Little did we know when the year began that it would not be an epic television program or film with sprawling drama designed with award season in mind, but rather a performance from a relatively unknown actor in an eight-part Netflix series that would tower above the competition. Though Stranger Things represented a career renaissance for Winona Ryder and showcased the talents of Millie Bobby Brown, a young actress with Oscars in her future, it was David Harbour’s portrayal of Hawkins Police Chief Jim Hopper that left us awe-struck.
For a character to stand the test of time, it must be flawed but also complex and conflicted in such a way that its chosen performer can demonstrate a wide range of emotional capabilities that catalyze an arc that leaves everyone who sets eyes on it desperately rooting for them to succeed. Harbour’s Hopper met and, in a way, destroyed that template. It is a testament to Harbour’s skill as an actor, the Duffer Brothers’ writing, and the immaculate abilities of the Stranger Things writing staff.
In a lot of ways, Hopper was an anti-hero. Audiences were introduced to a binge-drinking, pill-popping, burned-out cop who was not only indifferent but abrasive and almost intolerant of children. In short, Hop appeared a jerk of the highest order who was not only disliked almost immediately but certainly didn’t seem up to matching wits with CIA-sanctioned chicanery. However, before the opening credits ran for “The Body,” Hop had transitioned from loathed to loved.
In less than four episodes, Harbour demonstrated that Chief Hopper was a far better policeman than audiences (or the federal government) had originally thought. He offered support and reassurance to a son and brother who desperately needed it and was patient and tender with Joyce (Ryder), a shattered parent to whom he related far too well.
Virtuous characters are often respected and admired, but love and reverence are reserved for those flawed enough to be viewed as genuinely human. On top of the less-than-flattering adjectives that applied to Chief Hopper early on, audiences would learn that he had lost a child to cancer, which led to his burnout, divorce, and loss of ambition and hope.
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There was nothing Hopper could do to save his daughter; he had little choice but to stand by and watch her slowly slip away. When it came to Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), however, Hopper channeled Clarice Starling. If he could save just one—spare one family that agony—it may not silence the raging winds in the chasm of his soul, but it might make facing another day a little bit easier.
What made Harbour’s portrayal so special was its authenticity. Hop felt real; there was nothing exaggerated or over the top because it was a performance built around subtle glances and gestures, even a little rough around the edges, and completely devoid of inspirational speeches or a singularly heroic moment. By overcoming his demons, he earned the briefest moment of peace for himself and, in the process, saved Joyce and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) from a hell that he understood intimately.
In his final effort to revive Will, we were teary-eyed with hands cupped over our mouths as we tensely leaned closer to the screen and said with him, “Come on, kid!” More than that, however, our collective thought was, “Please don’t let this happen to him again.” It was the emotional conclusion of a journey for which we would have followed Hop anywhere.
Was it the character concept, the writing, or the flashbacks? Sure, but above all else, it was the brilliant portrayal of David Harbour who brought Jim Hopper to life in the single finest performance of 2016. The Hawkins Chief of Police is a character that will live far beyond eight episodes or Stranger Things‘ second season but rather adored and discussed forever.
If Harbour didn’t own a trophy case, he better start shopping now. Maximum amounts of well-deserved hardware will be en route in short order.
Great article….my sentiments exactly