Viewers of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things have been left utterly astounded by the conclusion of season five's fourth episode, branding it the most shocking television cliffhanger in recent memory.
The Jaw-Dropping Final Moments
The first four episodes of Stranger Things season 5 landed on Netflix on Thursday 27 November 2025, sending fans into a binge-watching frenzy. It was the closing scene of episode four, however, that truly stole the show. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Will Byers, portrayed by Noah Schnapp, makes a desperate move to save his friends Mike Wheeler and Robin Buckley from a Demogorgon attack.
In a stunning display, Will manages to steal the psychic control that Vecna holds over the monstrous creatures. This act temporarily grants him superpowers, visually signalled by his eyes turning a ghostly white. The scene culminates in a powerful callback to Eleven, as Will wipes blood from his nose, a familiar trait of the show's original powered hero.
Emotional Callbacks and Clever Foreshadowing
The monumental moment is deeply rooted in character development. Earlier in the episode, Robin offers Will crucial advice, urging him to reflect on his childhood to rediscover his self-worth, particularly in light of his unrequited feelings for Mike. This emotional guidance proves pivotal.
Furthermore, the twist was cleverly foreshadowed through dialogue. Mike Wheeler himself suggests that his friend might be able to control the Demogorgons, comparing him to a wizard. When Will retorts that such things only happen in their game Dungeons & Dragons, Mike clarifies his theory, stating, "In real life, you’re more like a sorcerer, because your powers don’t come from a book of spells. They’re innate."
The final confrontation sees Vecna return to taunt Will, cruelly reminding him that he has been easy to manipulate ever since his initial kidnapping in season one due to his perceived weakness. It is only when Mike's life is in immediate peril that Will heeds Robin's advice, flashes through formative memories, and unlocks his latent ability to channel Vecna's own power.
Cast and Creator Reactions to the Twist
Noah Schnapp's own reaction to discovering his character's arc was one of pure excitement. The actor revealed he ran out of the shower screaming after reading the scripts, desperate to tell everyone the incredible news he had to keep secret for two years.
The show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, have provided an important clarification about the nature of Will's new-found ability. They explained that the powers are not inherently his own. Instead, Will is able to channel these powers from Vecna, essentially puppeteering the Demogorgons by hijacking the villain's connection.
The next instalment of Stranger Things season 5 is scheduled for release on Boxing Day, with the series finale dropping on New Year's Day, giving fans just enough time to recover from this breathtaking cliffhanger.
