3. Definitely the most entertaining scene of him.

[@KidFresh71]

The Russian interrogation scene is one of my favorite TV moments ever. "Scoops. Scoops Ahoy." Steve's delivery is just so perfect. I've rewatched that scene way too many times. Never fails to make me chuckle.

[@Erawk]

Not that he doesn't have more growth to experience, but I always felt that Steve's redemption arc concluded with his response to Robin coming out to him. His mature reaction was exactly what she needed at that point and it gives me goosebumps every single time I watch it.

[@andrealenze8161]

“Oh. Ohhh…” 😭😭😭

[@nazgulstew]

that was a nice scene, steve’s a great friend

[@thatgirlaj9539]

Like they just have a nice chill conversation, no further mention other than her crush at the time.

[@mike-cc3dd]

Cringe

[@Subpar1O1]

I liked Steve from the very start, his first scene was probably when I got interested in the show because I saw they were willing to subvert the "80's jock" trope and make him a genuinely nice guy, putting emphasis on his friends influencing his actions. Despite the writers trying to make Steve look like a bad guy, he's actually portrayed as a more realistic character than most others in ST. Of course he would break Jonathan's camera, from his perspective the quiet kid that everybody thinks is weird has been caught taking pictures of his house from the bushes. And the fact he went to apologise to Nancy and Jonathan was great, he's one of the more "human" and relatable characters

[@jenn.9868]

Likewise. I remember when I first watched Stranger Things, I was told Steve is a total arsehole. I saw it completely different, he was a nice guy thoroughout, even despite smashing Jonathan's camera. I mean, that could have been handled differently, but can anyone blame him? when a creepy dude starts taking photos of his girlfriend and lingering around his house. Glad the Duffer Brothers didn't go with their original plan of off-ing Steve in the first season, I couldn't imagine it without him.

[@djgaben6187]

If my memory is correct, didn't Steve also buy Jonathan a new camera at the end of the season? I remember him asking Nancy if he liked the gift (or got it).

[@jenn.9868]

@@djgaben6187yes he did, he bought him a replacement for Christmas.

[@oliveb5768]

Yes and this is why I love stranger things! Joe Keerys performance of Steve is so subversive and nuanced and it makes the show that much more interesting and enjoyable to watch.

[@wxldfl4wer850]

I have never read more Bs in one comment, yea i bet you did like Steve's character the moment you say him skipping to make out with nancy in the bathroom, or when he snuck into Nancy's room to try to take advantage of her, and that's not even the tip of the iceberg but Yea ALWAYS been a good guy. Literal idiot.

[@justaguy2182]

Not only did Steve get one hell of a redemption arc, he’s also a tough guy. He takes a lot of abuse throughout the series and dishes a lot back. I respect him for putting in the work to change.

[@BlazingOwnager]

I would legitimately watch an Adventures of Steve show set in the 90s after Stranger Things is done. He seems like a character that could quite easily adapt to a 90s aesthetic.

[@spirittammyk]

I would love to see a Stranger Things version of The X-Files with Steve and Robin in the lead.

[@mikloridden8276]

Where he moves into LA and gets shot up by the bloods, that would be crazy!

[@kpaxian6044]

@@spirittammyk I love this idea!

[@kaygee313]

@@mikloridden8276 I love this idea.!

[@reo_1907]

@@spirittammyk yes so much YES

[@JHemp12]

Steve has had the most character growth on the show by far. He was at his best when they got him away from Nancy and paired him with Robin and Dustin. I think Nancy drags the character down big time. Season 4 paired them together too much, i'm hoping in season 5, they don't make Steve spend half the season chasing after Nancy again. Dustin is another great character although I think in his case, it's mostly the actor. The kid always makes everyone else in the scene with him shine.

[@spirittammyk]

Agreed. I want to see Steve teamed up with Hopper.

[@NALBilge]

@@spirittammyk yes! I would love this, I'd like to see Steve be the glue between the kids and the adults. Bow don't get me wrong I love babysitter Steve, but he Is just such an amazing character and I'd love to see him team up with the older members of the cast. I'd love to see one big fight where everybody teams up as one big family and kills vecna. And then they all have a party and each share their stories over the last 5 seasons, now maybe that sounds really cheesy but I'd personally love it.

[@biazacha]

@@spirittammyk he and Hop have such a similar role and s4 really bring home how incompetent the police force became without him around… they having a moment and that culminating with Steve eventually turning sheriff himself would be a great closure to his character arc.

[@spirittammyk]

@@biazacha Agreed. It would be perfect. Right now, he literally has no direction in life. It's looking like right now he is just doing random jobs because his father told him to do that to get some life experience under his belt, and then after about 5 years he expects to work at his father's company. But I'd love it if Hopper gave Steve and Robin roles as deputies since they both did a damn good job at looking out for the town against Russian invaders and this creep. If anyone failed, it was Nancy. She should have gone for the head.

[@loregasmic]

They're probably going to pair up Steve with Jonathan somehow, it's rarely been done because the show usually keeps them far away from each other and it would be interesting to see the two rivals that fought in Season 1 develop a kinship of their own in the final season. One of these two will sacrifice themselves, either Steve for Nancy or Jonathan for Will or Nancy, but more likely Will because I don't think the Mind Flayer/Vecna is done with him yet.

[@nenyeo6090]

I don't think he'll die this season. Season 5, however, will be fair game. If he dies, I'm rioting. Also, well thought out analysis on the amazing character, Steve Harrington.

