For All Mankind’s creators and star Joel Kinnaman confirm whether Ed Baldwin could return in future
Could Ed return in flashbacks or in spin-off Star City?
For All Mankind has had two constants since its first season: political strife and Ed Baldwin. His act first, think later approach has ensured that he’s become a polarising fan-favourite character of the series; so naturally, his loss is a defining moment in the show’s narrative. Having been a linchpin of the alt-history sci-fi epic, one question amongst fans persists: will Ed return, either in future episodes or in Star City? It’s the first question Radio Times put to the show's creators, Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert, as well as the man behind the brusque, all-American hero/space cowboy, Joel Kinnaman. "I think you can safely say that's the end of his character for the most part on For All Mankind," said Nedivi, "And I think it's a long time coming." He added: "We wanted to make sure the ending felt different than other character endings we've done, but we wanted to make sure it also felt right that he had the end of his journey on the show. So yeah, going beyond that now would feel like a disservice to the other characters that I think you'll see continue to expand their roles." Kinnaman also echoed this finality, telling us: "I think it’s done. I’m pretty sure it's done. I feel like Matt, Ben, and Ron have, throughout this project, have had a lot of discipline and not getting dragged into... they’ve just had such integrity of telling the story in a truthful way." View Green Video on the source website Ed’s legacy, however, lives on, undoubtedly playing a "big part in the rest of this season". Arguably, the divisive nature of Ed is why the "difficult decision" to kill him off is integral to the "evolution of the show" and Mars’ turbulent future. "It felt like the right time to us because of the nature of the show and the evolution of the show in terms of this generational story," Matt revealed. "A big part of why we felt it was important that Ed die early on in the season is it's about his legacy and how that impacts his daughter and his grandson and all the other people around him." Still, while Ed’s passing was inevitable, not least of all due to the character’s age, Kinnaman felt conflicted about bidding a final farewell to the show. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/03/ForAllMankindPhoto050114-2a13d33-e1775740457440.jpg" width="2880" height="1920" alt="Joel Kinnaman as Ed Baldwin stands beside Sean Kaufman as Alex Poletov, resting a hand on his shoulder, both in suits inside a softly lit spacecraft interior in For All Mankind season 5" title="Joel Kinnaman as Ed Baldwin and Sean Kaufman as Alex Poletov in For All Mankind season 5." /> "I was actually a little bit confused about why I was so emotional [leaving the show]," he explained, "It was confusing, like this is a fictional character. "As actors, we're always doing this – where we form little families that we fall in love with, and then we move on. This is part of our work. "But it really was like saying goodbye to the story too. I thought it was so special. It was such a unique type of story, and I'm never gonna get to do anything like this again. So I felt an immense amount of gratitude." With Ed now laid to rest, Mars and the continued complexities of the space race present an even greater unknown than before. For All Mankind has entered another new era despite being in its penultimate season. For All Mankind season 5 is streaming now on Apple TV - sign up now with a 7-day free trial. Add For All Mankind to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hazbin Hotel season 2 ending explained: Does Vox's plan succeed?
Vox’s plan to take over Heaven nears completion, but does he succeed?
