#generational fumble

imagine setting up a villain whose powers are the easiest and most effective in-universe way to explore the internal conflicts, secrets and fears of your characters and just.... never using it to explore and develop those characters. ive genuinely never seen a fumble like this

the best plot points in stranger things - possessed will's family and friends telling him his memories at the end of s2, max needing music + the love of lucas and her friends to fight vecna, will seeing his childhood self in sorceror when he unlocked his powers - tie the supernatural plot to the characters and their relationships, emotions, and struggles. this is why it was a huge fumble to introduce a villain who literally shows people their biggest fears and insecurities and have him be defeated in a physical fight. it's not interesting and it's not loyal to the original heart of the story