Back in Indiana, the former "Heroes of Hawkins" have fractured. Mike, Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Max (Sadie Sink) are no longer a unified front. Dustin has found new purpose in the Hellfire Club —D&D club led by the sardonic, brilliant Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn). Lucas has abandoned nerd culture to pursue basketball stardom. Max, still grieving Billy, has isolated herself completely, spending her time at Billy’s grave with a mix of guilt and rage.
By splitting the core narrative across multiple locations and introducing a menacing new villain, Episode 1 masterfully establishes the high stakes for the season. Stranger Things Stranger Things 4 - Episode 1
In the present day of , the story shifts to Lenora Hills, California , where Eleven—now living as "Jane Hopper"—resides with the Byers family. Despite her letters to Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard) describing a happy life, Eleven is struggling. Back in Indiana, the former "Heroes of Hawkins"