Alexei’s Death in Stranger Things 3 Sparks Backlash, and Gelman Seeks Some Understanding
Tragedy struck in Season 3 as Murray Bauman’s unlikely ally, Alexei, was killed in a moment of sudden violence, leaving fans to debate not only the events but the portrayal of the characters involved. The duo’s dynamic had evolved from foes to mutually supportive friends, a journey that became a poignant throughline in their storyline.
During Episode 7, set against the bright chaos of a fairground, Murray promises to find something to feed Alexei, joking about bringing him “the closest thing to food I can find.” In a flash, tragedy interrupts the moment: an assassin shoots Alexei just as Murray reaches for a corn dog, sealing the fate of the scientist who opened Murray’s heart to companionship.
Brett Gelman, who plays Alexei’s killer counterpart to Murray’s wary pragmatism, has spoken out to ask fans for a bit of a break. In an interview with Dexerto’s Jacqui Faiman, Gelman reflected on the bond between Murray and Alexei, saying that Alexei helped reveal a softer side of Murray—someone capable of friendship and belonging, rather than a solitary figure in a bunker.
On the subject of Alexei’s death, Gelman described the moment as deeply tragic: Murray’s initial wariness gives way to friendship, only to be cruelly taken away. It’s a reminder of the fragility of these relationships and the impact of Alexei’s presence on Murray’s character arc.
Addressing the criticism some fans have directed at him for not being present during Alexei’s moment of need, Gelman pushed back. He emphasized that his character’s actions—that is, simply trying to help by getting corn dogs—were not the cause of the death. He asked fans to cut him some slack, stressing that “he wanted a corn dog,” and that he was not the one who killed Alexei.
For those curious about the larger Stranger Things universe, all five seasons are available on Netflix. If you’re interested in what the show’s stars are up to next, you can also check out updates on the ScreenTime YouTube channel for more TV and movie interviews.