To help provide proper closure to the main characters’ stories, there’s a long-missing <em>Stranger Things</em> season 1 character who must return during the series’ final episodes. As Stranger Things‘ cast has grown over the show’s four seasons, their stories have gotten increasingly complex. Still, there are some original plot points that must finally be resolved with all the characters back in Hawkins, Indiana.

Following Stranger Things season 4’s ending, the group is in more danger from Vecna than ever, which will lead to harrowing and life-threatening situations. This danger makes Stranger Things season 5 the perfect time to tie up the show’s more emotional, non-supernatural stories, too. Accomplishing that for the Byers family means bringing back a divisive season 1 character, who’s necessary in concluding their arcs.

Stranger Things Season 5 Needs To Bring Closure To Will & Jonathan’s Relationship With Lonnie Byers

Will and Jonathan Byers’ father, Lonnie Byers, has not appeared since Will originally went missing in season 1. However, with Stranger Things season 5’s story drawing parallels to season 1, it’s the most fitting time to bring him back. Though Lonnie isn’t a main character and the Byers family has been doing fine without him, Will and Jonathan’s overall story deserves closure with their father.

Back in season 1, Stranger Things provided a few flashbacks to Will and Jonathan’s close relationship while their parents increasingly fought before ultimately getting divorced. The show also linked these to Lonnie’s reappearance while Will was missing. Across the entire season, though, it was clear that Lonnie didn’t prioritize his children.

Lonnie Byers did return to Hawkins for Will’s funeral, but even then he was scheming about suing the company that owned the quarry Will supposedly fell into. Considering he quickly disappeared again after Joyce realized his plan and never returned upon the revelation that Will was alive, Lonnie owes an apology to his family. Additionally, both Will and Jonathan deserve to confront him about how he’s failed them.

Now that Joyce, Will, and Jonathan are back in Hawkins following Stranger Things season 4’s ending and the town is falling apart, it could be the right time for Lonnie to finally return and reconnect with his children. Even if he doesn’t make an appearance on-screen, Will, Jonathan, or Joyce mentioning him could help his role in their story feel more resolved.

Stranger Things Season 5 Hinting At Jonathan’s Death Makes Lonnie’s Return More Likely

So far, Stranger Things has resisted killing off its original main characters, but given how high the stakes are for season 5, it feels fitting for at least one of them to die. Based on Stranger Things‘ season 5 trailer, Jonathan Byers’ death is already being set up through a few hints.

Because Will Byers is so pivotal in the fight against the Upside Down and Vecna, Jonathan would do anything to save his brother, including sacrifice himself. What’s more, the trailer shows a brief clip of a devastated Nancy Wheeler washing blood off her hands, a reaction that would befit Jonathan’s death.

While there are a few other characters that could be victims in Stranger Things season 5, Jonathan is currently the most likely, which would give Lonnie a reason to return to Hawkins. Just as he came back for Will’s funeral, even Lonnie wouldn’t miss Jonathan’s burial, making it the worst, though most likely reason for the character’s potential return.