**Warning: Contains spoilers for the Hazbin Hotel season 2 finale.** The tempestuous conclusion to Hazbin Hotel season 2 is upon us. Although Heaven is no longer a threat, Vox has whipped Hell up into a frenzy. Determined to become a god, he’ll seemingly stop at nothing to achieve his goals. With Lucifer trapped inside the very weapon Vox manipulated Carmilla Carmine into building, victory is within his grasp. Using Lucifier as his power source, Vox blows the pearly gates off their hinges and leaves heaven exposed. Charlie was already feeling the pressure, but with Alastor captured and Angel Dust missing, Hell’s princess is on the back foot trying to stop a holy war. But all isn’t lost, for the hotel’s ragtag gaggle of guests has a plan: to broadcast proof of Sir Pentious in Heaven. Once sinners see the truth, surely they’ll stop supporting Vox? Heaven is more than ready to assist, with Sera still desperate to atone for her past mistakes. Unfortunately, to create a broadcast link, the gang needs to break into V Tower. As if that wasn’t already dangerous enough, they also need to rescue Angel while they’re inside the belly of the beast. In short, this last stand against Vox is a monumental undertaking. Without further ado, it’s time to delve into the nitty gritty details of the Hazbin Hotel season finale. Hazbin Hotel season 2 ending explained: Does Vox take over heaven? Vox’s transformation into the foreboding antagonist of season 2 has been impressive. As this season has progressed, his obsessive need for power has continuously secured him victory over Charlie. But as his ambitions have grown, so too have the risks, and in the final episode, hubris comes back to bite Vox. Unable to resist being the strongest sinner in all of hell, Vox inadvertently helps free Alastor, with the Radio Demon now having a score to settle with his captor. As much as Vox wants to rule over Hell and Heaven, he really wants to beat Alastor, which ends up being his downfall. Overtaken by his own arrogance, Vox transforms into a spider-like monster. Yet, he still proves to be weaker than Alastor now that Al has his full strength back. Vox, however, has one more trick up his sleeve: Shock.wav. He calls for his pet to save him, helping to keep Alastor busy while Vox uses Carmilla’s weapon to aim, not at Heaven, but at Alastor. The sinners he was so passionate about protecting quickly become irrelevant, with Vox hellbent on destroying everything, even if it ends up taking out half of Pentagram City. All looks lost, until Velvette attacks Vox. This opening gives Val enough time to confront his business partner/lover. Angry that Vox would risk killing them all over “that stupid deer”, Val lets out his frustration by ripping Vox’s head from his body. Although Vox has finally been subdued, the weapon is still ready to blow, and there doesn’t seem to be any way of stopping it. Is Pentagram City saved? One threat is down, but an arguably worse one has replaced it. As Carmilla explains, “It’s no use, we won’t get clear in time.” It looks like the end. Yet Emily, now injured by Vox’s weapon after getting caught in the crossfire, refuses to give up. Stumbling towards the machine, she tries to use her power to silence the weapon for good. Her bravery is the match that lights the fuse by encouraging everyone else to help. Slowly, the characters combine their strength in a last-ditch show of hope and unity. Even the Vees join in. This combined power lifts the weapon to a safe distance before it explodes, ensuring that Pentagram City is saved. But what of Lucifer? He was trapped inside the weapon, unbeknownst to Charlie. Thankfully, he survives, though he’s pretty banged up. With Alastor and Lucifer destined to have a “unique” relationship, it makes sense that the King of Hell has avoided death. Does Alastor break free of his deal? Once a powerful overlord, Alastor has been reduced to quite the pet this season. When he allowed himself to get captured by Vox, fans were left wondering what the clever deer had in mind. Well, his grand plan has finally been revealed. Upon making his deal with Vox, Alastor stated two conditions: Nifty and Husk needed to be spared, but more importantly, Vox wasn’t to lay a hand on Charlie Morningstar. As we know, Vox is a very tactile individual, which is what Alastor’s been banking on. But first, Vox needs the right encouragement to touch Charlie. This is where Alastor’s deal with Rosie comes into play; if you remember, Alastor wanted to be the most powerful sinner in all of Hell. Yet, now captured, Vox has amassed power that rivals Alastor’s own; he just needs someone to say it. Charlie is the key here. Broken and embarrassed, Vox seizes the chance to humiliate her further by asking her to admit that he’s now the most powerful sinner in all of Hell. She’s reluctant to do so until Alastor asks her to do a small favour for him, referencing the deal the two made in season 1. Forced into a corner, Charlie admits, on camera, that Vox is the strongest. And right on cue, Alastor’s chains binding him to Rosie are broken. Blind to what’s happening, Vox is so overjoyed that he places his hands on Charlie’s shoulders, thus releasing Alastor from his deal with Vox. What happens to Angel Dust? Despite Husk and Cherri coming to his rescue, Angel has to grapple with the reality that he’s been a spy for Vox. As if that isn’t upsetting enough, Angel almost strangled Cherri to death when she tried to rescue him because Val ordered him to. While Angel eventually came to his senses, with a little encouragement from Husk, the guilt he feels is enough to keep him bound to the Vees. Consequently, Angel leaves the hotel, returning to V Tower with the Vees, much to the twisted delight of Val. In Angel’s own words, “You’re not safe around me.” As Angel leaves, Husk quietly begs him to come back. Does Charlie hear from Lilith? All season, Charlie has been leaving voicemails for her mum, only for the Queen of Hell to ignore them. It’s been a source of great anguish for Charlie, but in the aftermath of Vox’s defeat, Charlie seems to have come to terms with her mum’s estrangement. In a closing call to her mother, she explains that she’s there for her mum whenever she’s ready to get in touch. No sooner has she put the phone down, Lilith calls a shocked Charlie back. Hazbin Hotel seasons 1-2 available to stream on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Add Hazbin Hotel to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who will die in Stranger Things season 5? 7 of the most believable theories
Everyone making it out alive feels woefully optimistic.