[@matthewk4912]

Imagine if it was both Steve and Eddie that died, like a double-blow like how both Glenn and Abraham died in The Walking Dead.

[@AnimeinSession]

I think Nancy might die loool

[@sib9769]

As long as he dies saving the kids and not Nancy I'll be at peace lol.

[@Cloverxdemon]

Ngl I think theres gonna be way more deaths than we think... They keep eluding to time travel so there has to be a way to save those who are lost or something along those lines.

[@shadowbird5594]

@@matthewk4912 you just predicted a death

[@Marshmellow3971]

Eddie pointed out the heart of Steve’s character perfectly IMO. “Popular, rich parents, good with women, it’s impossible to believe you’re a good person.” The rich popular douche has been a trope for so long that people project it onto Steve, but really he was never a bad person. He made some mistakes, but that just makes him realistic/flawed.

[@NoConsequenc3]

the only shit steve really does wrong is call Jonathan a queer (homophobia) and be sexually pushy with Nancy at the beginning of season 1 (which, considering they are teens in the 80s makes sense, not that it makes it okay)

[@benitorobson9497]

I think another thing I love about Steve is how he was in the fights. In the season 1 fight against Jonathan, Steve was momentarily distracted trying to make sure the fight was even. The dude he was friends with tried to intervene and make it a 2 v 1, but Steve stopped what he was doing to get the other guy out of it. After that he lost. With his fight against Billy, he didn't do it for personal gain, but rather for Lucas. He just met those kids and he was still kicking ass to keep them safe (until Billy smashed the plate over his head).

[@ahhh4117]

My brother once told me never to start a fight unless you were okay dying for it

[@lilchaos9212]

The thing is that made me actually care about Steve from the get go is that he is also a kid, just like Mike, Will, Nancy... He's a teenager making mistakes that kids make but is never actually a bad guy. Him being rude to Jonathan makes sense when you learn in context that Jonathan was taking photos of Nancy (and of Steve himself I think? when they had sex?) without her consent. That was a creep move regardless if he was poor or not as advantaged at Steve or Nancy. Steve not liking Jonathan makes sense in that regard, as well as Jonathan obviously making moves on Nancy when she is still in a relationship with Steve.

[@kimberlywilmoth9184]

Jonathan NEVER made any moves on Nancy at all, even when he started having feelings for her, he was always there for her as a friend, and he treated her with the utmost respect. If anything, Nancy is the one who did Steve wrong. She let her feelings for Jonathan come between her and Steve, and she wasn't treating Steve with the love and respect he deserved. I'll never understand why a pro Steve post has to have a bunch of anti Jonathan comments. I mean, can the fans not like both of them? Because I sure as shit do. In fact, Steve and Jonathan (and Hopper) are my favorite characters and have been since season 1.

[@ImaginaryTiara]

@@kimberlywilmoth9184 that’s what I’m saying like , no one ever mentions Jonathan or has anything nice to say about him like ok cool Steve is great and amazing but so is Jonathan in his own way even with both of them making mistakes

[@cambricjimenez4882]

@@kimberlywilmoth9184 But that's why ultimately I love nancy too. I think Nancy and Steve are ultimately right for each other but it wasnt the right time. Nancy was so eaten up with guilt over not only Barbs death but knowing that her parents still had hope shed be found and bankrupting themselves over it. I think everytime she looked at Steve all she felt was that guilt. BUt at the end of the day both characters are willing to throw themselves into a hell of a lot of danger for their friends, the crib midgets and for each other.

[@pharaohavalon8566]

@@kimberlywilmoth9184 I expect this comment from a lady(no offense) but that nice guy helping you out knowing your in a relationship only giving advice ….. is only their till your boyfriend messes up. Plenty of guys ride the friend zone hoping for their chance and Nancy gave it to him.

[@kimberlywilmoth9184]

@@pharaohavalon8566 I get that, but Jonathan never gives off that kind of vibe. They were genuinely close friends for a long time.

[@narwolf1899]

Something I haven’t heard people talk much about is the way Steve in early season 2 was meant to parallel Ted Wheeler. In the first episode of the first season, when Mike is expressing his distress at the dinner table over Will’s disappearance, his dad just keeps on eating his chicken, clearly apathetic. So when Nancy is upset over Barb and leaves the Holland dinner in Season 2, the fact that Steve also just keeps eating (again, chicken, but I mean, it’s finger-lickin good 🤷‍♀️) is meant to parallel that scene. There’s also the moment earlier in that same episode where Steve talks about how he’ll probably just get a cushy job working for his dad, boring but with all those nice, safe adult world benefits. That echoes what we heard Nancy telling Jonathon about her parents in season 1, how her mom never really loved her dad, but married him because he had a stable job and good reputation. Then when they start arguing about Steve, Jonathon brings up that Nancy is actually on track to end up in the same kind of boring, depressing situation as her parents. Glad they dropped that, though, because there’s no way anyone would dare call our precious babysitter a boring one-time jock now.

[@markndlovu4124]

He wants 6 kids with Nancy... N still thinks Nancy would actually be interested in that

[@narwolf1899]

@@markndlovu4124 hehe, six lil nuggets XD

[@arpitamahanti5952]

@@narwolf1899 yeah right! This scene is beautiful. He is in no way going to end up as boring Mr Wheeler.

