Stranger Things Season 5 new characters, ranked: From scene-stealer to forgettable

The final season of Netflix's beloved supernatural series, Stranger Things Season 5, has arrived, featuring new characters along with familiar faces of Hawkins. The series brought four notable new characters who added a lot to the plot. Some characters quickly turned into fan favourites, while others fade into the background.

The show has always been successful at bringing new personalities into the existing fabric without disrupting the main dynamics. This time around, the stakes get higher than ever as the battle against Vecna reaches its conclusion.

These new characters range from unlikely heroes to antagonists. Each character brings a unique role to the unfolding drama. Here is a detailed examination of these new additions from best to worst stacked up against each other, and readers will get to decide who truly deserves the spotlight.

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All new Stranger Things season 5 new cast ranking from best to worst

1) Derek Turnbow steals every scene in Stranger Things Season 5

Derek Turnbow stands out as the breakout character of Stranger Things Season 5. This wealthy, abrasive teenager from a prominent Hawkins realty family becomes Vecna's next target after Holly Wheeler. Jake Connelly delivers his insults with perfect deadpan timing, bringing much-needed humor to an increasingly dark season.

Derek tells people to "suck a fat one" even while they’re desperately trying to save his life. The comedy writes itself when characters like Erica openly question whether saving him is worth the effort. His transformation from spoiled brat to unexpected ally happens gradually.

During a tense escape sequence, Derek sits cross-legged and guides other captured children through calming visualization exercises. The contrast between his crude behaviour and his surprising usefulness creates memorable moments throughout the season.

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2) Holly Wheeler brings back the show's heart in Stranger Things Season 5

Holly Wheeler has technically existed since the beginning but truly becomes a character now. Nell Fisher takes over the role from the original twins and immediately makes an impact. Stranger Things Season 5 positions Holly as Vecna's newest victim, which gives her storyline urgency and weight. Vecna disguises himself as a friendly figure named Mr. Whatsit to manipulate the young girl.

Holly's innocence and vulnerability remind viewers of why they fell in love with this series in the first place. The core cast has aged significantly over the years, and Holly recaptures that youthful energy.

Shes bright like her siblings, Nancy and Mike, but still naive enough to trust the wrong people. Her captivity in Vecna's fantasy world forces her to make difficult choices. Watching Holly decide who to believe marks genuine character growth in a compressed timeframe.

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3) Dr. Kay brings intimidation and mystery in Stranger Things Season 5

Linda Hamilton joins Stranger Things Season 5 as the cold and calculating Dr. Kay. She works at a military base established in the Upside Down and clearly views everyone around her as intellectually inferior. Hamilton delivers sarcastic insults to soldiers who dare interrupt her work. The casting of this 1980s action icon fits perfectly with the show's nostalgic aesthetic.

Dr. Kay holds Kali captive, which suggests flashbacks may reveal how this situation developed. Her intentions regarding Eleven remain unclear throughout the first volume. She could become an ally against Vecna or treat Eleven as another test subject. Hamilton sheds her usual heroic persona to play someone genuinely threatening. The character adds layers to the military subplot that runs through this season.

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4) Lieutenant Robert Akers serves his purpose in Stranger Things Season 5

Lieutenant Robert Akers functions primarily as an obstacle for Hopper and Eleven in the Upside Down. Alex Breaux plays him with appropriate sarcasm and confidence that come from military training. Akers notices small details like the combat knife Hopper leaves behind. He even resists Eleven's mind powers temporarily before collapsing.

His confrontation with Dr. Kay reveals that he actually cares about protecting children despite following orders. Whether Akers survives remains uncertain since Stranger Things Season 5 hasn't explicitly shown his death. He represents the military faction well enough but lacks the depth or charisma of the other new arrivals.

Stranger Things Season 5 introduces a diverse range of new characters who enrich the final story in various ways, delivering memorable performances throughout. These characters, from best to worst, add new charm to the story in different ways.