When there’s everything to play for but also everything to lose, death feels like an inevitable outcome. That’s the reality that Stranger Things fans are having to come to terms with now that season 5 is fast approaching. Time and again, the characters have beaten back the horrors of the Upside Down, occasionally suffering casualties but never anyone from the core group. Such odds are rare, with the group’s luck seemingly due to run out now that the end is in sight. Fans have speculated for months that big losses are on the way; however, now that season 5’s official trailer has been released, the belief that death is coming for fan-favourites has been further cemented. It begs the question of who’s most likely to fall at the final hurdle. Here are some of the biggest theories. Who will die in Stranger Things season 5? 7 of the most believable theories Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) As much as it pains us to write this, the likelihood of Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) dying is high. Even though he was initially portrayed as somewhat of a jerk in season 1, Steve has become one of the most popular characters on the show. Ironically, his popularity with the fandom is the reason his death would be so shocking. That being said, it isn’t the only reason his demise feels so plausible. Steve’s personal journey of growth is at an end. Compared to the others, Steve has minimal narrative ties to the main story. Consequently, his death would aptly bring his tale to a close, while also sending the message that no one is safe in the Stranger Things finale. The most compelling evidence hinting at this is the distinct lack of Steve in the trailer. His absence is conceivably emphasised when we see him embracing a traumatised Dustin; the way he’s holding him is intense, almost like Steve is saying his final goodbye. Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) Also greatly at risk is Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). Since the night Will was snatched out of the Byers’ dimly lit shed, he’s been an integral part of the Upside Down. His was a connection that remained despite his rescue, with season 2 revealing a subtle possession of Will by the Mind Flayer. Every step of the way, Will has been there, and so his death would help bring Stranger Things “full circle”. It’s a theory significantly strengthened by the season 5 trailer, in which Vecna says that Will is going to help him one last time. Vecna draws Will to him, the two facing each other in a chilling moment that sees the first season and the last perfectly align. Furthermore, the scene solidifies Will’s significance to Vecna, with the suggestion being that Will could be the key to the villain’s strength. If that’s the case, Will may also play a major role in his downfall, and thus Will’s death is a necessary evil to save Hawkins. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) Despite being regarded as the main protagonist of the show, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is in a precarious position going into season 5. Even though she may be the only one powerful enough to defeat Vecna, that isn’t the main reason she seems so at risk. Arguably, it’s how Eleven’s connection to the Upside Down is similar to Will’s; both have merged with it in such a way that they can impact it. While Will is the boy who traversed the other side and made it back, Eleven is the one who unlocked the gate and created a potent link between Hawkins and the Upside Down. Thus, it would be fitting for her death to be one of the main ways to bring about the Upside Down’s permanent destruction. Despite being a very obvious fan theory, it’s also an extremely valid one. Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) The Byers family aren’t out of the woods if Will somehow manages to survive, as Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) is equally at risk from the Upside Down. He’s played a key role in the show from the start, not only as the doting son and loyal brother, but as the third individual of a tumultuous love triangle between himself, Nancy, and Steve. Yet, he’s rarely been close to death compared to other major characters. What is more, in the trailer, we see a devastated Nancy crying as she washes blood from her hands, blood that may very well be Jonathan’s. This comes mere moments after we hear her talk about how Vecna is draining them of “every last ounce of suffering”. Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard) Mike Wheeler has been in the thick of it since the moment he laid eyes on Eleven. He’s been the glue that’s held the gang together, and as such, that connection to the gang, particularly Eleven, makes his death all the more plausible. If Mike were to die, it would prove to be a powerful plot catalyst, one which may further fuel Eleven’s powers, similar to her response in season 1 when she believed Mike was at risk. Additionally, Eleven is heard telling Mike, “You don’t get to write the ending”, referencing the campaigns he and his friends used to play before the Upside Down infected Hawkins. He’s now in a powerless position, which arguably puts him at greater risk because, true to his nature, Mike will struggle to accept he can’t protect the ones he loves. Jim Hopper (David Harbour) Much like Eleven, Hopper has danced with death several times and walked away; surely there’s only so many times he can manage this before death finally lays claim? Some fans would like to think that Hopper is the least likely to perish because of his fake-out death in season 3. Yet, Hopper is renowned for getting in harm's way. Moreover, he’d risk everything to keep Eleven safe. And with the pair having a strained relationship, it would be doubly devastating to kill Hopper after he and Eleven have reconciled. If that doesn’t convince, there’s also the fact that Hopper is the only other character besides Steve with limited screen time in the trailer. Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman) He may not be one of the core group, but Murray Bauman’s (Brett Gelman) death is highly probable, not least of all because he’s not one of the original cast. Stranger Things has a predictable pattern of killing off likeable characters as a way to demonstrate high stakes without losing anyone of significant value. Although Bauman has been around since season 2, his safety isn’t assured because of that. In fact, he feels more at risk because his death would emphasise how serious the Duffers are about the show’s finale. Stranger Things season 5 looks set to end with a bang. However, it’s possible that none of the main cast will die. As the Duffers have previously stated, Stranger Things isn’t meant to be Game of Thrones, and so shocking, unexpected deaths aren’t part of its MO. We can but hope this remains true of the show now its end is nigh, though much evidence suggests otherwise. Stranger Things 5 part 1 premieres on Netflix on Wednesday 26th November 2025. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
How could Eddie Munson return in Stranger Things season 5? Every possibility broken down
Fans are holding out hope that this beloved character isn’t dead.
Ever since Stranger Things season 4 aired, fans have been frantically running up that hill in a bid for answers. Among the most asked questions is the fate of Eddie Munson. The charming leader of the local Hellfire Club quickly became a fan-favourite, despite being yet another new kid on the block. And given how well new characters tend to be treated in the Stranger Things universe, fans quickly suspected Eddie (Joseph Quinn) would end up a tragic casualty of the Upside Down. Our suspicions were proven correct in season 4’s finale, in which Eddie sacrificed himself to a ravenous horde of Demobats. Eddie playing his guitar, risking it all, became one of the breakout iconic scenes of the season – and there were a lot of those. Yet, despite fans bearing witness to Eddie dying in Dustin’s arms, hope for his return still remains. Not even the Duffer Brothers telling Empire “No, he’s dead [...] RIP” has been enough to quell the belief that Eddie could rise from the dead like Lazuras himself. But how would such a return work? Let’s dive into all the ways in which Eddie could make a surprise comeback. Could Eddie Munson return in Stranger Things season 5? Every possibility broken down The Kas Theory One of the most popular fan theories, and arguably the most likely to happen if Eddie is to cheat death, is him becoming Kas the Betrayer. Kas, who was once a knight, is turned into a vampire, initially working for Vecna but ultimately betraying him. As disturbing as it may be to picture, the once sweet Eddie could be transformed into Vecna’s right hand man. Not only would this prove devastating for his old friends, particularly Dustin, but it would also line-up with Stranger Things's use of D&D lore. Moreover, if Eddie was to become a vampire (note the possible connection to Demobats), his character technically wouldn’t be alive. Trapped in Vecna's Mindscape Most of Vecna’s victims end up twisted and decayed in his mindscape, like we saw during Max’s valiant escape during episode 5. However, the very fact that Max was able to escape that time lends credence to the possibility that Eddie is trapped and existing in that same mindscape. Vecna’s mind lair is a psychic realm in which the power of suggestion holds influence above all else. Even though Vecna is all-powerful there, the very fact that both Max and Eleven have been able to fight back despite this further supports the theory that Eddie could