Fan-favorite overprotective dad, Jim Hooper, seemingly dies in the season three finale, "The Battle of Starcourt." Joining Joyce in the secret Russian base hidden beneath Starcourt mall, the pair are tasked with shutting down and destroying a machine the Russians were using to reopen the fissure between Hawkins and the Upside Down. The reactor requires a two-key turn to destroy it, and anyone caught too close to the explosion would be instantly vaporized.
Fans were left distraught when Joyce makes the hard decision to close the gate while Hooper is still standing next to the reactor, seemingly leaving him caught in the explosion. Fortunately, season four came out the gate swinging with confirmation that Hooper is still alive. In episode two, we learn Hooper hit the deck just in time to avoid the explosion and was then abducted by the Russians.
