Stranger Things Actor Urges Fans: Stop Blaming Murray for Alexei’s Death
Brett Gelman has pushed back at fans who blame his Stranger Things character for a Season 3 death. The actor says criticism aimed at Murray Bauman for Alexei’s death is misplaced. Gelman urged viewers to ease up and reconsider where fault really lies.
Murray and Alexei’s unlikely friendship
Season 3 introduced a rough but growing bond between Murray Bauman and the Russian scientist Alexei. They moved from antagonists to companions across several episodes. Their friendship culminated in a fairground scene during Episode 7.
At the fair, Murray goes to fetch a corn dog for Alexei. Moments later, an assassin appears and shoots Alexei in the chest. The killing ends the brief camaraderie and becomes a pivotal emotional beat.
Gelman responds to criticism
In an interview with Jacqui Faiman for Filmogaz.com, Gelman described Alexei as the catalyst for Murray’s softer side. He said Alexei made Murray feel less isolated and more connected to others.
Gelman also addressed fan anger over the corn dog moment. He asked viewers not to fault Murray for stepping away briefly. The actor argued that it was unfair to assign blame to his character for Alexei’s death.
Why Gelman says the blame is misplaced
Gelman emphasized the emotional stakes for Murray. Losing a newly made friend left the character devastated. The actor highlighted that Murray’s intentions were compassionate, not negligent.
The actor urged empathy, noting the scene showed growth for Murray. He called on fans to stop blaming Murray and to focus on the broader story forces at work.
Context for viewers
The sequence remains one of Season 3’s most discussed moments. Fans debated responsibility online after the episode aired. All five seasons of Stranger Things are available to stream on Netflix.
- Character: Murray Bauman (played by Brett Gelman)
- Victim: Alexei, killed in Episode 7 of Season 3
- Setting: Fairground scene where a corn dog is involved
- Public reaction: Some fans blamed Murray; Gelman disputed that view
