An Ode to Erica Sinclair, The Coolest Girl in Hawkins
[Disclaimer: This article contains minor spoilers about Season 3 of Netflix’s Stranger Things]
So, it’s officially been over a week since Stranger Things 3 came out on Netflix and if you’re like me, you’re still reeling. The drama, the action, the romance, the intensity...it can all be a bit much. In seasons 1 and 2 it was a bit difficult to pinpoint what the best parts were, but in season 3, the Duffer Brothers made it pretty easy to decipher: ERICA.
Erica Sinclair, portrayed by Priah Ferguson, was undoubtedly the highlight of the season and somehow made an incredible show even better. The pint-sized little sister of Luke, portrayed by Caleb McLaughlin, joined in the annual effort to save Hawkins (the world) from mass destruction and did so with style.
When it was announced that Ferguson would be upgraded from a recurring character to a series regular, I was pretty excited. More Black girls in any piece of media is usually great news to me, but Ferguson had already proved herself to be equipped to deliver comedic relief when needed most so I was especially intrigued.
“Basically, the bar was already set pretty high and she somehow still exceeded my expectations. ”
First off, though she is clearly a natural born leader, decided to use her talents to help out the Scoop Troop in their mission against the Russian scientists invading their town (and for a price, as she should!)
Secondly, she revealed herself to be a math whiz! Like calculator in her brain good. We love a girl in STEM!
She even has her own views on economics and finance. I mean, hopefully they’ll evolve a bit, but still! Impressive!
Thirdly, she exhibited her incredible comedic timing whenever it was most needed.
Following that point, she was the definition of the perfect little sister! She was not afraid to hold back and who doesn’t value that in a sibling? Luke must be so proud.
Lastly, she was brave and courageous when necessary. I mean we all wanna have fun, but in Hawkins, there’s always a crisis where you have to step up to the plate and Erica is not one to back down from a challenge.
In all seriousness, Erica’s rise to the forefront this season was a breath of fresh air in a show with a serious lack of people of color. I mean, I know it’s set in Indiana but still. The intelligence and confidence she already possess at a young age is representation we need more of for young Black girls who are still struggling to find themselves in the stories they love most.
I doubt I’m the only one who is dying to see more of Ferguson. What do you think is next for her? More TV? Movies? Stand-up?
All images courtesy of Netflix and IMDB.
