Eight Burning Questions for the Stranger Things Finale

With just three episodes, the latest volume of Stranger Things’ fifth series has finally unravelled one of its most persistent enigmas, clarifying the true nature of the Upside Down. Yet, as is often the case, each answer has only led to further puzzles. With only 128 minutes left in Hawkins, it’s hard not to wonder if every thread will be neatly tied up.

David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, previously promised that the “OG storylines” would be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. That’s no small feat, considering the sheer number of characters and the increasingly bizarre twists we’ve witnessed. Still, hope springs eternal. Here are the eight questions that remain at the forefront of my mind after Vol. 2, from the Mind Flayer’s fate to the conversation Will and Mike have long avoided. Spoilers ahead, so do proceed with caution if you’re not up to date.

Lingering Threats and Unanswered Mysteries

The Mind Flayer’s monstrous form was seemingly vanquished at the close of series three, but it’s clear that its story is far from over. Dustin’s explanation of the Upside Down’s link to the Abyss suggests that this shadowy realm is the original domain of demogorgons, demobats, and the Mind Flayer itself. Henry’s previous encounters with the creature only add to the sense that its return is inevitable. One can only hope the finale will clarify where it’s been hiding while Eleven and her friends have been battling Vecna—and whether it truly holds the reins.

Another conundrum: why is the Upside Down stuck on 6 November 1983? It’s established that this was the day Dr. Brenner forced Eleven into telepathic contact with a demogorgon, but the reason for the temporal stasis remains elusive. Perhaps Dustin will provide a scientific explanation, unless we need to call in a physicist.

Emotional Crossroads and Unfinished Business

After Nancy fired at the exotic matter, she and Jonathan lost consciousness in the Upside Down’s version of Hawkins Lab. Upon waking, they found themselves surrounded by the same white goo that had coated the stairs. Their attempt to escape failed, leading to a heart-to-heart about their relationship. Jonathan withdrew his proposal, and the pair acknowledged their feelings before noticing the goo had solidified at table height. The timing felt suspiciously convenient—why did it stop just then?

Meanwhile, Henry’s fear of the cave where Max has been hiding remains unexplained. A flashback shows a young Henry encountering a wounded man with a metallic briefcase in a mine shaft. After being shot in the hand, Henry retaliates, killing the man and taking the briefcase. There’s clearly more to this memory, and those familiar with the stage production, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, may already have some insight. It would be good to see the television series fill in the gaps for everyone else.

Motivations, Plans, and Final Reckonings

Vecna’s desire to merge the Abyss with the real world is still rather baffling. He’s expressed disdain for ordinary humans and a wish to live free from binary control, but his ultimate goal remains murky. If he’s so terrified of a cave, it’s hard to imagine he’d relish life in a hellish landscape.

Kali and Hopper’s intentions are also unclear. Hopper’s dash through the Upside Down with a bomb and Kali’s willingness to sacrifice herself to stop Vecna suggest they might take drastic measures in the finale. One can only hope they’ll find less reckless ways to protect those they care about.

Personal Truths and the Cost of Survival

In episode seven, ‘The Bridge’, Will comes out as gay to his closest friends, mentioning an unrequited crush but stopping short of telling Mike directly.

“Once Will is talking about Tammy and all that and his experience, yeah, it’s Mike – and his friends – all realising and understanding now for the first time, even if Mike has been somewhat oblivious over these years, what his friend is saying,” Ross later explained to People. “He’s clocking what Will felt over the years.”

There’s hope for a more open conversation between the two in the final episode.

Finally, the question of who will survive the finale looms large. The Duffer Brothers have insisted that Stranger Things won’t emulate Game of Thrones by killing off a slew of main characters, but the level of plot armour some enjoy is becoming a bit much. While it’s hard to wish any of them gone, it would be a shame if everyone made it through unscathed simply to avoid upsetting the audience.

Both volumes of Stranger Things’ fifth series are now available to stream. If the Upside Down isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other top picks on Netflix to keep you entertained.