too. Throughout season 4, Eddie demonstrated several times a metal fortitude similar to that of Max and Eleven. If he survived his Demobat injuries, his psyche could be trapped in the mindscape, searching for a way to return to his body in the Upside Down. Perhaps if Eleven defeats Vecna, both Max and Eddie could be restored to their physical bodies? Flashbacks and Memories Although fans would prefer to see new scenes with Eddie, it would be really easy for season 5 to feature the character via flashbacks taken from season 4. Dustin has been deeply shaken by Eddie’s loss, even more so now that most of Hawkins has demonised him, and thus it makes sense that Dustin would draw on his memories of Eddie while working through his grief. Eddie returning in this capacity means that the Duffers have stayed true to their word that Eddie is dead, while also allowing the character to come back. In hiding This possibility, much like the flashback one, doesn’t rely on Quinn shooting new scenes. Instead of revealing the character alive and well, clues that Eddie has somehow survived and is hiding in the Upside Down could be shown instead. In season 1, Will managed to successfully evade the Demogorgon in the Upside Down, so it stands to reason that Eddie could too. However, this theory heavily relies on Eddie’s death in season 4 being a red herring, in which the character merely appeared dead but then crawled away to hide. Supporting evidence to this theory is that we’re never shown his body again, nor Dustin checking his pulse. We could all be driving ourselves mad theorising, when in fact the Duffers gave us our answer as plainly as they could. But semantics, much like the Upside Down, has a fluidity that makes it hard to confine. Stranger Things 5 part 1 premieres on Netflix on Wednesday 26th November 2025. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Hazbin Hotel creator teases “unique” Lucifer and Alastor relationship in season 2 after fan theories
Every fandom has its fan-favourite, non-canonical pairings. For Hazbin Hotel viewers, RadioApple – which references Lucifer and Alastor, for the uninitiated – is one of the most popular ships. And season 2 might just let them shine. Arguably, episode 5 of season 1 was the fuel that lit the fire, after fans witnessed the two mighty sinners come to musical blows in the song ‘Hell’s Greatest Dad’. The way Lucifer (Jeremy Jordan) and Alastor (Amir Talai) fired sassy little quips at each other created a tsunami of fanfics of a rivalry romance blossoming between the two. Certainly, the big boss of Hell himself has an intriguing relationship with Charlie’s steadfast hotelier. One that Hazbin Hotel’s creator, Vivienne Medrano, teases is “unique” in nature. When asked if RadioApple could eventually become canon lore, Medrano gave a knowing smile. “Oh, you're asking the tough one,” she told RadioTimes.com. “I mean, that's such a fun question. Lucifer and Alastor's relationship is one of my favourites in the show to explore. I can't reveal what it is because that's really one of the ones that develops, I think, the most uniquely over the course of the whole series.” Ever vigilant of how the fandom will react to such news, Medrano was quick to clarify, “And obviously when I say relationships, that can mean a lot of things.” She continued: “They're both very prideful characters. They both think they're better than everyone else, and therefore their dynamic with each other clashes. I'm excited for people to see how that can evolve into something interesting and fun.” View oEmbed on the source website Although Lu and Bambi’s relationship could venture down many avenues, not necessarily just romantic one, it’s clear that we’re going to see a lot more of Lucifer in the coming seasons – particularly season 3, which has already been greenlit. “I don't think it’s too much of a spoiler to just say season 3 is really the Morningstar season. Lucifer is one of my personal favourites, so anything to do with him and all the relationships he has that develop throughout the show to me are some of my favourites.” But it isn’t just Lucifer’s story that’ll move front and centre; the show is also set to delve deeper into Charlie’s family dynamics. Not only does this mean more airtime for the “silly king character”, but it could also mean that we finally learn more about Lilith, the ever mysterious queen of hell, who Medrano describes as being “iconic” to the Hellaverse. Hazbin Hotel season 2 is available to stream on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Add Hazbin Hotel to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hazbin Hotel season 2 review: Hell's most ambitious project has a score to settle with naysayers
A power vacuum, a traumatised princess, and a defeated heaven is the perfect storm for the Vees' ambitions.
