Throughout its run, Stranger Things has frequently showcased unexpected characters stepping into the limelight, and in Season 5, the series allows its understated MVP to embrace a heroic role.

**Spoiler Alert for Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2, now streaming on Netflix**

For years, Mr. Clarke (played by Randy Havens), the dedicated science teacher and AV club mentor at Hawkins, has aided Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Will (Noah Schnapp), and Erica (Priah Ferguson) with their scientific dilemmas and radio signal boosts. Finally, he’s drawn into the heart of the action.

When Dustin disappears into the Upside Down, those left on the surface struggle to devise a plan to rescue him and the others trapped below. Caleb plots to use Will’s connection to the hive mind by igniting a Demogorgon corpse, while Erica opts for a more straightforward solution: enlisting the help of their beloved teacher.

By the conclusion of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2, Mr. Clarke not only applies his scientific expertise to track down Dustin, Nancy (Natalia Dyer), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), and Steve (Joe Keery), but he also becomes privy to the mysteries of the Upside Down. At last, he is welcomed as one of the team—an authentic hero, fulfilling his rightful place.

When we first met Mr. Clarke all the way back in Stranger Things Season 1, he was one of the only adults in Hawkins who saw potential in Mike and his pals. The middle school AV club doubled as the nerdy boys’ own school-sponsored clubhouse and Mr. Clarke kept its room stocked with cutting edge radio tech, useful for the group’s adventures ahead.

Indeed, it is Mr. Clarke who first helps the gang understand the psychics involved with the Upside Down. Back then, the kids thought the Upside Down itself was a parallel dimension. Now, in Season 5, we’ve learned that it’s not. It’s simply the wormhole — or bridge — that connects our world to another, ruled by Vecna.

At least once a season, Mr. Clarke has been called upon to offer sage scientific advice or to provide the solution to a problem. Sometimes, the kids take advantage of Clarkes’ avuncular nature, crashing his alone time (which is usually spent with a revolving door of Hawkins hotties who clearly get the depth of his charms). Now, in Stranger Things Season 5, Mr. Clarke isn’t just called to assist the gang, but join them in their endeavors.

As someone who has low key always thought Mr. Clarke was the secret MVP of the series — always offering kind, patient guidance — I’ve been thrilled with this most recent development. In fact, I’d argue that it’s a long time coming. It never made any sense that the kids wouldn’t clue Mr. Clarke in on their adventures nor that he didn’t read into any of their hyper-specific questions.

The good news is it finally happened. Mr. Clarke joined in on the fun. The bad news is he’s done so just in time for what looks to be the deadliest chapter in the show’s whole run: Wednesday’s Stranger Things finale.