[@dezzydream]

i mean. steve is definitely still a jock but if dustin never annoyed him into going to find and kill dart with him then he never would have had the relationship with the younger characters that he does now and i think those are some of his strongest relationships, especially the brotherly relationship he has with dustin this show is just found family on crack

[@NathanielSnider1017]

@@narwolf1899 five nuggets and a vegetable

[@samjudapetersproductions735]

He’s such a great character because he doesn’t fit into the stereo typical archetypes he feels like a real person

[@Kai_Laddekricht]

Former bully / school jock turns into a hero is as stereotypical as it gets lmao but he's still a great character

[@Avis0123]

​@@Kai_Laddekricht Technically it's a bit different. It's not the bad tempered school bully that turns into a nice guy for a girl, because even from the first season it's visible that he's not that kind of person to begin with. He is a nice guy that has just surrounded himself with bad people and let them influence him. It's nice that the script writers didn't just choose the easy way out and just either killed him off or kicked him out as the bad guy. But yeah, it can still be seen as pretty stereotypical

[@breguera77]

I rewatched season 1 and I realized how Steve is purposely put in a bad light on purpose. He wasn’t a bad dude at all. Everything he did was pretty justified

[@areebarashid8584]

Yes and every single time he had a fight with Nancy he came back to apologize.Even when she called their relationship bullshit and Steve was clearly very hurt about it he still went to the her house to apologize.

[@BAustinize]

Except the part where he was kind of rapey...

[@areebarashid8584]

@@BAustinizeThere is no such thing as kind of rapey. Nancy told him to stop and he did.He was just like any other teenage boy eager to have sex but when Nancy was not into it he stopped.

[@ChrlzMaraz]

Purposely on purpose you say?

[@Grimpeh]

@@ChrlzMaraz I think he purposely wrote that on purpose

[@dracuzura]

I really like how steve doesn't have a great relationship with his father and so he tries his best eventually to be a better father/older brother figure for the kids. its really heartwarming!

[@jewelboxballerina]

Steve is like the Walking Dead's Daryl where you feel a relief whenever he survives something.

[@Nuneven]

My two favorite characters from two of my very favorite shows☺

[@adrianapignolo]

OMG you are right, Steve is the new Daryl!

[@wadewilson333]

You can track Steve’s transformation by his hair. Notice that it’s kind of flat at first. And it starts to get more volume to it later on. It’s got a lot of volume by the time he goes to the Byers house and fights the demogorgon. It’s practically bouncy at that point. And it’s stayed that way ever since. It’s like Steve’s hair is a physical representation of his awakening.

[@arjunchatla6917]

I agree 👍👍👍

[@ronielrpalomo7834]

So are you saying if Steve's hair gets better he gets stronger?

[@ErynRenee]

Using footage of Ben Schwartz as a stand-in while talking about Steve's dad was brilliant 😂

[@jungleju4936]

I was looking for this comment, I thought it was hilarious !

[@BigNavy8175]

Seriously man I fucking lost it

[@jpspitzersf]

I really loved that, but if season 5 finally features Steve's father I would love to see a gray hair David Hasselhoff as a disgusting lawyer or businessman.

[@shenanikenz]

Yes lol I was hoping this comment was here

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

It would be perfect casting for Ben to play Mr. Harrington. I always imagined him with a mustache too.

[@areebarashid8584]

What I loved the most was how chill he was about Nancy sleeping with Jonathan.Its pretty clear he was really hurt by her calling their relationship bullshit.Yet he went to her house to apologize and when he get to knew about Nancy and Jonathan he was just so cool about it.No drama ,no shouting ,no guilt tripping nothing.

[@Nuneven]

"I love you, I'm sorry. What the hell am I sorry for?"

[@kitkat2702]

I like how they didn't make Steve guilty of anything, thereby making Nancy's rather tactless break-up justified, it's just that Nancy and Steve were not a good fit and he realizes that when Dustin shows up. It was a really natural and plausible way for the relationship to end (like you said, "No drama") and I really hope Steve and Nancy don't get back together in s5.

[@60sbabydoll777]

@@kitkat2702 cheating isn't justified

[@28maitreyagupta21]

Robin is the best friend Steve could have asked for. You can easily see the both of them to bring out the best in each other.

[@BouncingTribbles]

Steve is the only one with a real character arc. For everyone else it was a crazy adventure they had to get through, Steve became a better person. Great video

[@Gotothelui]

Max has a realistic character arc. Yeah, they use supernatural effects to add excitement. But it's a very real arc based on grief, depression, and having somebody to lean on.

[@mrslundy1535]

I just think Steve has never been a bully or a problematic person. His only bad trait is the fact that he gets the shape of every group he is in. He was acting like a jerk when he was friends with bullies. He started enjoying stuff that Nancy enjoyed because he really was into her and he literally left his toxic friends just for her. That is actually an underrated action by him, since being around manipulative and toxicated people is very brainwashing and will make you feel like you're nothing without them. Steve actually willingly retired from being the popular spoiled kid which is also pretty hard to do. Steve seemed like he was the main character of his bully friend group but actually he was not the one in charge. He was invisibly controlled by his friends who were the real bullies. He looks confident, charismatic and charming, especially in the first two seasons, but he is actually very vulnerable and should be protected for all costs 😭😭

[@thegamingcook785]

Steve was never bad, he was just a dumb teenager who picked the wrong friends

[@bigben1081]

Steve has always been my favorite. I never saw him as much of a bully just a bit self absorbed and his character arc is one of the best in the show. I also think that one of the reasons he always tries to protect everyone is because it makes him feel like he has a purpose

[@kuivia]

