Stranger Things Season 5 Finale: 8 Burning Questions Fans Need Answered
With just 128 minutes left in Hawkins, these crucial mysteries from Volume 2 demand resolution before the series concludes forever.
The penultimate episodes of Stranger Things' final season delivered major revelations about the Upside Down's true nature, but they also introduced fresh mysteries that have fans anxious about whether everything can be resolved in the remaining runtime. With only 128 minutes left to spend in Hawkins, several critical plot threads still need closure.
The Mind Flayer's Mysterious Absence
Though the massive spider-like creature was seemingly eliminated in season three, its return feels inevitable. Dustin's explanation about the Abyss being the original habitat for demogorgons, demobats, and the Mind Flayer suggests we haven't seen the last of this entity. The resemblance between Vecna's Abyss dwelling and the Mind Flayer's exoskeleton raises questions about their connection.
More importantly, where has this powerful being been while Eleven and her friends have been battling Vecna? And is it truly the ultimate authority in this supernatural hierarchy?
Temporal Mysteries and Convenient Plot Points
The revelation that the Upside Down formed on November 6, 1983, when Dr. Brenner forced Eleven into telepathic contact with a demogorgon explains the dimension's creation. However, the specific reason why this alternate reality remains frozen on that exact date still needs clarification.
Another puzzling moment occurred when Nancy and Jonathan found themselves trapped in solidified exotic matter after their breakup conversation. The timing of the substance's transformation seemed suspiciously convenient, stopping precisely at table level after they decided to end their relationship.
Henry's Dark Past and Future Plans
The cave system where Max has been hiding clearly holds traumatic significance for Henry/Vecna, though the full story remains unclear. A flashback revealed young Henry in a Boy Scout uniform encountering a wounded man with a briefcase and gun in the mines. After being shot in the hand, Henry killed the stranger and took the briefcase, but this incident's broader implications haven't been explored.
Vecna's ultimate goal of merging the Abyss with reality also lacks clear motivation beyond mass destruction. His previous statements about superiority over non-powered humans and rejection of societal control don't fully explain why he'd want to inhabit a hellish landscape, especially given his apparent fear of the cave system.
Unresolved Character Arcs
Both Kali and Hopper's recent actions suggest they might attempt something reckless in the finale. Their willingness to consider self-sacrifice as a solution raises concerns about their decision-making in the climactic battle.
Will's recent coming-out scene addressed his sexuality but left his feelings for Mike unspoken, despite Ross Duffer confirming that Mike now understands his friend's longtime crush. "He's clocking what Will felt over the years," the creator explained to People. A more intimate conversation between the two characters would provide necessary closure.
Finally, while the Duffer Brothers have promised not to kill off main characters indiscriminately, the increasingly implausible survival rate of major characters in life-threatening situations has stretched believability. Whether everyone will make it through the finale remains the ultimate question.