Nearly a decade after Stranger Things first premiered, the hit Netflix series is preparing to reach its conclusion on New Year’s Eve. As anticipation builds for the final episode, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have begun offering subtle hints about what fans can expect when the story comes to an end.
SPOILER — This post contains spoilers from Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2.
Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2, which includes Episodes 5, 6, and 7, debuted on Christmas Day and quickly sparked divided reactions. While some viewers praised its emotional moments and performances, others were more critical, with particular backlash aimed at Will Byers’ coming-out scene in the penultimate episode.
Despite the mixed reception, excitement and curiosity surrounding the series finale remain high. Although the Duffer Brothers have avoided revealing specific plot details, they did highlight several key characters whose storylines will be addressed before the show wraps up.
Speaking to Deadline, Ross Duffer explained that the goal of the finale is to resolve lingering questions and bring closure to the story. “The objective is to tie up, you know, the remaining loose ends and sort of answer any questions that remain,” he said, adding that some of the biggest unanswered questions revolve around Henry, Eleven, and Kali.
Notably, Duffer’s comments singled out Henry Creel, also known as Vecna, as well as Eleven and Kali — all three of whom were left in uncertain and potentially dangerous positions by the end of Episode 7. For Eleven, the most pressing question is whether she will survive the final confrontation. While her possible death has always loomed over the series, the tension intensified in Volume 2 when it appeared she may have been persuaded by Kali to sacrifice herself.
Kali’s role, in particular, has fueled widespread speculation among fans. While she suggested she would also be willing to sacrifice herself, many viewers are questioning her true intentions. Some believe her behaviour has been unsettling, leading to theories that she could ultimately be revealed as a villain in the final episode. The idea that Kali may be manipulating Eleven rather than empowering her has become a major point of debate online.
Henry’s storyline also remains one of the show’s biggest mysteries. Duffer’s reference to Henry’s backstory has caught fans’ attention, especially in light of The First Shadow, the canon stage play that suggests Henry may have been influenced or corrupted by the Mind Flayer, much like Will was in earlier seasons. This raises the possibility that Henry is not purely evil, but rather another victim of a larger force.
So far, the series has not fully explored whether there is any good left in Henry or what his true nature might be. Many fans are hoping the finale will finally address these questions and clarify his connection to the Mind Flayer. However, as Ross Duffer acknowledged, even with a nearly two-hour runtime, the final episode has a lot of ground to cover.
With major character arcs still unresolved and emotions running high, expectations for the Stranger Things finale are enormous. Whether it can satisfy fans and bring the long-running story to a fitting close remains to be seen.