OMG YES i'm so fucking tired of people calling steve a bully in s1 he literally wasn't maybe slightly douchy at times because of the wealth and his bad choice of friends but imagine someone taking photographs outside your bedroom of you and your partner having sex? imagine how insanely creepy that is

[@jonathank786]

Seriously can’t believe people actually took Jonathan’s side

[@kuivia]

@helena that's the dumbest thing i've ever heard, having sexual preference as a character arc

[@jonathank786]

@helena no

[@sam-bn3sm]

@helena bi steve would be nice but extremely unlikely since will is already gay and robin is lesbian. i doubt he would ever have a male love interest

[@kuivia]

@helena And you conveniently forget about his perspective.. If your partner kept you in the dark, was seen in their bedroom with the person who takes pictures of you and your partner having sex against your will and seemingly takes this other persons side I assume you'd be perfectly fine with that? We were not talking about who were right for Nancy but Steve is not at all the bully some people seem to think he was. Also I take it it's fine to photograph you nude against your will as long as I really like you?

[@darthsenpai]

I remember being so shocked that by S2 I was a huge Steve supporter. He was really becoming my favorite character. And then by S3 he had fully cemented himself as favorite. The beautiful depths of his characterization has been so thrilling to watch as it’s progressed. His relationship with his platonic soulmate Robin and his dad/brother dynamic with Dustin has been my favorite throughout the show. They are so important to him and it’s just so naturally written. I need all 3 to make it to the very end of this whole series. I just want them all to be so happy and live out their lives.

[@draughtoflethe]

I empathize hard with this entire comment. I think I spent the entirety of Season 2 pausing the show at random intervals to say, "Dammit, Steve, stop making me like you!"

[@naziatislam1149]

Steve makes me more concerned for his safety than I've ever been for anyone. Like not even myself. I sincerely wish that he gets to have a comfortable and happy life with Nancy and his twelve children (his six biological kids and the group) and never has to stop being the absolute legend he is.

[@Mally620]

I hope he finds someone better than Nancy

[@rougestarlight4308]

Nah, he and Nancy ain't gonna work, let Nancy be with Jonathan and Steve find real love w/ someone who wants to have children

[@naziatislam1149]

@@rougestarlight4308 I like both ships so I won't really mind which becomes endgame. But I don't think Steve and Nancy would be a bad idea, I'd actually like it. But it's fine if you don't think so. Agree to disagree

[@naziatislam1149]

@Gojo Śhine True. Which is why I really don't mind whether Steve ends up with Nancy or not. But if he's happy with her, it'd be okay

[@roaaoife8186]

Nancy is someone who has a strong focus on her future and career, and all her romantic relationships are secondary to that. That's not a bad thing, but Steve approaches his relationships whole-heartedly, and it would be a very unbalanced relationship, with him always giving more than her.

[@thecollectergreat9445]

Personally, I believe Steve's death would not look the best at this point of the show. It's too late now, if he had to pass away then; he should have died earlier. Dustin idolises Eddie and Steve and won't allow Steve to suffer the same fate as Eddie, who died in his arms. He would give up his life for Steve to fulfil his fanatical dream of having six children.

[@thebigblippity5221]

100% if Steve also dies then Dustin won’t have anybody… it will absolutely destroy him

[@kenichiwaaa]

my take is Steve was meant to die this season, but the Duffer Bros changed their minds and decided to save him for the last season. They let Eddie take Steve's place instead. The gang has a lot of members now, and adding Eddie would complicate the story even more. I still quite unsure about Argyle's role, probably just a mean for Jonathan, Will and Mike's ride to Suzie and then to Eleven. No hate for him though, he is cool and fun.

[@thecollectergreat9445]

@@kenichiwaaa Eddie dying is so predictable because every ST season features a nice character passing away in the same season (Barb, Bob, Alexie, Eddie, Jason, Chrissy.....) Steve was originally going to die in Season 1 when he battles Demogorgon, but they changed it (thank goodness).

[@Ispirazione_bardica]

he wants 6 childrens 'cause he's already enjoying taking care of 6 childrens- Dustin, Mike, Will, Lucas, Max and Eleven

[@axlm.808]

Imagine if, at the end of season five, everybody died except Steve? The pinnacle of irony

[@drizzo4669]

I made a list a few weeks ago of everyones role. Eleven - Magic User (has powers) Mike - Paladin (inspires group) Will - cleric (heals relationships) Lucas - Ranger (has good aim) Max - Thief (steals stuff, sneak attacks) Steve - Fighter (obviously) Dustin - Bard (vast knowledge & sings) Eddie - Bard (tells tales & musician) Nancy - Ranger/Rogue (good aim & crafty) Hopper - Barbarian/ Fighter (high pain tolerance & skilled with many weapons) Joyce - Cleric (shes a healer) Murray- Monk (black belt) Erica - Rogue ( crafty & Sneaky) Suzie - Artificer (smart & good with technology) They need more front line fighters and at least 1 more magic user to survive season 5.

[@centipedekid9824]

I got a surfer boys napkin and leftover slice of pizza take it or leave it

[@socialmoth4974]

Awesome!

[@joramjumawan3569]

Where’s Robin?

[@Gemnist98]

Come on, we all know Max is the Zoomer.

