Fans of Stranger Things were initially perplexed and confused about why the fourth season was split into two volumes. However, all concerns were forgotten after the second volume hit Netflix with serious impact on July 1st.
While Stranger Things raised the stakes dramatically with stellar build-up and intense storytelling, there were still plenty of heartwarming and wholesome moments to cherish amidst all the chaos and uncertainty. Stranger Things has excelled in its ability to both warm and break hearts since its inception back in 2016, and the fourth season’s second volume provided plenty of wholesome moments.
Stranger Things season four spoilers ahead.
10 Yuri Seeing Sense And Flying To Help The Others Is The Perfect Conclusion For His Character
Yuri has been an entertaining new addition to the roster in season four, becoming a fan favorite despite his constant treachery. In volume two, however, Enzo manages to get through to him and convince him to actually be helpful for once.
This results in the pair turning up in Yuri’s chopper to offer Joyce, Hopper, and Murray a quick getaway from the Russian prison. Yuri smiles genuinely because he is actually being helpful and Murray expresses his happiness, which make for a welcome moment after such a stressful sequence.
9 Steve, Robin, And Dustin Do What They Can To Help The People Of Hawkins
With Hawkins High School being set up as an emergency center following the “earthquake” at the end of season four, Dustin, Robin, and Steve make their way over there to help out. It is certainly another scene that can be remembered for its heartbreaking parts, but them joining in to help Hawkins shows how tight-knit the community can be.
Many families evacuate the doomed town, but plenty stay to do whatever they can manage, which is a true testament to the character of the community. When Robin lists everything they have brought and they offer to help, it’s a heartwarming sentiment amidst such tragic circumstances.
8 Robin And Vickie Are Perfect For One Another Underneath All The Awkwardness
Ever since Robin came out in season three, she hasn’t had the best of luck in the romance department. Season four has shown her crush and general awkwardness around a girl named Vickie, and the second volume presents some much-needed progression in their relationship.
When Robin, Dustin, and Steve help out with those in need at the end of the season, Robin bumps into Vickie and the two get along like a house on fire. It is a lovely moment to see Robin having some potential romantic luck. Steve looks on with a smile on his face, despite being heartbroken and lonely inside.
7 Will’s Pep Talk For Mike Is Painful But Wholesome
Will’s emotional journey throughout volume two is not to be overlooked, despite all the intense action that ensues. He indirectly confesses his feelings for Mike through talking about Mike’s relationship with Eleven, which is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
While the internal conflict is seemingly ripping Will apart, he recognizes that Mike needs a pep talk and delivers an especially good one. He reveals a painting that he did of Mike leading the gang against a powerful foe, and the initial smile on Mike’s face shows that it is exactly what he’s been needing. Will’s teary eyes and his confession to an oblivious Mike are obviously not heartwarming, but his intentions are.
6 Hopper And Joyce Pick Up Where They Left Off
Joyce and Hopper finally reunited at the end of season four’s first volume, but the second volume sees them properly catching up. While Enzo and Murray have difficulty keeping Yuri in line, Joyce worries about the hardship Hopper endured during his imprisonment.
The scene ultimately turns wholesome when the pair fantasize about going on a date and begin kissing. It is interrupted by the phone ringing, but it is a nice affirmation that they still have feelings for one another after time apart.
5 Mike Finally Expresses Himself To Eleven
Mike often gets a bad reputation among fans for his treatment of others and general decision-making, but he is often just scared of the unknown. He has a falling out with Eleven earlier on in the fourth season, which is not helped by his inability to say “I love you” to his girlfriend.
In the second volume of the season, Mike comes through with an inspirational speech when Eleven is seemingly defeated by Vecna. Mike finally confesses his love for Eleven, which has been a long time coming. This gives Eleven that much-needed lift to break free from her constraints, both figuratively and literally.
4 Steve Opens Up To Nancy About His Future Plans
Ever since Steve Harrington moved on from his bullying past and became a fan favorite, it has become a meme amongst fans that he is the mother of the group. It has been referenced on multiple occasions whenever he gets left “babysitting the kids,” but in the second volume of season four, Steve opens up to Nancy about his dreams of a future and family.
Despite Nancy still being with Jonathan, Steve and Nancy become closer as the fourth season progresses. This moment of vulnerability and hopeless optimism from Steve helps to further that. As Will has looked after several children, it has actively impacted his future plans. This is a wholesome point of trajectory for his character.
3 Lucas And Max Writing Messages To Each Other Is A Precious Moment
Amidst all of Max’s trauma when she’s Vecna’s target, Lucas tries his hardest to make her feel safe and restate his true feelings. Naturally, it is still presented in an awkward teen way. Nevertheless, they write to one another so they don’t make noise, which is wholesome and heartwarming.
Max and Lucas had drifted apart, but he helps anchor Max in reality and away from Vecna’s clutches. Luckily, this means that there is still hope for them. This moment is the calm before the storm, but heartwarming nonetheless.
2 Dustin And Eddie’s Bromance Is On Full Display During Eddie’s Rocking Performance
Fans of show-newcomer Eddie feared the worst when the second volume of season four raised the stakes and presented an air of inevitability about impending deaths. The intense dungeon master was quickly humbled by the false accusations regarding Chrissy’s death and he swiftly became a fan favorite.
Despite insisting on his own cowardice on numerous occasions, Eddie plays a vital role in the plan to take down Vecna during Stranger Things 4. In an epic moment, Eddie serves up an incredible distraction for the Demobats by playing Master of Puppets by Metallica on his guitar. Meanwhile, Dustin is fanboying at the side, and the two share a hyped appreciation for the moment once it is over.
1 Hopper And Eleven’s Reunion Is A Beautiful Moment In Itself
One of the reunions that everybody had been waiting for finally happens at the end of volume two, with Hopper returning home to the cabin and finding Eleven there. Eleven does not express much shock at Hopper being alive, but is overcome with joy when she sees him.
Eleven has needed a father figure since Hopper’s alleged death, and this could definitely help her in the long run. It is a heartwarming moment to see the two reconnect, just in time for the impending doom and chaos that the fifth season will undoubtedly bring.