Devoted fans of the global phenomenon Stranger Things have been left scratching their heads and venting their frustration online following the release of the show's final episode. The sci-fi horror series, which aired its concluding chapter this week after nearly a decade on screens, has drawn criticism for what viewers are calling an 'annoying' and inconsistent plot hole related to its beloved Dungeons & Dragons lore.
The D&D Detail That 'Grounded Their Gears'
The controversy was highlighted in a viral TikTok video posted by a fan named Georgie, who pointed out a specific and seemingly erroneous reference made by the characters. Throughout all five seasons of the Netflix hit, the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons has served as a crucial narrative framework. The young heroes not only play the game regularly but have named the monstrous threats from the Upside Down—like the Demogorgon and Vecna—after its creatures.
In the group's campaign, the character Will Byers, portrayed by Noah Schnapp, takes on the persona of 'Will the Wise', a wizard. However, in the final season—set in 1987—when Will demonstrates a newfound ability to tap into Vecna's hive mind, his friend Mike Wheeler, played by Finn Wolfhard, declares that Will is not a wizard, but a sorcerer.
This is where dedicated fans of both the show and D&D cried foul. Georgie's video meticulously explained that, according to the official game handbooks, a sorcerer's magic is an innate part of their being. Will, however, only gained his powers after being captured by the villain Vecna, with his abilities flowing directly from this malevolent entity.
A Warlock, Not a Sorcerer
The fan argued that this origin story perfectly aligns with the definition of a warlock, a class defined by a pact with an otherworldly patron. "A warlock is defined by a pact with an otherworldly being," Georgie quoted from the handbook, emphasising that the relationship is similar to that of a master and apprentice, with power granted in exchange for services.
Yet, this revelation opens another can of mind-flayer worms. As sharp-eyed commenters under the video were quick to note, the warlock class was not introduced to Dungeons & Dragons until the 1990s. Similarly, the sorcerer was not a distinct, playable class in the 1980s-era game the Hawkins kids would have been playing; it was formally established in the year 2000.
A Debate Ignited in the Fanbase
The plot hole has ignited a lively debate among the show's massive fanbase. One viewer commented, "If they were concerned about accuracy to the '80s, they would have just called him a Mage." Another supported the warlock theory, stating, "Will gets his power directly from a more powerful entity... So he's a warlock."
The discussion underscores the intense scrutiny that beloved series like Stranger Things face when they reach their conclusion. While the fifth season successfully wrapped up the epic battle against Vecna and closed the gates to the Upside Down for most viewers, this nerdy, lore-centric inconsistency has proven a sticking point for a dedicated segment of the audience. It serves as a testament to the deep connection fans have with the show's intricate, game-inspired world, even as the final credits roll.