[@centipedekid9824]

@@Gemnist98 Unless its zooming into the ground Max isnt zooming anywhere

[@bojo07]

i’m glad you touched on it bc not a lot of ppl do: how incredibly iconic it is for Steve to not only accept Robin’s sexuality, but actively cares about her love life and keeps her secret IN THE 80’S 😭😭😭😭

[@mike-cc3dd]

Cringe

[@purplmastr37]

If Robin wasn't gay her character would be immensely better

[@rrk8779]

​@@purplmastr37Man, bait used to be believable

[@johnplaysyt5007]

Steve's always been a favourite of mine, even in s1, where most of the people were bashing at him for being a dick, I always liked him, it was obvious as hell that he didn't enjoy doing those horrible things, and it was all just peer pressure and the group of friends he hung out with. Steve ROCKS!!!

[@EzzyStreet]

Jesus Christ you’re defending Steve with your life

[@watchyourback8877]

Same bro, I started to like him after during that Demogorgon fight.

[@Mynameisdarkxxo]

It’s those micro-expressions!

[@davidsearle1207]

Even in s1 they kept setting him up to be a douche and then he never actually was. The start of the series he was the jock you couldn't trust who was just acting nice to bed Nancy. But then he did and he just continued being nice to her

[@xShea715]

This comment. Yeah, I felt exactly the same. I NEVER had a hate for Steve and it was easy to see he was always a good person. Just around bad people.

[@BurningFreesias]

Man, I hope Steve doesn't die. He's become such a beloved character that I really want to see him get exactly what he wants: A nice girl to marry and have his "brood" of 7 Harringtons to go on family vacations with. Lol.

[@g1bbon342]

bro..this is such a clean and well done video!! how’s it not blown up yet??? i love how in depth you went edit: when i first watched this (and made this comment), it only had around 300 likes and 1k views. i’m so glad you’ve gotten the recognition you deserve for this great character analysis :) he’s always been my favorite

[@chronicallykelly7193]

Agreed!!

[@vaibhaavraj]

I swear! This is really good!

[@evancox4938]

This is exactly what I was going to say!

[@marystarlightsky]

Frr!!!

[@rx7turbo1stgen]

Didn’t age well

[@sellammichael1796]

Steve is the definition of a hero : changes who he was supposed to be and makes the right choice because someone has to do it

[@Mpiewizard]

One of the best things this show ever did and continues to do with Steve is use his athletic abilities to the characters advantage. You even mentioned it’s something that’s kind of unique to him, even at the end of season 1. Thinking back, it’s actually really impressive that he almost singlehandedly takes on a demogorgon as that was something nobody had even tried let alone been able to do prior to that. They even sort of addressed that in the season 4. He’s kind of an idiot sometimes (or maybe just views himself that way) and may not add much when it comes to problem solving aside from potential different perspectives but lord knows they have enough problem solvers and his physical abilities as well as protective instincts are what cement him as an important player of the group. I love how he’s gone from being viewed by the characters as this completely self-centered douchebag no one really liked to the guy everyone calls when they’re in trouble. He’s changed so much that his own ex was relieved to see him in season 4, that’s some serious development right there.

[@spirittammyk]

He even survives stuff trained soldiers can't seem to. Like with the demadogs.

[@Nuneven]

"If you're ever in danger, let your call be me/I'll be there with you, whether flood or drought/When the demon is at your door we'll show him out." -Asia, "Til We Meet Again"🙂 That's all Steve👆

[@kissmiss1936]

Joe Keery is like Nathan Drake.

[@SingingSealRiana]

the thing with steves fight scenes is, that he does not really want to hurt anyone. he is pissed at jonathan, but jonathan wins that fight not because he is stronger, but because steve unconciously holds back, you can not tell me sports ace steve is physicly weaker than jonathan, no it where their motivations, that made the difference. Jonathan was simply more ruthless and Steve kinda knows he is in the wrong, elsewise he would not change his mind that fast after the fight. With billy he knew from the beginning he would lose that, but he had to try, billy is both stronger and more ruthless then steve. Where it becomes interesting is, that against monsters, he is increadably effectiv, for there his unconciousness does not make him hold back and where I personaly see the prove is in him winning agains a damned russian soldier . . . as if a soldier is less of a challange then jonathan. if it where just fights with billy and jonathan, yes he might just not be a good fighter, but taking into consideration which fights he wins, it is those that matter most and where morality and empathy would not hold one back.

[@magicalpwn]

Thought there was almost no one that liked Steve in season 1, but finding out there is a large amount of people that loved him in that season is a massive relief

[@chingbongballbuster]

fun fact: they were gonna originally kill steve in season one, but because joe keerys acting was so good, they wrote an alternative ending and decided to give him a character arc

[@katevand]

I firmly believe Steve Harrington is the best character developed this century. From asshole cherry poppin best friend killing camera smashing jock to fighting off the Demogorgon with his famous bat to being best friends with Dustin ergo being friends with the kids and protecting the kids each season I feel like he is Jamie Lannister redemption arch. And the actor? It just works...perfectly. Everyone likes Steve. Even a gay girl has a friend crush on him! I feel like he will bite the big one this season but in season 3 when Robin and Steve were drugged by Russians they spoke about the Back to The Future plot and if the Upside Down is gates to different frozen times.....they could go back and get him, get Barb, Bob, everyone we've lost!

[@SoundSista222]

I don't get the whole steve thing he's a bland character

[@GabesEdtiz]

@@SoundSista222 I don’t understand how you view him that way, but you do you I guess. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@GabesEdtiz]

Steve never killed Barb though…

[@amberdoty83]

Cool theory

[@sickosau]

Walter >

[@thegreenpianist7683]

Since Steve survived S4, there is really no point in killing him off anymore, it would feel very contrived. However, Jonathan and Nancy are so breaking up, because they weren't being 100% truthful to each other, and that would lead Jonathan into a bad spirit and end up sacrificing himself for Nancy or Will, which can eventually lead Stancy to get back together and fulfill Steve's dream. Jonathan is so dying in S5.

