“Stranger Things'” Shannon Purser scored an Emmy nom, finally giving Barb the justice she deserves
It took a few months, but it looks like we finally got that justice for Barb. Well, sorta! Shannon Purser got nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal as Barb on Stranger Things, and it finally feels like things are looking up for the character who met a gruesome end.
#JUSTICEFORBARB
Stranger Things introduced us to the town of Hawkins and the host of characters who live there — including Barb, who quickly became a fan favorite. And for her role, Purser just picked up an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series at this year’s Emmy Awards! This is huge news for #TeamBarb (so, everyone?).
After Barb disappeared from Stranger Things, a #JusticeForBarb campaign launched online. That campaign was even referenced in an episode of Riverdale, in which Purser guest-starred. But this nomination does seem like the recognition Barb has long deserved.
The Duffer Brothers, Ross and Matt Duffer, are pretty happy that Purser got recognized for the role and told Entertainment Weekly:
"Shannon took this…it’s barely a three-episode role and somehow turned it into what became this iconic character so I don’t know how she did it."
Matt also said that it’s proof that Barb “won’t be forgotten,” and Ross said it’s nice for her (and David Harbour!) to get an individual shoutout.
Purser tweeted her excitement about the nomination (and the other 17 nominations the show got, including one for Eleven herself):
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And the internet had some feels too:
HI @shannonpurser IS OFFICIALLY *EMMY* NOMINATED FOR HER ROLE AS BARB IN @Stranger_Things AND WE THOUGHT THERE WOULD BE NO #JusticeForBarb pic.twitter.com/ptJuHjNm90
— Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) July 13, 2017
So so glad for Shannon Purser from #StrangerThings: Emmy #JusticeforBarb pic.twitter.com/wPENpNxXSo
— Mo Ryan (@moryan) July 13, 2017
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#JusticeForBarb: SHANNON PURSER IS NOMINATED FOR OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA!!! #StrangerThings #Emmyts pic.twitter.com/tjbZvEJvuM
— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) July 13, 2017
The Emmy nomination is #Justice4Barb pic.twitter.com/3c407hWz8T
— Simon Reynolds (@simonreyn) July 13, 2017
We have #Justice4Barb https://t.co/vpSgdlYJzx pic.twitter.com/QYcmxq4Jbd
— Jelli Oswald (@thisisjelli) July 13, 2017
So while Barb won’t be returning in Season 2 of Stranger Things, the actress behind her will live on forever as an Emmy nominee — and if that’s not justice, then what is?! Plus, who knows, maybe the characters will carry on her legacy too…
The Emmys air September 17th, and Stranger Things Season 2 hits Netflix on October 27th.
