In the Stranger Things documentary, the writers talk about El representing magic. She has to leave, has to be gone. The kids are growing up. “The door to Narnia closes.” (1hr 22min left)
The difference between El and a wardrobe: she’s a person.
(I also want to give a little grace, these are professionals, I’m not coming for them. They’re being edited, I don’t know the full context. But I’d like to use this as a writing/analysis exercise).
Let’s unpack this idea. I’m going to do it better.
I believe the challenge the Duffers have with the finale is two-fold.
1. What story is the writer personally invested in?
2. Is every character considered as a full person? If not, is there a compelling reason?
I’m going to workshop the idea of El representing magic/childhood adventure and how I would write it. I don’t even think it’s a strong pitch.
What do I, the author, want to say? (Let’s return to this question).
What does El want to say?
This is interesting. What is El’s relationship to growing up? Her childhood? She’s been making adult decisions since we’ve met her. But is treated like a child. Being an actual adult would give her more control, agency: so she’s yearning to grow up quick.
We see this in her interactions with Hop. They’re mirrors. Both of them have an immature idea of adulthood based on control (they don’t share their plans, and they’re prone to big acts of self sacrifice).
By contrast: El’s other narrative parallel is Will. In season two (I believe) he’s trying to hang on to his childhood because of the trauma of his kidnapping. He does have a perception of what he’s lost, unlike El. His reaction is opposite: he gives himself more chances to be a kid. I like this. Good on you, Will.
What do I want to say about childhood, growing up, magic? My personal belief is it’s never too late, you’re never too old, play and fun and magic is a human thing, not a childhood thing.
El doesn’t have to leave. Even if she thinks it’s the mature or adult or sensible thing to do. That’s not growing up. And I would have characters ALL SEASON showing her what childhood is like for them. Small moments.
Maybe Will takes her away from training and teaches her d&d, at her own pace. Shows her castle Byers. Maybe Hopper reveals something about his own childhood he doesn’t do anymore, barely remembers. Maybe Mike lets her write some of his campaign. Steve throws a baseball with her; Lucas runs the obstacle course against her time; Robin teaches her how to do the “rockin Robin” voice; Dustin tells her a weird reference he learned from Eddie.
El leaving/dying to represent the other characters growing up, closing a chapter of their lives? That doesn’t say anything. That doesn’t mean anything. She can be a symbol if she has to be. But what is her relationship to the symbol? What does she mean to herself?
The result of her decision is less important than the setup. The finale is rough because the setup isn’t there.
Will El sacrifice her childhood? Will she represent a close of a chapter? The setup must define what childhood looks like. And I’d want to see it from each character, and watch each of them choose to grow up (immaturely, by doing the “right thing”) or find ways to reinvent what childhood means.
We could have ended with El in the basement too.
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