[@-ix-3152]

@Gojo Śhine Honestly though (to me) while I didn't like season 4 Jonathan's behaviour, it made perfect sense to me. I can't really explain why but it felt like a natural progression to me. Maybe it's because I've always had a slightly 'off' vibe about Jonathan from the whole photography scene in season 1, and then the way his and Nancy's interactions go down in relation to their journalist/newspaper jobs.

[@lucyy.k06]

WE CANNOT GET STANCY BACK, they were toxic for each other, it would ruin the character developments they’ve had

[@PTS-Maid]

Hell no my boi Steve deserves someone way better. Jonathan can keep Nancy.

[@mpaige]

@@lucyy.k06 no because they have both grown as people. They weren’t right for each other then, but they’re right for each other now.

[@goofy3517]

Nancy doesn't deserve Steve 🤣

[@SingingSealRiana]

funny how it is always just "Jonathan took pictres of Nancy undressing" while steve has even more reason to be pissed there for Jonathan just as much took pictures of him too, he is rightfully pissed on both of their behalfes but somehow nancy being weirdly ok with it takes his right away not to want people to take pictures of him in intimate moments. I would feel violated by that, I probably would have broken jonathans camera too and find the framing of jonathan being the good guy and getting the girl he creeped on problematic

[@JDM-is-my-name]

True, if you found someone randomly taking pictures of YOUR house after having trespassed onto YOUR private property and taking pictures of YOU and your friends and partner, that is a creep who deserves to have their camera broken

[@leifhim]

I would probably do the same thing tbh, I dunno how anyone could keep their cool in that sort of situation

[@wxldfl4wer850]

Nancy was never ok with it, i mean do you even listen to what the characters are saying? Jonathan knew what he did was wrong and yea he got what he deserved for it, but if he hadn't have taken those pictures, neither him or Nancy would know about the Demogorgon, jonathan would still be convinced his mom is crazy, they would have no hope of finding his brother or her friend. Jonathan was never painted out to be the good guy, the show literally shoves the fact in your face that what he did was wrong and john himself even admits that.

[@britneyham7355]

Was I the only one that was cheering for Steve when he broke the camera? What Jonathan did was sooooo creepy and since then, I have hated Jonathan's character. If someone took pictures of me or of someone significant in my life through a window, I would do more than break the freaking camera. I'd be taking it to the police and putting in a restraining order. I hate how Steve was portrayed as the bad guy for this whole situation. Jonathan was the one in the wrong.

[@ajstudios9210]

Another thing to note when Steve breaks John's camera there's a split moment where he looks a little guilty of what he just did. He didn't even look okay with his actions. Now that's some good acting on Joe Keery's part.

[@bexslays]

Before watching this I hated steve in the beginning, but now after watching this i realized that he was never a bad character, he didn't go from bad to great, he went from good to great. The bad things about him were more noticeable, but the small good things are really important. From the outside he seems rude but if you pay attention he's a great character

[@wxldfl4wer850]

Way to contradict you own statement lmao

[@AJValentine-uc3pi]

Steve is gonna be a cop and train under hopper. Mark my words. He's a natural protector.

[@uniquerebeljaney3639]

I would love that.

[@crowfather3838]

YYEEEEEEEESSSSSS

[@philspaghet]

I wanna see him become a SWAT team member

[@jiffy6969]

This would be amazing

[@ikepigott]

With Nancy and Joyce as investigators.

[@kirstencovers]

I like what you said about his character being "created to die", and it does feel like a build up to the ultimate sacrifice, almost like he's being prepared to make that level of commitment and protection for others. It would be a satisfactory ending, but at the same time it feels too simple. What I think would be really cool would be if someone sacrified their life for Steve's. It would be a full circle moment, and almost like finally giving back to him all the selfless care he gave out to everyone else. He was always the one to protect others, so it seems like he would even die for them but having someone else die for him would be a really cool ending arc to his story.

[@jamesconn]

I completely agree. I feel a sacrifice for Steve would be even better if it was nancy.

[@BeeIncarnate]

I love that you made the point about Jonathan’s camera. I was really creeped out by Jonathan in the first season, and was on Steve’s side right up until he went too far making fun of Will’s disappearance.

[@StormofFreedom]

His character reminds me of zuko from ATLA, where he was this big antagonist, only for us to find a person trying to redeem themselves. Love that it adds dimensions to the character, instead of the typical and flat bully/villain category. I really hope Steve doesn't die, it just doesn't feel right for him to in my opinion.

[@Unwebonnn]

I really do not see the point in killing him to be honest

[@jessicaschneider4544]

one of my favorite moments from season to is during the fight with billy that you talk about at 14:21 what i love is how the kids are cheering steve on, and i love it because it's so unexpected from a season 1 lense. the fact that four DnD-playing middle school nerds are vocally rooting for Steve "The Hair" Harrington, "King of Hawkins High," is so ironic and beautiful. it just goes to show the sheer amount of character development and relationship building that happened in such a short period of time

[@holeephuck4421]

Steve is the greatest single father in all fiction. Also almost every scene with him and Dustin brings a smile to my face at some point

[@Grimmfairytail]

I'm calling that Steve will probably be the last one to die, and in his death he will save all of Hawkins/the world . Or we might see him become a cop to continue protecting people. These are the only two possibilities I see for Steve.