Renovated to near perfection, the Hazbin Hotel is open again for business in season 2. It’s been over a year since the original hotel was decimated; the fierce battle with Adam and the exorcists nearly broke Charlie (Erika Henningsen) and her band of misfits. Yet, they survived, albeit by a hair. But hell’s redemption remains a giant unknown, especially now that the overlords have scattered to the four winds, and with Vox (Christian Borle) attempting to monopolise on the chaos Charlie has wrought. Everything hangs in the balance, and not just in relation to the characters’ predicament. The first season of Hazbin Hotel was met with mixed reviews from critics, and while its fandom is fiercely loyal, season 2 has something to prove. Never one to shy away from the critics, Vivienne Medrano’s creation comes out swinging, delivering a musical extravaganza that doubles down on being unashamedly chaotic. More often than not, the anarchy of the show succeeds, largely due to the fact that it follows its own rules. However, some mistakes from the first season remain, potentially jeopardising the cult classic status the show has claimed. Compared to its sister show, Helluva Boss, Hazbin Hotel played it safe. There was still the adult humour, musical numbers, and the oppression of hell juxtaposed against entertaining hijinks, but Hazbin Hotel was tamer. For a new animated show leaving behind its YouTube pilot and pivoting to Prime Video, it made sense. And it paid off. Now that security has been assured, the safety net has been cast off and Medrano has allowed those fever-dream-esque traits from Helluva Boss to permeate Hazbin Hotel. Much like Helluva Boss did in its second season, Hazbin Hotel hits its stride, delivering a story that continues to blur the lines between conventional good versus evil, with a threat looming large much closer to home for Charlie and co. The growing malevolence of the Vees – hell’s equivalent to the Heathers – was established early on in season 1. They operated in plain sight but never posed a threat because attention was pulled elsewhere. It created a sense of unease for viewers who could see what Charlie couldn’t, with that unease now becoming palpable as Vox digs his claws in to drag the Vees up to god-like heights. The narrative has expanded, placing threats both without and within, creating a hell and a heaven in turmoil. It’s a far riper breeding ground for the backstories of beloved characters, like Sir Pentious (Alex Brightman) and Alastor (Amir Talai), to finally be revealed. Moreover, it allows new blood to be introduced, such as Baxter (Kevin Del Aguila) – who isn’t the new Sir Pentious – Abel (Patrick Stump), and The Speaker of God (Liz Callaway). Each new face has its place in Hazbin Hotel, but much like the Vees in season 1, its potential is left unrealised, most likely due to plans for the already greenlit season 3. The only faltering step Hazbin Hotel takes here is with one specific character, who we expected to see more of yet remains obscured, frustratingly out of reach. Nonetheless, Hazbin Hotel has mostly managed to tread the fine line in balancing established characters alongside new ones. Abel, especially, is such a delightful contrast to Adam, his father, that fans will want to see more from him in the future. More so due to his fraught relationship with Lute (Jessica Vosk), a character who was only just warming up with her lust for vengeance in season 1. All of these different components make for a giant melting pot of emotions that fuel some truly incredible musical numbers written by Sam Haft and Andrew Underberg. Fans have already been given a sneak peek at a couple of these catchy songs, in the form of Hazbin Guarantee (Trust Us) and Gravity, the latter of which placed 52nd in the UK’s Official Singles Chart Top 100. Once again, I’m reminded of Helluva Boss. Its musical prowess far outshone Hazbin Hotel’s because it embraced being a musical, whereas Hazbin’s first season only flirted with the idea. View oEmbed on the source website A rigid formula of two songs per episode was followed, and while each song had its place, there was a predictability about the structured nature of them that lacked the depth seen in Helluva Boss. The music never lacked substance, as such, but now Hazbin Hotel’s profundity has been better brought out by the fluidity of its soundtrack. It’s come into its own. All of this is but a scratch on the surface of what Hazbin Hotel season 2 tries to pack into a mere eight episodes. This is largely the reason the show stumbles at the finish line. The limitations of an on average 25-minute-long episode mean that, once again, the finale is rushed. Even an additional 10 minutes for the final episode does little to remedy this problem. Arguably, this is what holds the series back: it’s not given enough room to properly tell its story. An extra one or two episodes would have allowed the season more breathing room. Without spoiling the events that lead up to and define the ending, what we’re left with is a season too neatly wrapped up. Questions and other threads to pull still remain, but we’re left wondering what else could possibly unravel here. Still, there’s no denying that the drip season 1 had has turned torrential this time around. I just hope that Prime Video gives the series more room to be, rather than trying to condense it down to fit the eight-episode rule many shows now adhere to. Hazbin Hotel is a sprawling world; it needs to be given room to stretch its legs properly. Hazbin Hotel season 2 will begin on Prime Video on 29th October – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Add Hazbin Hotel to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Stranger Things season 5 needs to not overthink its villain
