Who dies in Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 2?

Chris Tilly
Vecna stands connected to vines in Stranger Things 4

There was a grim sense of foreboding throughout Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 4. A feeling that something terrible was going to happen to some of the show’s most beloved characters. With Volume 2 streaming as of today, we now know who lives and who dies. So BEWARE OF STRANGER THINGS SPOILERS BELOW…

Thanks to Vecna’s killing spree in the new season of Stranger Things, no one seems safe. Not even the show’s lead characters.

Indeed, we’ve been so concerned for their safety, that we even posted a piece speculating as to who might bite the dust in Volume 2 of Season 4.

And now we know the answer to that question. So read on if you want to find out who kicks the bucket in the finale. Just DON’T SAY WE DIDN’T WARN YOU ABOUT THOSE SPOILERS!

Martin Brenner’s Death in Stranger Things

matthew-modine-as-martin-brenner-in-stranger-things
Matthew Modine as Martin Brenner.

The first death in Volume 2 is also the most surprising. As for most of the first four seasons, Dr. Martin Brenner has been the human antagonist of Stranger Things.

He goes out in style however, rescuing Eleven from the military, then being gunned down by those same soldiers.

“Papa” also gets to say an emotional farewell to Eleven. “I’m proud of you” he splutters. “So proud. You are my family. My child.”

Brenner then tries to justify his actions with his final words. “I’ve only ever wanted to help you” he explains. “To protect you. Everything I did, I did it for you. I thought you’d understand. Please tell me you understand. Please.”

Eleven doesn’t respond, denying him any kind of catharsis in his last moments.

Jason Carver’s Brutal Death

mason-dye-as-Jason-Carver-in-Stranger-Things
Mason Dye (in middle) as bully Jason Carver.

The second death in this Volume is yet another villain. This time it’s captain of the basketball team John Carver. His girlfriend Chrissy was killed at the start of the series, which sent him on a raging vendetta.

This resulted in Carver bullying and harassing our favorite Hawkins kids. But then he gets his comeuppance. And then some.

Having fought with Lucas during Episode 9, Carver gets knocked out cold. Then when Vecna sends a river of fire through town, he can briefly be seen being split in two by the lava. And that appears to be the end of John Carver.

Eddie Munson’s Heartbreaking Death

Eddie musnon playing guitar in stranger things
Munson’s death was VERY metal.

This one hurts. Eddie Munson – leader of The Hellfire Club, and Dustin’s new BBF – quickly established himself as a fan-fave during Series 4.

As the climax approaches, he and Dustin act as decoys to lure Vecna’s bat-monsters away from Max. But when it looks like their mission might not be complete, Eddie stays in the Upside Down to buy more time.

Grabbing his shield and spear, Eddie jumps on a bike, and pedals for his life, screaming “Come get me you sons of b***hes.”

But the bats eventually surround Eddie, biting, pecking, and feasting on his flesh. Dustin makes it to his side, only to find his friend fighting for his life.

In a call-back to that Chrissy incident in the first episode, Eddie says “I didn’t run away this time, right?” and in heart-breaking fashion, adds “I think it’s finally my year.”

Eddie then tells Dustin he loves him, Dustin says, “I love you” back, and as Moby’s “When it’s Cold I’d like to Die” plays, he breathes his last breath.

So those are the three major deaths during Stranger Things Volume 2 of Season 4. Though I guess we could also include Max on this list, as she does die in the episode, her heart stopping for one minute. But Eleven eventually brings her back, meaning Max lives to run up that hill another day…

Stranger Things Season 4 Volume is now streaming on Netflix.