[@betzcb3106]

Him being a cop would force him to shave his luscious mane, so I don't think so.

[@marthvader14]

@@betzcb3106 Why?

[@Struudeli]

I think he could also be a teacher. These three are my options.

[@vindicatedafi]

@@betzcb3106 he’s a cop not military

[@kronoscamron7412]

They did my boy Eddie the dirty.

[@ellisr.kinnear164]

I think Steve has had an absolutely stellar character journey over the season. it's revealed that he is incredibly brave, rather selfless and protects people because, well, he wants to. As Nancy said "He grew up a lot"

[@lb2180]

I will die on the hill of Steve Harrington is a love letter to the character Ash Williams played by Bruce Campbell. Ash is a total jerk but also endearing, witty and charming in different ways. Iconic. Steve and his bat still looking cool is such an homage it feels weird no one talks about this. By far my favorite character in the entire show and it will be painful if he dies.

[@restricttheopennotes]

Interesting take on his character. I 100% see it. Im not conviced, but i really like your theory.

[@connordorman117]

Hope so, love both characters.

[@rubinaahad1703]

And Steve stole everyone’s heart with his dream future story in season 4 and him confessing to Nancy was just so beautiful.

[@esteeven17]

Steve's role of being the "big brother" or "THEEEE baby sitter" was not pushed too much on the face. It's always been highlighted either to make the show/episode funny/uplifting/not boring or critical/dangerous. I will be forever sad if Steve dies.

[@SiFi5478]

Yes! He's the glue that holds the gang together and keeps them believing they can punch above their weight. Eddie summed this up perfectly when they first travelled through watergate. Steve's character development throughout the whole thing has been superb!

[@wxldfl4wer850]

No...he isn't lmao, he's literally the idiot of the group.

[@keberTxelArM]

It put such a huge smile on my face when Steve was super happy when Dustin came back from camp

[@Heidern98]

This explanation of Steve puts everything I have felt since season 1 into the perfect perspective. This is the best explanation available for why Steve is the best character in Stranger Things, hands down. Well done, Silver. Much respect.

[@gray4u312]

Steve will always be the best Stranger Things character and this gives us Stranger Things fans why he is

[@florianknebel5041]

This is exactly the kind of video I have been looking for. You can really feel the love you have for Steve as a character and it is so nice to listen to you. I agree with absolutely everything you say - And I was so happy when you started talking about his very overlooked homelife. Steve is such a well written character and his actions just make so much sense. He is incredibly lonely and him going from popular jock to babysitter is not as much of a jump as people might think. I think in his core he wants to be needed, he wants to be wanted. Its a hole that being popular didnt quite fill, but now with his little gaggle of kids and Robin - who trust him, love him and care about him - he is in his element.

[@marsy24-o6b]

I love Steve so much, and that scene where he talks about his dream of having a big family, I was very moved. I myself have a big family and am mostly looked down on for it, having my parents insulted by our own extended family, so seeing a character I love wanting to have a large happy family made me super happy.

[@Nuneven]

Large families are awesome, everyone's just jealous 😘

[@rainbowkitten8990]

He is such a comfort character for me, I love him so much. They didn't kill him, YAY.

[@hazardvvz]

don’t spoil bru

[@randomaccount4950]

There’s always season 5

[@brandondetroitfanmichaels4325]

@@hazardvvz You're taking a risk searching or clicking on Stranger Things videos on KZbin

[@Toothandtalon]

Steve really grew and changed through the show. I don’t think he was ever a bad guy but I think he went from a typical self centered teen to a selfless person ready to protect others. He’s definitely one of my favorite characters along with Dustin, Max, Murray, and hopper.

[@Unwebonnn]

finally a hopper liker

[@madisonholtze7344]

Love this!!! Especially your nuanced take on season 1. I agree- I remember watching the first season and not actually empathizing with Jonathan all that much because he photographed Nancy without her consent. In fact I rather disliked him. Yes, Steve made mistakes and was an ass, especially when he was acting emotionally. But he apologized, atoned and learned from his behavior. And went on to be the best character.

[@lillydee5978]

Exactly. I never empathized with Jonathan either, other than his pain over Will's disappearance.

[@kimberlywilmoth9184]

I love Steve and Jonathan. They've both been my favorite characters since season 1.

[@11bluekitkats]

To be honest I feel like most guys in high school would do the same as Steve did to Jonathan in s1 besides maybe that thing he says about will

[@ludmilamaiolini6811]

I like how S1 shows Steve as an annoying guy with good qualities and Jonathan as more sympathetic but who really screws up when he takes those pictures. They are really well rounded

[@vancesummers422]

I appreciate the fact that they didn't make him the stereotypical bully, which is what it seemed they were trying to go for at the beginning of season 1. He was always a pretty gentle person from the beginning - he just didn't know how to handle his emotions and he wasn't very mature yet. He was the typical immature teenager - too worried about parents getting him in trouble and what that would do to his social standing. At the end of season 2, that conversation he had with Nancy about Jonathan (in which he told her to go ahead) almost made me cry because you can see how much he'd thought about the situation and decided to be good instead of bitter. I never thought he was a bad person. He was just your typical immature kid. But he was always a kind person, imo. I really hope he continues to be in the show through the entirety of season 5.

