Stranger Things 5: Kali’s Return Shakes Up Eleven’s World
The Duffer brothers discuss how Kali’s comeback in Stranger Things 5 Volume 1 sets the stage for a dramatic shift in the story and promises a full circle for her character.
Few moments in the latest instalment of Stranger Things have sparked as much conversation as the unexpected reappearance of Kali, the enigmatic figure once introduced as Eleven’s ‘sister’. Her return in the first part of the fifth series has left many viewers rather emotional, and according to the Duffer brothers, this is merely the beginning of her journey.
New Dynamics and Shifting Tones
Matt Duffer, speaking in the most recent issue of SFX magazine, remarked,
‘It will be a very different dynamic going into the second volume. Kali shifts things a lot for Eleven, and I think it'll be surprising for people to see how she ultimately fits into the story. We're excited about that, because it immediately changes the tone. And obviously, the way things ended with Hopper leaves a lot of tension between them.’
Kali’s presence is set to alter the relationships and atmosphere as the story moves forward, promising a fresh direction for the series’ next chapter.
Kali’s Origins and Unfinished Business
Kali first appeared in what’s often called a ‘bottle’ episode, focusing solely on her and Eleven’s encounter. During this episode, Eleven discovered that she was not alone in her experiences; Kali, also a product of Hawkins Lab’s experiments, bears the number eight on her wrist and possesses formidable abilities, arguably rivalling Eleven’s own. The episode revealed that others like them exist, living lives far removed from the chaos of Hawkins.
Matt Duffer continued,
‘Bringing back Kali was something we had always been talking about for a long time, but we had just never quite figured out how to do it. We were working on season five, and we were talking about making sure every storyline was finished. It was always nagging at us that the Kali storyline was hanging. So it was important to revisit it and complete her arc.’
The creative team felt a lingering sense of incompleteness regarding Kali’s narrative, which has now been addressed in this latest series.
Mixed Reactions and Narrative Risks
Director Shawn Levy acknowledged the divisive response to Kali’s original episode, yet emphasised the necessity of her return.
‘It was a risky bet to try a standalone episode with largely new characters in the middle of our second season. It worked for some viewers. It didn't work for others, but I respect the hell out of the Duffers for taking that big swing. But we never forgot about Kali. We never forgot about the plot strands that got established.’
Despite the mixed reviews, the creative team remained committed to resolving Kali’s story, recognising its importance to the overall narrative.
What Lies Ahead
With the first volume of the fifth series now available on Netflix and the second due to arrive on Christmas Day, anticipation is building. The evolving relationship between Eleven and Kali, along with unresolved tensions involving Hopper, sets the stage for a compelling continuation. For those keen to keep up, the release schedule and reviews offer further insight into what’s to come, as Stranger Things continues to be one of the most talked-about shows on the platform.