Stranger Things Season 4 Theory: Where Dr. Brenner Has Really Been

WARNING: The following contains SPOILERS for Stranger Things season 4, part 1.

Stranger Things season 1 introduced Dr. Brenner as the lead scientist handling Eleven's case, hence why she called him "Papa." After being notably absent, the Dr. Brenner Stranger Things reappearance takes place earlier than expected in season 4.

Stranger Things season 2 followed the aftermath of Will’s return and the consequences of his time in the Upside Down, and Eleven’s journey outside the lab. Then, Stranger Things season 3 revealed that the Russians had arrived at Hawkins, and built a secret lab underneath the new Starcourt Mall. Each season has had both human and monster villains, and the primary human antagonist is Dr. Brenner, director of Hawkins Lab and Eleven’s father figure. Dr. Brenner was present in season 1 and led the search for Eleven after she escaped, and viewers learned through flashbacks that he was highly manipulative, ruthless, and ambitious.

Brenner could've had all manner of horrible motives in store for Stranger Things season 4. However, he's truly there to help Eleven in his own twisted way. At the end of Stranger Things season 1, it seemed like Brenner got what he deserved when the Demogorgon attacked him, but season 2 revealed that he’s still alive, though he didn’t appear in season 3. So, where could Dr. Brenner have been between Stranger Things seasons 3 and 4? Here's every theory discussing the matter and the Dr. Brenner Stranger Things re-emergence explained.

Stranger Things Theories: Dr. Brenner Was In Russia Or The Upside Down In Seasons 2 And 3

The fact that the Dr. Brenner Stranger Things season 4 reappearance happens without an explanation is frustrating. However, there are a few viable theories about where he could've been. Given that Dr. Brenner was attacked by the Demogorgon, with Eleven later confronting the creature and ending up in the Upside Down, many believe Dr. Brenner could've been trapped in the Upside Down before Stranger Things season 4. This would explain how he knows about Vecna and the threat he places on Hawkins. The Demogorgon acts in truly mysterious ways, as it can be lured by blood, but it took Will Byers to the Upside Down, even though he didn’t do anything that could catch its attention. As Brenner wasn’t bleeding, people believe he wasn’t killed, and the creature took him back to the Upside Down. However, not much time ed between the monster attacking Brenner and taking Eleven, so she probably would have seen him.

Another popular belief is that Dr. Brenner was in Russia before Stranger Things season 4. Before the reveal that Jim Hopper is alive and a prisoner, many fans believed it was actually Brenner. Brenner could've been an active collaborator with the Russians, which would explain why they know about the Upside Down and how they can keep a Demogorgon. How Brenner would end up on the other side of the world or the nature of his Russian connections are unknown, but some believe he could have gotten there through the Upside Down (after all, the alternate dimension is a mystery). Stranger Things season 4, part 1 never really explained where Dr. Brenner was, but that doesn't mean the question can't still be answered in volume 2.

Is Dr. Brenner In Season 4? He Plays A Key Role In Eleven's Journey

Stranger things season 4 Brenner villain

The Dr. Brenner Stranger Things appearance in season 4 happened much earlier than expected. He first shows up in Stranger Things season 4, episode 1, "Chapter One: The Hellfire Club," during a flashback to 1979. The flashback itself serves as foreshadowing for a later episode in the season, which chronicles the Hawkins Lab massacre. He finally appears in the flesh during episode 5, "Chapter 5: The Nina Project." In this episode, the reason for his return is brought to light: he wants to help Eleven get her powers back. Owens takes Eleven to a silo in Nevada, which houses the Nina project. The isolation tank is designed to make her relive her past and jumpstart her brain into ing how to use her powers. Brenner and Owens oversee the experiments with the Nina machine, and the "good" Doctor seems to be back to his usual cold and calculating self.

The Dr. Brenner Stranger Things re-emergence is uncomfortable, as he's shown to be especially cruel and manipulative towards the children in flashbacks. However, his presence is necessary for the season, and the whole show. It's safe to say that Hawkins is doomed without Eleven and her lost powers. They may not have a chance of survival from the Upside Down's hostile takeover if she stands by. Dr. Brenner is doing the right thing in the wrong way — despite the consequences he faces. In addition, he knows exactly how significant a threat Vecna poses to the town and that only Eleven can save the community. His character brings to life the morals and ethics involved with scientific experimentation and really rams the "science" discussion into the science fiction show. Though he may not be welcomed back with open arms, Dr. Brenner's presence is necessary for Stranger Things season 4.

Next: Stranger Things 4's Ending Setup s A Tragic Upside Down Theory

Stranger Things season 4, part 2, comes out on Netflix on July 1st, 2022, at 3AM EST.

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