In season 2 of Stranger Things, we see so many connections tested. Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo), one of our favorite characters, unexpectedly connects with a weird creature he calls Dart (short for D’Artagnan). His relationship with his pet is a mix of curiosity, loyalty, and heartbreak, creating one of the most memorable storylines in the season. Despite being unique, this connection offers fans a closer glimpse at Dustin’s personality and highlights the frequent topic of listening to your gut instead of your emotions.
This post is completely related to Wild animals and their relation with humans. How even wild animals can be tamed when given proper training. One of the wild creature we saw in Stranger Things was Dart who came from Upside Down and became friends with Dustin Henderson.
Let’s have a quick look at both die-hard friends how they came into each other’s service and their emotional story of separation.
Dustin’s character and growth
Dustin is well-known for his positive mentality, sharp intellect, and devotion to his friends. He is the type of person who is constantly willing to explore new things and finds joy in virtually everything. He remains a key group member as these little brave heroes face new threats in Season 2. His devotion often leads him into tricky situations, but it’s also what makes him so relatable to fans. He continues to develop as a friend and as a person who can handle difficult decisions, particularly ones involving Dart.
Introduction of Dart
Dustin’s relationship with Dart begins when he discovers a strange, slug-like creature in his trash can. He was intrigued, unlike his friends, who would immediately suspect something dangerous. Believing it to be a new species, he keeps the animal as a pet and names it Dart after D’Artagnan from The Three Musketeers. His little pet appears to be innocent at first, almost delightful with his little physique and strange chirping sounds. Dustin’s curiosity overrides him, and he views Dart as a riddle that needs to be solved.
In reality it was clear by episode 4 that Dart is one of all the Monsters and Creatures from Upside Down who somehow wanted to conquer the actual world but Dustin still wanted to believe it as a myth. To him, that small creature was innocent.
Connection between Dustin and Dart
Our little hero is so kind and innocent that he is unaware of Dart’s possible threat because of his passion for science and his compassion for animals. He thinks this creature is different, even if his friends continue to contend with the Demogorgon’s threat from the previous season. He wants to be the one who understands this new species and sees something special in his bond with this creature. He develops a sincere attachment with the creature as he tends to him, feeding candy bars and hiding him from his friends and family.
The most interesting part about their friendship is
- Dustin never knew what it was, he gave him the name “D’Artagnan” because the first thing this creature ate was The Three Muskeeters, so he picked that name from that chocolate.
- He never knew it came from Upside Down still he loved him because of its appearance and stature that made it cute.
- He adopted that creature and considered it his own discovery and even asked his teacher Mr. Clarke (Randy Havens) not to steal his discovery and just examine it.
- He did all that childish stuff only to impress their new group member Maxine (Sadie Sink) who was introduced in the first episode of season 2 as Mad Max.
ALSO READ
The turning point: Dart’s transformation
However, things quickly take a dark turn when Dart begins to grow rapidly. As he sheds his skin and evolves, it becomes clear that it isn’t just some unknown animal. He’s a baby Demogorgon, the same type of monster that terrorized the town in Season 1. Dustin realizes that hiding it might have been a grave mistake. Its size and ferocity increase along with his hunger for flesh. Now, he has to face the fact that his “pet” isn’t as innocent as he thought.
Will (Noah Schnapp) realized about this creature from the very first moment he saw it as he had a deep and special connection with Upside Down.
Dart’s transformation from baby to actual Demogorgon
Moral Dilemma: Friendship vs. Danger
Finally, after all that realization and truth, the relationship between these two friends comes to a sad end in the final episode of Season 2. In the tunnels beneath Hawkins, the group is trying to destroy the vines from the Upside Down.
Dustin encounters his pet, now fully grown into a Demodog, face-to-face. In a touching moment, Dart seems to recognize him and doesn’t attack him, despite being part of the monster pack. He offered his friend a candy bar, a tiny gesture that reminded both of them of the relationship they once shared. After Dart hesitates and consumes the sweets, he lets all of them to pass. This example shows the depth of their bond by demonstrating that, despite his evolution, Dart still feels a connection to his friend.
Conclusion
The friendship of an innocent child and a little creature that somehow transformed into a monster from another world proves the actual bonding of sincerity and commitment. This is a proof that even the wildest animals or beasts can be tamed if they’re given proper care and love. You don’t have to kill or destroy every wild thing because of its serious threats, sometimes all you have to do is understand and concentrate to transform them into a long-term friend.
