Introduction: Why Stranger Things Season 5 Feels Like Coming Home
It’s official—Stranger Things Season 5 is shaping up to be one big nostalgic ride back to where it all began. As the Stranger Things cast gears up for their final showdown in Hawkins, fans are buzzing about how the story will come full circle. If you’ve been following since day one, you’ll know what that means: callbacks, reunions, and familiar faces making a comeback. And yes, that includes some characters we haven’t seen in a while.
But there’s one fan-favorite who absolutely needs to return for this season to truly hit all the right notes—Mr. Clarke.
The Bigger Picture: What “Full Circle” Means for Stranger Things
So what exactly do the Duffer Brothers mean when they say this final chapter will bring the story full circle? Well, for starters, the main action is back in Hawkins. That’s right—no more globe-hopping. The focus is now squarely on the Stranger Things cast we first fell in love with: Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and yes, hopefully a recovering Max.
And remember how Season 1 kicked off? With Will’s disappearance, mysterious happenings, and a group of kids armed with walkie-talkies and science knowledge? That same tone is expected to return. But if the show’s going back to its roots, then Stranger Things Season 5 is the perfect time to revive a key character who helped shape those early episodes.
Enter Mr. Clarke: The Unsung Hero of Season 1
You remember Mr. Clarke, right? The lovable, nerdy science teacher who led the AV Club and was always ready to explain things like the Upside Down using a paper plate and a pencil. Played by Randy Havens, Mr. Clarke was more than just comic relief—he was a crucial piece of the puzzle in helping the kids understand the science behind the spooky.
He helped plant the seeds of curiosity in these kids. Without him, would they even be brave enough to face Demogorgons and interdimensional terrors? Probably not.
Why Mr. Clarke Deserves a Comeback in Season 5
Let’s get one thing straight: if this season is going to feel like a true finale, it has to include Mr. Clarke. And here’s why.
In every season, the kids rely on an older figure for guidance. Whether it’s Hopper, Joyce, or the older teens like Steve and Nancy, the Party never goes it alone. But in Season 1, the go-to adult wasn’t a parent or a cool older sibling—it was Mr. Clarke. He was the guy they trusted, and he earned that trust by treating them with respect and sharing his knowledge.
Bringing him back would remind viewers just how far the characters have come—and how important that foundation was.
Science Will Be Key in the Final Battle—Guess Who’s an Expert?
Reports and teases about the upcoming season hint at a local radio station playing a major role. And let’s be honest, who better to troubleshoot vintage radio gear and explain strange frequencies than the AV Club’s favorite advisor?
Mr. Clarke helping the Party one last time in their battle against Vecna would be poetic. Imagine him unknowingly giving them the scientific edge they need to save Hawkins. It would be the kind of heartwarming moment that Stranger Things thrives on.
Why Mr. Clarke Was Missing from Season 4
Let’s not be too harsh about his absence in Season 4. By that point, the Party was in high school, and Mr. Clarke was just their old middle school science teacher. Plus, with the storylines stretched between California, Russia, and Nevada, there wasn’t much room for nostalgic callbacks.
Still, fans noticed. And now that we’re back in Hawkins and the school is (hopefully) still standing, there’s no excuse. If the writers are serious about bringing everything full circle, Mr. Clarke needs to be part of it.
Will Mr. Clarke Be At Hawkins High Now?
It’s a fair question. After the chaos in Hawkins, who knows what the school system even looks like anymore? It’s possible Mr. Clarke moved up to Hawkins High—or maybe he stayed at the middle school and is now Erica’s science teacher. Either way, it’s not hard to imagine him being pulled back into the story, especially if the kids need help with science or tech.
Who Else Might Return in Season 5?
While Mr. Clarke tops the list, he’s not the only original character missing in action. Fans are also wondering about side characters like Tommy H., Carol, Becky Ives, and even Flo from the police station. These were the people who gave Hawkins its quirky, small-town vibe.
But Mr. Clarke stands out because of his impact. He didn’t just show up in a few scenes—he helped drive the story. His return would add real depth to this final season.
The Emotional Payoff of Mr. Clarke’s Return
Let’s get real—Stranger Things isn’t just about monsters and mind powers. It’s about growing up, facing fears, and remembering the people who helped you along the way.
Mr. Clarke was that person. He was the teacher who believed in the weird kids, who saw potential in their passion, and who never once treated them like they were too young to understand the big stuff.
Bringing him back wouldn’t just be a fun Easter egg—it would be a heartfelt tribute to how far the kids have come and the people who helped get them there.
What the Fans Want: More Nostalgia, More Heart
At its core, Stranger Things Season 5 is a love letter to everything that made the show special. The Demogorgons, the synth-heavy soundtrack, the ‘80s references—but also the characters who made us care in the first place.
As we look forward to the stranger things season 5 release date, fans are hoping that Netflix and the Duffer Brothers won’t overlook the magic of Season 1. That includes giving Mr. Clarke the spotlight he deserves one last time.
Conclusion
If Stranger Things is really going to bring its story “full circle,” then all the pieces of the puzzle have to come together. That means not just reuniting the core characters, but also revisiting the mentors and moments that made Season 1 unforgettable.
Mr. Clarke was never a flashy character. He didn’t fight monsters or travel through dimensions. But he did inspire a group of misfit kids to believe in themselves and trust the power of science.
And in a world full of shadows and monsters, that’s kind of heroic, don’t you think?
