The highly anticipated finale of Stranger Things Season 5 has officially arrived on Netflix, marking a momentous conclusion to the beloved series. In this article, we delve into the climactic final battle, unveil the fates of key characters, and explore the deeper meaning behind the poignant ending.
In the second volume of Season 5, the core group from Hawkins uncovers a shocking revelation: the Upside Down serves as a gateway to the Abyss, the origin of notorious creatures like demogorgons and the formidable Mind Flayer. This is the very dimension where Eleven (played by Millie Bobby Brown) had once banished Henry Creel (Jamie Campbell Bower).
As the narrative unfolds, they learn that Henry, also known as Vecna, is exploiting kidnapped children to merge the Abyss with the real world. In response, they devise a strategy dubbed “Operation Beanstalk, ” led by Steve (Joe Keery).
The plan involves Max (Sadie Sink) guiding Eleven and Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) through Henry’s psyche to eliminate him, while the rest of the group ventures into the Abyss to rescue the children. As anticipated in the world of Stranger Things, things don’t go as planned.Warning: spoilers ahead!
Understanding the Ending of Season 5
The eighth episode of Season 5, entitled ‘The Rightside Up‘, culminates the battle against Vecna, successfully rescuing the kidnapped children and averting the Abyss from invading their world. However, this victory comes with a heavy price: Eleven must remain away from Hawkins permanently.
In a unified effort, the group manages to defeat both the Mind Flayer and Vecna, thereby protecting their realm from devastation. Everyone escapes, including Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) and her classmates. The last phase involves detonating a bomb to obliterate the gateway between Hawkins and the Upside Down.
As they approach the exit, they encounter Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) and her associates, who are bent on finding Eleven. Meanwhile, El stands at the gateway, bidding a tearful farewell to Mike (Finn Wolfhard), justifying her ultimate sacrifice to break the government’s cycle of exploiting individuals with powers.
The bomb goes off, seemingly resulting in Eleven’s demise. Nevertheless, in a surprising twist during the climactic moments, Mike reveals to Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Max, Will (Noah Schnapp), and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) that it was all an illusion crafted by Kali in her final moments. Ultimately, El had outsmarted Dr. Kay and her team, making a stealthy escape while leaving them believing she no longer existed. Consequently, with Kali’s death in the Abyss, the threat of further experiments on individuals with powers dissipates.
This twist allows the remaining characters to enjoy their happy endings, despite the challenge of continuing life without Eleven.
Character Outcomes Post-Finale
After the climactic events, the series jumps forward 18 months, showcasing a revitalized Hawkins, free from military oversight and the oppressive shadow of the Upside Down.
As Robin aptly states, “I think the Hawkins curse has finally lifted.” Here is a brief overview of where each key character lands:
- Robin (Maya Hawke) has departed for college but makes a cameo as Rockin’ Robin on WSQK Squawk radio during a trip home.
- Steve has taken on a teaching role and is seen coaching a local baseball team, showcasing a fitting shift from his previous role as a babysitter.
- Max and Lucas are on track for graduation and have rekindled their relationship, free from past traumas.
- Dustin is also graduating as his class’s valedictorian before heading to college.
- Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce (Winona Ryder) are enjoying family life with Will and Jonathan, their arduous journey finally at rest.
- Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) pursues filmmaking at college, while Nancy (Natalia Dyer) opts for a junior reporter position at the Herald after dropping out.
- Holly, alongside the Wheelers, celebrates graduation, liberated from Vecna’s influence.
- Mike initially struggles with graduation, grappling with El’s absence. Following a heartening discussion with Hopper about acceptance and choice, he decides to reconnect with his friends.
- The group reunites on the radio station roof, pledging to maintain their bonds despite diverging paths.
- Realizing their children are growing up, Joyce and Hopper contemplate a fresh start, culminating in Hopper’s proposal, to which Joyce agrees.
In the series’ final moments, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max gather for a last game of Dungeons & Dragons. Mike’s revelation about Eleven’s escape and his aspirations of becoming a writer signifies a new chapter, as the friends collectively close the door on Hawkins.
Key Character Departures in Season 5
Despite rampant speculation about character deaths before the finale, Stranger Things ultimately spared its main ensemble from permanent loss. Notably, while Kali sacrifices herself for the greater good, and Henry (Vecna) meets his demise, most of the primary cast emerges unscathed.
Lt. Akers (Alex Breaux) is one of the subordinates of Dr. Kay who meets his end at the hands of El, following Murray’s (Brett Gelman) assistance in disabling the government’s sonic weaponry.
The build-up to the final confrontation led to numerous theories of potential losses, especially for characters like Steve, Dustin, or Will, stoked by near-death moments throughout the series. However, the Duffer Brothers chose to keep the original group intact, paying homage to lost comrades through flashbacks to Eddie (Joseph Quinn), Barb (Shannon Purser), and Bob (Sean Astin).
Stranger Things Season 5 is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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