Robin Buckley’s Journey Comes Full Circle in Stranger Things Season 5 Finale

Introduction: The Significance of Robin’s Story

As Stranger Things concluded its five-season run on New Year’s Eve 2026, Maya Hawke’s Robin Buckley, who was introduced in season three as she came out to Steve Harrington, became one of the series’ most beloved characters. Her journey from a quick-witted ice cream scooper to a confident young woman navigating her identity resonated deeply with audiences, particularly LGBTQ+ viewers who saw themselves reflected in her story.

Robin’s Role in the Final Season

Robin is kind of like mentoring Will in some ways through this season, or really just like trying to see if she could help him start to hear his own voice and start to feel okay with himself, explained Hawke. This unexpected dynamic between Robin and Will Byers added emotional depth to the final season, as both characters navigated their queer identities in 1980s Indiana. Meanwhile, Robin’s relationship with girlfriend Vickie took centre stage in the early episodes, though Stranger Things fans were dismayed to learn, is the last we see of Vickie after she helped fight against Vecna’s forces.

Where Robin Ends Up: A New Chapter

Robin attends Smith College in Massachusetts, which Ross Duffer says was Hawke’s suggestion. This choice proved particularly meaningful, as This all-women’s college has a VERY high rate of queer folks today, and we feel that was pretty likely back in the day as well. The epilogue revealed Robin’s future, though her romantic status remained ambiguous. Robin then tellingly responded: ‘Including overbearing significant others’ when discussing who couldn’t make their monthly reunions, hinting at possible relationship troubles.

Conclusion: Robin’s Legacy

Robin Buckley’s character arc represents a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream entertainment. From her heartfelt coming-out scene with Steve to her mentorship of Will, Robin showed viewers the importance of self-acceptance and found family. In Stranger Things’ series finale, they agree that once a month, they’re going to get together at Robin’s Weird Uncle’s House in Philadelphia and just be together, ensuring that the bonds forged through battling supernatural forces would endure. For fans who followed her journey, Robin’s story offered hope, humour, and representation that will continue to resonate long after the series’ conclusion.