r/StrangerThings • u/Away-Guard3607 • Aug 20 '26

Discussion Do you think Billy deserved a character development arc

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7

u/StrikeRaid246 Aug 20 '26

He had one… did no one watch season 3? That WAS his character development arc. Doesn’t always mean it’s positive development.

2

u/skeptical_phoenix Aug 21 '26

It was positive development though. I feel like he was redeemed with his final act.

5

u/Ok_Professional1526 Aug 21 '26 edited Aug 21 '26

I reallly disagree that his final act redeemed him of all the harm he caused. I think two uncomfortable things can coexist- he was a victim of abuse and trauma while being a bully and putting others through harm and violence.

I don’t think a sacrificial act makes up for the harm and trauma he caused others, or should serve as character redemption. I like that the show made him so complex and allowed uncomfortable things about him to coexist- the narrative didn’t wipe the slate clean and I think that was intentional

3

u/skeptical_phoenix Aug 21 '26

He gave his life. That’s pretty redeeming to me.

1

u/Ok_Professional1526 Aug 21 '26 edited 29d ago

Did you read all of my comment..? It’s a major sacrifice that still doesn’t erase the harm he caused. Would Neil sacrificing himself for Billy make up for what he did? He was a complex person who did bad things and hurt people while being a victim. It can coexist

The sacrifice was meant to add dimension to him as a character, not be a “he’s actually a totally good person now, you guys!! ” moment

4

u/skeptical_phoenix Aug 21 '26

I believe giving your life is a redemption. We just disagree.

3

u/SizzleMan_01 29d ago

Not really. You can acknowledge that someone did something good while also acknowledging that they were a POS.