Having barely beaten back Vecna at the end of Stranger Things season 4, Hawkins' trusty band of misfits are poised to once again do battle against the Upside Down. But whether Vecna will remain the major villain of the series is a source of intrigue for fans. The Demogorgon. The Mindflayer. Vecna. The Upside Down has birthed some truly unique villains over the course of Stranger Things. In season 4, the dramatic reveal of Vecna and his unexpected association with Eleven helped position him as the main antagonist of the show. As Dustin so aptly said, Vecna is a “five-star General”. Yet, the series has a habit of producing a latest creature feature each season, depicting the Upside Down as a place with seemingly unlimited potential to do damage. It’s part of the reason each season has felt different yet unequivocally connected. Still, at this late stage in the game, when the board has seemingly been set and the die cast, the Duffer Brothers should avoid overthinking their grand finale. My concern is that another even bigger and badder villain will be introduced. After all, The Upside Down, while easily manipulated by Vecna, isn’t of his making. It’s an alternate dimension with endless possibilities that Vecna has learnt to harness and use for his own gains. Ergo, something altogether scarier could be using Vecna to its own ends. Fitting though that may be in the ever expanding lore of the series and its offshoots, like the stage show, to introduce a new villain now at the end of the show would, in my opinion, hinder the narrative rather than help it. It muddies water which is already murky to begin with. Stranger Things’ lore has a serpentine quality to it; at times it feels convoluted and confusing. Adding yet another new villain into the mix would create twists that detract from the story rather than add value. Unfortunately, due to the Duffer Brothers’ lack of commitment when it comes to killing off beloved, key characters, they may feel the need to unnecessarily embellish the story. Flipping the script right at the end would certainly prove that they’re not afraid to bare their teeth if it's demanded of them. Having been jokingly called out by Millie Bobby Brown for being “sensitive Sallies”, the Duffer Brothers may feel they have something to prove. Both to themselves, the cast, and the fans. But in doing so, therein lies another issue: loss of impact. Season 4 was easily the most chilling yet, leaning heavily into the horror elements of the sci-fi horror subgenre. The way in which Vecna has weaponised trauma to kill has significantly impacted both the characters of the show and its fandom. Not least of all because Eleven, although she wasn’t aware of it initially, helped provide Vecna with such a deadly position of power in the first place. This connection between Eleven and Vecna, two characters which symbolise the beginning of the Upside Down’s control over Hawkins, neatly wraps up the show. It provides a full circle moment that would fittingly draw Stranger Things to a close. Thematically, keeping Vecna as the major villain also adds a personal aspect to the showdown we’re all eager to witness. Vecna nearly killed Max, and did, albeit indirectly, kill Eddie. This monster has taken much from the characters and is likely to demand even more still; thus, the need to avenge fallen friends only serves to strengthen the finale. Of course, by choosing to keep Vecna as the big bad, the stakes have to be raised somehow. Vecna, as scary as he is, can’t remain stagnant when Stranger Things is aiming for a big finish. Ultimately, Vecna needs more dimensions to his character – this can’t all be for the love of killing or the thrill of revenge. Those are emotions that fed the fire, but what was the spark that made him who and what he is? View oEmbed on the source website I also believe that Vecna’s defeat shouldn’t be how Hawkins is saved. Obviously, fans want closure after all the years they’ve invested; however, for Vecna’s death to automatically save Hawkins and defeat the Upside Down is too neat. Even if Vecna dies, the Duffer Brothers need to ensure that the Upside Down lives on, even if Hawkins is saved and we, the viewers, never see its haunting beauty again. Vecna’s potential has not yet been fully realised. To squander that so close to the finish line would far remove Stranger Things from the aspects of the show that made it so powerful to begin with: its organic atmosphere and believability. Stranger Things season 5 Volume 1 (episodes 1-4) premieres on 26th November; Volume 2 (episodes 5-7) will air on Christmas Day (25th December); and the finale (episode 8) will debut on New Year’s Eve (31st December). Stranger Things seasons 1-4 are available on Netflix now. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add Stranger Things to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to <a id="menurjqo" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link The Radio Times Podcast">The Radio Times Podcast.