'Stranger Things' Season 2: David Harbour Talks Hopper's Past And Future

Unlike some of the kid-led adventure movies of the 1980s it evoked, Stranger Things spent quite a bit of time with the adults during the first season of the popular series. Ross and Matt Duffer's decision to do so paid off because of Jim Hopper (David Harbour), who, in particular, helped make season one of the sci-fi show significantly more dramatic. Hopper is returning for the second season of Stranger Things, which Harbour teased at New York Comic-Con along with star Millie Bobby Brown.

Neither actor revealed any plot details — why would they? — but Harbour discussed what we should expect from some of the characters. Below, read what the actor had to say about the Stranger Things season two relationships. (Note: SPOILERS are ahead.)

Stranger Things hasn't finished exploring Hopper's grief and past. Harbour, who called the first couple of season two's scripts "insane," said to expect more flashbacks to the Sheriff's old life (Source: i09):

I feel like with the loss of a daughter like that, I just feel like he's truly broken in a way that almost cannot be healed. In a certain way he has so much guilt because he's so used to saving people — used to good guys and bad guys — and finally he puts himself in a situation where it's just life. I mean, there's just nothing he can do and I think that he takes that on himself and carries it on his shoulders.

You can see what Harbour is talking about during the heartbreaking hospital scenes, where the character is lost, and all he can do is watch. Hopper's daughter will remain a part of his story, as the actor noted the other day when he said, "Hopper and Eleven have some kind of intense story [in season two] that surrounds his daughter and him almost taking on sort of a surrogate daughter."

Another relationship we'll see more of is Nancy (Natalie Dyer), Steve (Joe Keery), and Jonathan's (Charlie Heaton). The trio banded together towards the end of season one, but when it comes to a possible love triangle, they may have to confront some awkward situations in season two, according to Harbour (Source: Moviefone):

Even when I was watching I felt torn [about who should end up with who]. They both were so three dimensional ... There will be more of that for seasons to come.

And, of course, Barb was mentioned. Nancy's best friend who died in season one has become a fan favourite, but Harbour assured the New York Comic Con crowd she is indeed dead and will stay that way. However, like the Duffer Brothers have explained in the past, the character will see some justice:

We will tell you that we do deal with the loose ends in Season 2, and we do deal with some of the internet rage over Barb's death. We will have justice for Barb's death in some sense.

Millie Bobby Brown couldn't say too much about season two, which makes sense, considering the character's exact situation is currently unknown. She did say she hopes Eleven starts getting a different flavor of Eggo Waffles, though. "Maybe next time they'll be all blueberry, her favorite flavor," she said.