In the much-anticipated fifth season of Stranger Things, fans are being introduced to new characters alongside the return of beloved favorites. Among these new faces is Tina Turnbow, who has sparked curiosity and some confusion among audiences due to a previous character sharing her name.
The first part of this final season, comprising four episodes, premiered on November 27 on Netflix, seeing the return of familiar actors such as Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, David Harbour as Jim Hopper, and Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven. New cast members, including the iconic Linda Hamilton, join the mix, further enhancing the rich tapestry of the series known for its vivid characters, both major and minor.
Tina Turnbow is the eldest daughter in the Turnbow family, with her brother Derek also playing a key role in the unfolding narrative. Their storyline takes a dark turn when Derek becomes one of Vecna’s targets following the mysterious disappearance of Holly Wheeler. Tina has been mentioned previously, as she is a friend of Erica Sinclair, Lucas’ sister. In earlier seasons, Erica even claimed to be missing a sleepover at Tina’s expense. However, their friendship has soured, particularly after Erica injures Tina’s crush during a dodgeball game, prompting Erica to seek reconciliation by offering a drugged pie to Tina as a peace offering to save Derek and his family.
Caroline Elle Abrams portrays Tina Turnbow, marking an early yet promising career for the young actress, who has previously worked on projects such as R.A.D.A.R. The Bionic Dog and Apple TV’s Me.
Fans may feel some confusion over the character of Tina due to a different minor character of the same name appearing in previous seasons. This earlier Tina was introduced in the season 2 opener, “MADMAX,” and made a brief appearance in “Trick Or Treat, Freak.” Played by actress Madelyn Cline, this older student hosted a Halloween party and was among those captivated by the character Billy Hargrove.
As Stranger Things continues to unfold its final season, the engaging storylines and character dynamics promise to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, blending nostalgic elements with new developments in this beloved series.