[@fasmir5688]

it's funny, during the first season I ended up empathising way more with him than I did with Nancy. in fact I felt that she gave up on him way too easily. wills brother (who's name is currently escaping me) came off as incredibly creepy to me and very much someone I wouldn't want to be around

[@jamesreid8665]

jonathan is his name but yeah i felt steve was pretty justified. he only went to far when he said stuff about will, but then again he was emotionally hurt so.

[@henloworld514]

honestly Nancy doesn’t deserve Steve. I always thought they didn’t have much chemistry, and Nancy would probably break his heart

[@broken9365]

@@henloworld514 this, Steve deserves someone better than Nancy. I think if they come back thogether all of his growth would go to trash, when she was the one who hurt him the most and didn't even apologise to him.

[@filmfangirls9163]

This was such a well written and compelling analysis on his character! I love Steve so much and I think I've gone through the stages of grief already for him lol it's true every season there's always a chance he won't make it. But I really hope he does. To me, Dustin and Steve are the true heart and soul of the show. And I think his heroics and redemption should end with him making it out alive, breaking the stereotype of redemption by death. And into a spin off of him and Dustin in the 90s! LOL

[@squoblat]

My favourite moment in the entire run is the scene where Steve tells Dustin what his hair routine is. It captures so much about who the characters are in such a subtle moment, it really is a masterpiece of screenwriting.

[@_bree3957]

The way he twirled that bat and sacrificed himself made him my instinct favorite 😭

[@charlie4443]

The two things that originally made me realize Steve wasn't the bad guy the narrative framed him as was when 1) he wasn't upset that Barbara actually showed up to what was effectively a forced party invite that she was inevitably going to be a third/fifth wheel at, and 2) that he was fully willing to leave things be and not press for sex with Nancy until she made the first move in the bedroom.

[@Suited_Nat]

I have to say, while at first I didn’t rlly like Steve in season 1, by the end of s1 I started liking him. And by the time he became Dustin’s brother figure and a babysitter of the group, I got very attached to him. Not only that, but in s3 he befriended a person he at one point wanted to be in a relationship with. Why is this a big deal? Well Robin ends up coming out to Steve as lesbian. Not only was she comfortable enough to do this, but Steve did not try to deny her of her own sexuality. Which trust me it happens in 2022, and it definitely was 1000x more likely to happen in the 80s. That scene really sold his character for me, as a bisexual person, having that representation, and support is so comforting.

[@Unwebonnn]

for real, and the way he took it light heartedly like it isn't anything too big

[@mewgiah8057]

I mean this is totally spot on. It’s weird that so many people believe he was a malicious bully in Season 1, considering his story arc in 2-4 wouldnt even make sense then. In order for Steve Season 2-4 to exist, he needed to have humanity and depth behind his actions. As your video points out, Steve is a caring guy in Season 1 - he’s just misguided. He’s literally the most popular guy in school because everyone likes him, and so he plays into that role (who wouldn’t at that age). Once he’s exposed to the real world (the crazy upside down) suddenly high school popularity no longer matters or means anything. This leaves us with the Steve we love from 2-4. Its just his true personality got to shine once he was removed from the school setting. But Steve literally wouldn’t work if he was an actual bully in season 1. The Duffer Brothers probably would have killed him off as was originally planned. But it was Steve being a good person that was misguided by high school drama - that left the door open to allow his character to get redemption.

[@hotpotato2567]

Ive been so scared for Steve throughout the ENTIIIIRE showww each season im just like.. “Oh, Steves gonna die isn’t he??”

[@gloriamrales-king8606]

It doesn't seem as though you're defending Steve (although it's well founded), this is actually, an excellent and objective analysis of one of the BEST characters in ST! Thank you

[@systemmellot1871]

I was really scared for him on the demogorgon fight But, he stepped in and looked better than ever It’s really good and a good feeling To see these legendary moments of him

[@Holylylylylylyl]

I have to write a speech for school & it can be on anything. I was thinking abt doing it on sm like ‘why Steve Harrington is my favourite character ever’ and this was my final push. Thank you, fellow Steve lover!

[@sophiaetka22]

Steve being so accepting of Robin is heartwarming. He isn’t all perverted about it either. He just treats her as he always had. (This is a reposted comment of mine because people decided to argue with each other under it. Frankly, I’m pissed about that. Don’t argue under this comment, please.)

[@austinjin721]

i just ate a hotdog from costco

[@rr.richie]

i just ate a chipotle burrito

[@Ihatememyselfandixp]

I just ate chicken strips from Dairy Queen

[@mike-cc3dd]

Cringe

[@Don10-21]

Damn this video explains so much depth to his character rather than just a character who got character development. FAVORITE CHARACTER BY THE WAY!!!

[@napimnapim6191]

Probably the best stranger things video I've ever watched. Most of the other channels just talk about sh*thead theories by repeating it a multiple time but this video is amazing my friend. I agree that Steve is the best character too

[@Shaso-xv3tw]

Honestly if he makes it to the end of the show I can see him ending up being the new sheriff or a deputy, like he’s actually pretty good at noticing things and knowing who to be able to go to for the right information, and he’s naturally protective which are great traits in law enforcement and criminal investigation.

[@ditzybrunett34]

As someone who has been on Steve's side since season one, THANK YOU! I've struggled to explain to people why I loved Steve since the beginning since they always say he "got better" in season 2. They act like it was a full character reversal or something rather than a natural growth we saw throughout season 1. I remember trying to tell people who hadn't watched it yet to pay close attention and not get swept by the tropes but they still came out of it seeing Steve as a bad guy until season 2. Now I have somewhere to point all those non-believers!