Could Ted Wheeler Be the Mind Behind the Upside Down?

With the arrival of a new episode featuring a Demogorgon and a golf club, an old fan theory from the second series of Stranger Things has found its way back into the spotlight. This time, the focus is on Ted Wheeler, the rather unremarkable father of Mike, Nancy, and Holly. Some viewers are now questioning whether Ted is as oblivious as he appears. Please note: spoilers for the fifth series of Stranger Things follow.

After the second episode of the latest series aired, a TikTok video began circulating, reviving the notion that Ted Wheeler could be responsible for the existence of the Upside Down. While the idea that Ted is the architect of this alternate world may seem far-fetched, there are those who believe he is hiding more than he lets on. Over the course of five series, Ted has maintained a low profile, but perhaps there is more to his story.

The Origins of the Theory

This speculation first emerged during the second series, with one fan even suggesting that Ted might be 001. That theory was eventually disproved, but the evidence at the time centred on Ted’s favourite chair in the living room, from which he rarely moves. The recent TikTok also references this detail: when Eleven sits in the chair, she experiences an odd sensation, leading some to compare the chair to a throne, supposedly allowing Ted to ‘recharge’ his abilities.

In the third series, Ted’s presence is minimal, and he continues to be portrayed as largely clueless. However, the fourth series introduces a curious detail. When Vecna shows Nancy a vision of her family’s demise, Ted is conspicuously missing.

Why wouldn’t Vecna just take everyone out?

At the time, it seemed plausible that the show’s creators had simply overlooked Ted, much as they appeared to forget about Argyle in the fifth series. Ted’s role has been so minor that his absence could easily be dismissed as a running gag.

Fresh Clues in Series Five

The TikTok video also highlights Ted’s reaction to the Demogorgon, noting that he appears surprisingly unfazed, with an expression that could be interpreted as one of recognition. Whether Ted is aware of his connection to the Upside Down remains uncertain. For now, he is in a medically induced coma, and his fate in the remaining episodes is unknown.

If Ted is ultimately revealed as a villain, it would certainly give his character a new lease of life. As it stands, his professional life is something of a mystery—does he even have a job?

What’s Next for Stranger Things?

For those keen to delve deeper, there are reviews of the first volume of the latest series, as well as details on the release schedule for the remaining episodes. While waiting for the next instalment, viewers might consider exploring some of the other top series available on Netflix.