Three years later. Can you believe it's been three years since Stranger Things season 4 came out? In those years, numerous series have premiered, yet the wait for season 5 finally ends as the continuation of Stranger Things hits the screen. Spanning nearly a decade since its debut, part one of the final season unveiled significant mysteries and left us with many questions.
To refresh our memories, Season 4 concluded with the gang's intense showdown against Vecna in the Upside Down, attempting to save Max and halt Vecna's apocalyptic vision. Despite their efforts, including setting Vecna on fire, his body is nowhere to be found outside. Max survives thanks to Elle's powers, but she's in a coma as the rifts from reality breaking open cause chaos in Hawkins.
Season 5 opens by exploring Will Byers's past encounter with the Upside Down, bringing further depth to Vecna and the connection Will shares with him. Details like the metal band-aid over the rift, government zones, and the ever-pervasive threat of Vecna illustrate the fragile peace around Hawkins.
A prevailing theory from this installment likens Will's situation to a 'horcrux,' drawing parallels with Harry Potter, where parts of the villain's soul reside in others. Through visions and connections, it's suggested Will might need to sacrifice himself to end Vecna. The debut introduces additional elements such as the mysterious cave, Vecna's choice of captive days, and unexpected character returns, leaving fans questioning and theorizing.
Though questioned upon its return after a three-year hiatus, the season maintains the magic that captivated audiences. With part two just around the corner, December promises to unravel the final mysteries that have kept Hawkins in peril.