The latest season of Netflix's hit series, Stranger Things, introduced fans to the newest member of the show's eclectic ensemble: Eddie Munson. Eddie was an edgy super senior at Hawkins High who led the Hellfire Club, the school's Dungeons & Dragons club. Eddie first crossed paths with the main characters when Dustin and Mike join the club in the Season 4 premiere.
Despite joining the show so late, Eddie quickly demonstrated his likability and the unique traits that set him apart from the rest of the show's characters. His passion for heavy metal amplified the show's 1980s nostalgia, and his down-to-earth sense of bravery gave fans a new kind of hero to root for.
This article contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 4
10 He Was An Unexpected Optimist
When viewers first meet Eddie, his charisma is electric. With an impassioned speech decrying conformity, Eddie makes a strong first impression. His first scene also shows how he is mocked for his interest in Dungeons & Dragons and heavy metal, with many classmates calling him Eddie "the Freak" Munson.
Eddie also confidently declares that 1986 is finally going to be his year to graduate, despite failing to do so the previous two years. His determination and optimism are rather unexpected for a guy like him, and they prove why he's such a special character.
9 He Drew Attention To A Problem Of The Era
Dungeons & Dragons has been a staple of Stranger Things since Season 1. Names and terminology from the game are often used to describe elements of the Upside Down, and many main characters identify themselves by the role they play in their D&D party.
It wasn't until the introduction of Eddie Munson that the Satanic Panic surrounding Dungeons & Dragons in the 1980s was properly addressed. As the youngest cast members enter high school, they're confronted with the reality of how the world perceives their favorite hobby. Eddie takes the brunt of the fear and panic surrounding the game's supposed connection to the devil, and he is unfairly ostracized in Hawkins as a result.
8 He Had Great Charisma With Chrissy Cunningham
In the first episode of Stranger Things 4, Eddie meets with Chrissy Cunningham, a cheerleader who is one of the most popular girls at Hawkins High. Chrissy met with Eddie for a drug sale, but the exchange took a far more wholesome turn as the pair connected in a sweet way.
Eddie picks up on Chrissy's anxiety, and he playfully teases Chrissy for not remembering that they previously met in middle school. Their exchange highlights Hawkins's misconceptions about Eddie, as Chrissy remarks that Eddie is not what she expected him to be.
7 He Knew The Value of Good Music
Actor Joseph Quinn's impressive comedy skills were on full display in one of Eddie's most memorable moments. When Nancy is possessed by Vecna, the gang needs to find Nancy's favorite song in order to save her. Amid a frantic search through Eddie's music collection, Robin tells Eddie that they're looking for "Madonna, Blondie, Bowie, Beatles, music! We need music!"
Defensive over his beloved heavy metal music, Eddie holds an Iron Maiden cassette in his hand and yells back to Robin, "This is music!" The moment has already been turned into a meme on TikTok, and Iron Maiden's official Twitter page shared a screencap of the moment, writing, "We're with you, Eddie!"
6 He Reacted Realistically To Danger
In many science fiction and horror stories, characters unrealistically seek out danger at nearly every turn. Many of the Stranger Things characters behave in this same way, as they often face the dangers of the Upside Down head-on and without much hesitation.
After he witnesses Chrissy being killed by Vecna, Eddie runs away out of fear, and he quickly becomes the primary suspect in the murder. Eddie consistently hesitates to get involved as the other characters seek to find out all they can about Vecna. His realistic responses are a fresh change for the show, and he provides poignant proof that fear and bravery can co-exist.
5 His Classic 80s Rock Style Is Iconic
Eddie's style is one of the most iconic looks from the series that perfectly encapsulates the culture of 1980s rock n' roll. With his long, curly hair, denim vest, and lots of black accent pieces, Eddie is the spitting image of many prominent '80s rockers.
According to the Stranger Things styling team, Eddie's looks were inspired by the aesthetics of Iron Maiden and Venom. His name is even a nod to Eddie the Head, the sinister-looking album mascot for Iron Maiden. Though the series has done an excellent job at replicating popular styles of the decade, Eddie's look stands apart from the rest.
4 He Was An Important Role Model For Dustin
Eddie Munson forms a sweet bond with Dustin Henderson over the course of Stranger Things' fourth season. Eddie serves as an important role model for Dustin as he begins high school and joins the Hellfire Club. The two share a common interest in Dungeons & Dragons, and they have both suffered bullying and teasing from their peers.
The pair shares an adorable moment as Eddie play-fights with Dustin and asks him to promise that he will never change. After Eddie's death, Dustin is the only character shown mourning as he cries to Eddie's uncle, praising Eddie's heroism in his last moments.
3 He Performed A Legendary Guitar Solo
Music has always played a vital role in Stranger Things, and that has never been more true than in its fourth season. In the season finale, Eddie gave the performance of a lifetime as he plays "Master of Puppets" by Metallica in the Upside Down to draw the attention of the demobats.
A perfect union between the show's 1980s nostalgia and unique science fiction universe, Eddie's performance instantly emerged as one of the most memorable scenes of the show. Along with "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush, the 1986 hit received a resurgence of popularity after its inclusion in the series.
2 He Learned From His Mistakes
Eddie's survivor guilt following Chrissy's murder is a driving force behind him running away. He is ashamed for not acting quick enough, and he is afraid of what might come next. Rather than defend his innocence, he hides.
Eddie's reaction is understandable given the trauma that he experienced, yet he still tries to make up for it. After he is attacked by the demobats, he asks Dustin, "I didn't run away this time, right?" Eddie's emotional question illustrates his desperation to avenge Chrissy's death and compensate for his previous inaction.
1 He Died A Hero
Throughout the season, Eddie Munson struggles with his guilt about running away after Chrissy is murdered by Vecna. He repeatedly states that he isn't a hero, but he proves that he is when it truly matters.
In a heartbreaking moment, Dustin finds Eddie's uncle and reveals that Eddie died in the supposed "earthquake." He tells Mr. Munson that if Hawkins knew the real Eddie, they would've loved him. He proudly declares that Eddie was a hero, one who continued to fight to protect Hawkins rather than run away and save himself.