Recently, I’ve seen a lot of posts all across social media bashing the newly formed Joseph Quinn/Eddie Munson fanbase over reasons I wish made sense, and I find it to be rather disappointing.
Sure, Joseph’s fans loved Eddie because the actor and his portrayed character are quite charming in their ways, but fans aren’t that shallow. From the moment fans were first introduced, to his final moments onscreen, Joseph—Eddie was dazzling.
Eddie was one of the most relatable characters Stranger Things has introduced into its fanbase. Fans connected with Eddie on an intimate level because they, too, have experienced the hurt and confusion of being treated like an outcast or being labeled something they know themselves not to be solely based on their appearance, hobbies, and interests, or lifestyle choices. Eddie was a victim caught up in the wrong place at the wrong time, and no amount of hiding or running saved his life. Fans didn’t care that Eddie was another mysterious pretty face; he was special.
Eddie Munson was a character that knew exactly who he was and wanted to be and wasn’t afraid to be himself. He didn’t care what others thought of him, and he wasn’t afraid to stand out. He thought he was a coward for running from anything frightening him, but he wasn’t. He helped save Steve’s life. He could have saved himself, but instead, he sacrificed his life for a few people who barely knew him so they had a better chance at stopping Vecna. He sacrificed himself so a town that hated him and wanted him dead would be spared, and countless lives wouldn’t be lost. He was a hero. He was selfless. He was kind and brave. Funny and charismatic. No other character was quite like Eddie. He was lovely in every way.
He was one of a kind. The fact that he had such little screen time and left behind such an immense impact on the Stranger Things fanbase is honestly saying something about the character and Joseph Quinn. If Joe’s fans want to theorize all the possibilities on how he might come back in ST5, so be it. Eddie deserved better, he was doomed from the start, and it wasn’t fair. Joe’s fans are supporting him and loving on him, rightfully so.
Joseph knit together a character that was unique, inspirational, lovable, and now forever irreplaceable. I, for one, am grateful for the multitalented gift Joseph has been blessed with. He deserves just as much love and support as other Stranger Things actors receive.
That’s it, and that’s all
