In the latest season of “Stranger Things,” the introduction of a new romance between Robin Buckley and Vickie Dunne showcases a rare moment of joy amidst the ongoing turmoil in Hawkins. Robin, who is now employed as a DJ at the local WSQK radio station, finds herself in a relationship with Vickie, offering a glimpse of happiness in a landscape marked by chaos.
However, this romantic development subtly amplifies a more pressing issue within the town: the tendency of Hawkins residents to carry on with their lives as if everything is normal despite the evident supernatural threats lurking just beneath the surface. Following the climactic events of season 4, which concluded with large portals wreaking havoc, Hawkins is shown to be scarred yet seemingly tranquil.
At a pivotal moment in season 5, Robin attempts to alert Vickie to the ever-present dangers, only to have her concerns dismissed as merely hallucinations. This reaction embodies the broader commentary on the denial pervasive among the townspeople, who frequently overlook significant signs of danger in favor of a comfortable but misguided normalcy.
Throughout the series, “Stranger Things” has illustrated how ordinary citizens often remain oblivious to the influence of the Upside Down. Despite the presence of military personnel, sealed chasms, and official narratives framing disturbances as mere earthquakes, there is a striking lack of urgency among the residents.
Key aspects of this denial can be seen as characters continue their daily lives even in the face of supernatural occurrences. Many people choose to accept the official explanations without delving deeper into the truth, leaving the main characters to repeatedly convey the grave dangers they face.
While this narrative choice creates tension by keeping supporting characters somewhat ignorant of the full scope of the threat, it also raises questions about believability. The potential for Vickie to eventually understand the gravity of the situation brings a glimmer of hope that residents of Hawkins may begin to awaken to the reality of their perilous circumstances.
As “Stranger Things” season 5 streams on Netflix, it adeptly intertwines themes of personal growth with the ongoing supernatural challenges facing Hawkins. The budding romance between Robin and Vickie serves to underscore a critical message: the deepest issue in Hawkins may not solely be the monsters from the Upside Down, but rather the collective denial that hinders the community during an extraordinary crisis.