The final season of Stranger Things on Netflix has introduced viewers to new faces in Hawkins, including Caroline Elle Abrams. She plays the role of Tina Turnbow, a character who becomes a crucial part of the plot in the third episode. Tina is the former best friend turned rival of fan-favorite Erica Sinclair, played by Priah Ferguson. Though her screen time is brief, her scene is a memorable and funny moment that advances the story significantly.
Who Is Tina Turnbow in Stranger Things Season 5?
Tina Turnbow is a new character seen in Season 5. She comes from the wealthy Turnbow family, known for their real estate business in Hawkins. Tina is the older sister of Derek Turnbow, who becomes a target of Vecna in the season.
Tina was first mentioned in earlier seasons as Erica Sinclair’s best friend. By Season 5, however, their friendship has ended. The fallout happened after a dodgeball game where Erica accidentally hit Tina’s love interest, Josh, giving him a black eye. Tina believed Erica did it on purpose to break them up, leading to their split.
The Turnbow Trap: Tina’s Key Scene
Tina Turnbow appears in Episode 3, titled “The Turnbow Trap”. After Will Byers realizes Vecna is hunting Tina’s younger brother, Derek, the group devises a plan. They need to safely remove the Turnbow family from their home to use it as a trap for a Demogorgon. This dangerous mission requires Erica to reconcile with her former best friend to get inside the house.
Erica visits the Turnbow home with a pie laced with sleeping pills, pretending she wants to be friends again. The plan is for the family to eat the pie and fall asleep. However, Tina refuses her slice, worried about the calories. When Tina’s parents and brother pass out, Erica is forced to take more direct action. She uses a syringe to sedate Tina, delivering one of the episode’s standout lines:
“I told you to eat your pie.”
The unconscious Turnbow family is then moved to a safe location for the remainder of the crisis.
Meet Actress Caroline Elle Abrams
For Caroline Elle Abrams, the role of Tina Turnbow marks her biggest part to date. According to her professional profile, she began acting in theater and commercials at the age of five. Before joining the cast of Stranger Things, she had a guest role as Noa on the Apple TV+ series Me and voiced the character Kylie in the film R.A.D.A.R.: The Adventures of the Bionic Dog.
Abrams’ age has not been publicly confirmed by Netflix or official sources, leading to curiosity among fans. Online discussions suggest she is a teenage actress, and the protection of her personal details may be due to privacy policies for younger performers.
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The Significance of Tina’s Character
While Tina Turnbow is a minor character, she plays an important role in the story. Her strained relationship with Erica Sinclair adds a layer of typical teenage drama to the high-stakes supernatural plot. The scene also serves to showcase Erica’s growth and dedication to the group’s mission, as she is willing to do whatever it takes to save Hawkins, even if it means confronting a personal nemesis.
The character has been described as bossy and, at times, illogical, but she also shows concern for her family’s well-being.
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