The long-awaited final season of the global phenomenon, Stranger Things, is nearly upon us, promising an epic conclusion to the story that has captivated audiences for years. With the last season having premiered back in 2022, it's easy to have forgotten some of the pivotal moments that set the stage for this ultimate showdown.
Stranger Things season 5 is scheduled for a three-part release. The first volume, consisting of four episodes, lands on Netflix UK and Ireland on Thursday, November 27 at 1am. Fans will then face an agonising wait until Boxing Day for the next trio of episodes.
Critical Storylines to Recall Before the Finale
To ensure you're fully prepared for the journey into the Upside Down one last time, here are six major plot points from season 4 that you absolutely must remember.
Eleven's Power Resurrection and Vecna's True Identity
After losing her abilities in season 3, Eleven's struggle to regain her powers was a central theme of the last season. Through the brutal NINA project with Dr Brenner and Dr Owens, she was forced to confront traumatic memories, including the truth about the Hawkins Lab massacre.
It was revealed that Henry Creel, also known as Number One and Vecna, was the true perpetrator. Eleven originally banished him to the dimension we now know as the Upside Down. When she finally recovered these suppressed memories, her powers returned, stronger than ever before.
Unresolved Fates and Heartbreaking Sacrifices
One of the most haunting cliffhangers involves Max Mayfield. After a brutal attack by Vecna, she suffered broken bones, blindness, and her heart stopped. Although Eleven managed to restart her heart, Max remains in a coma, with Eleven unable to reach her mind. Her ultimate fate is still unknown.
The season also delivered emotional gut-punches with character deaths. While Jim Hopper was revealed to have survived the season 3 explosion and was rescued from a Russian prison, the heroic Eddie Munson was not so lucky. He sacrificed himself, distracting a swarm of Demobats so his friends could fight Vecna, and died in Dustin's arms. We also witnessed the death of Dr Brenner as they attempted to evade government forces.
Will's Connection and Hawkins' Demise
Remember that it all began with Will Byers. In season 4, we learned he is still psychically connected to Vecna and the Upside Down, a connection that is sure to be pivotal in the final season. It was also discovered that the Upside Down is frozen in time on the very day Will disappeared, the moment the first gate was created.
Finally, Vecna's plan succeeded in tearing Hawkins apart. The town is now a catastrophic merge with the Upside Down, plagued by ominous particles and black clouds. With his sights set on global domination, not just his hometown, the stakes have never been higher for the final season.
