With Stranger Things season 4, the series can fix the character arc Max, who was initially introduced as a promising, three-dimensional female character within the show’s narrative. Part sci-fi horror, and part nostalgia trip, Stranger Things has evolved into a pop-culture phenomenon in its own right, owing to its well-woven storylines and endearing, relatable characters. However, Stranger Things seasons 2 and 3 had their fair share of tonal/character inconsistencies and plot contrivances, especially with the way in which Max has been treated.
Max, or Maxine, was introduced in the show’s season 2 premiere, "MADMAX", as a proficient arcade gamer who beat Dustin’s high score in Dig Dug by 100,000 points. Initially aloof and skeptical of those around her, Max gradually warms up to the group, plunging right into action once aware of the paranormal occurring's in the town of Hawkins. Max has also been immensely loyal to her friends so far, helping them burn the hub of the underground tunnel system in season 2, and combating the Mind Flayer with the group in season 3. It's important to note that much of Max’s depth arises from her interests, be it an affinity for horror movies, skateboarding, or Dungeons & Dragons, along with her unwavering loyalty to those around her.
Despite being set up as an immensely brave, tenacious character with no regard for conventional gender stereotypes and social norms per se, Max was soon relegated to being a plot device that caused a rift between the group as a whole. Throughout most of season 2, Eleven and Mike are hostile towards her attempts to befriend the group, while Dustin and Lucas fight over her, as both boys end up developing feelings for her. While romantic crushes are an integral part of adolescence, and rifts between friendships function as a compelling source of conflict, much of season 2 treats Max as a plot-propeller as opposed to fleshing out her character further. Stranger Things season 3 attempts to rectify this, to an extent, by forging a close bond between Max and Eleven, which allows the audience a glimpse into a fun, meaningful female friendship that is allowed to blossom sans manufactured drama.
However, despite these factors, Max’s storyline has been treated as secondary to that the show’s titular characters, much like the botched treatment of Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byer’s relationship in season 3. Now that Max is dealing with the emotional trauma of losing her stepbrother, Billy, Stanger Things season 4 holds the opportunity to invest her character with greater depth and meaning. Max’s relationship with Billy had always been fraught, mainly due to the fact that Billy was controlling and abusive towards her, which further complicates her feelings about his ultimate sacrifice to defeat the Mind Flayer. It's also important to note that Billy apologizes to his sister for his behavior, after which, he dies in her arms. This, combined with the fact that her closest friend, Eleven, moves out of Hawkins by the end of season 3, can possibly contribute to her mounting pain and trauma in season 4.
It's possible Stranger Things season 4 will dive deep into Max’s psyche, and the way in which a sense of misplaced guilt might manifest due to Billy’s death. This can be potentially exacerbated by the fact the Upside Down still has a greater role to play in terms of character storylines, especially that of Hopper, leading Max to exercise greater agency within the ambit of the show’s events. While the exact nature of her arc can only be answered by the upcoming season, it will be interesting to witness Max’s growth into a standalone presence in her own right, without being bogged down by the fates of titular characters and clichéd plot contrivances.
"Max" - Google News
February 20, 2021 at 11:19PM
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How Stranger Things Season 4 Can Fix Its Max Problem - Screen Rant
"Max" - Google News
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