The Epic Finale of "Stranger Things": A Journey Through the Upside Down
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article contains spoilers for the series finale of “Stranger Things.”
With a giant evil spider monster, a mysterious briefcase, and a host of teary characters bidding adieu, “Stranger Things” has now become a thing of the past. The Netflix series, which captivated audiences with its nostalgic ’80s homages and synth-laden soundtracks, concluded its fifth and final season with a two-hour-plus finale that premiered on New Year’s Eve. In this climactic episode, no major characters met their demise, lifelong friendships were reforged in fire, and a group of Dungeons and Dragons enthusiasts finally graduated high school—despite looking old enough to have completed college by now.
Setting the Stage for the Finale
The final season was divided into two parts, released during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, setting the stage for an epic showdown in an episode titled “The Rightside Up.” This finale brought together nearly every surviving member of the extended cast, including fan-favorite Mr. Clarke, to confront Vecna, also known as Henry Creel or One. The buildup to this climactic battle was palpable, with the stakes higher than ever.
In a behind-the-scenes clip, co-creator Ross Duffer expressed the desire to make the finale as grand as possible, hinting that adding more characters might have overwhelmed the narrative. This sentiment rang true in the final episode, where some characters barely had a chance to speak, not due to urgency but simply because the sheer number of characters left little room for dialogue.
Eleven’s Dilemma
At the heart of the finale was Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), who faced a fateful choice regarding her existence and its implications for the Upside Down. Even if she succeeded in destroying this alternate dimension, her very being could still leave a door open for new threats like Vecna. This moral quandary echoed themes from the “Terminator” franchise, particularly in the character of Dr. Kay, played by Linda Hamilton, who represented a militaristic organization intent on exploiting Eleven’s powers.
Ultimately, Eleven’s strategy mirrored that of a character from the recent film “Wicked,” where she allows those she loves to believe she is dead while she embarks on a journey of self-discovery in distant lands. This poignant choice added depth to her character arc and left viewers contemplating the sacrifices made for the greater good.
The Downfall of Vecna
As the finale unfolded, viewers were treated to a deeper understanding of Vecna’s origins, particularly through references to the Broadway production “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” This Tony-winning show explored Henry’s childhood and the events that led to his transformation into Vecna. Central to this narrative was a briefcase that Henry encounters in a cave, which contains Dimension X particles that catalyze his descent into the Upside Down.
The finale showcased the Mind Flayer, connected to Vecna, in all its terrifying glory as a Kaiju-sized spider. The Hawkins heroes banded together to defeat this monstrous foe, demonstrating that teamwork truly makes the dream work. Special recognition went to Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer), who channeled her inner Sigourney Weaver, and Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), who wielded newfound powers to aid in the battle.
A Lengthy Denouement
As the final showdown reached its peak, many viewers were surprised to find that at least 40 minutes of runtime remained. The denouement of this movie-sized episode felt inflated, with ample time devoted to wrapping up various character arcs. Notably, Hopper (David Harbour) finally enjoyed a long-awaited date night with Joyce (Winona Ryder), culminating in a heartfelt proposal. Additionally, a high school graduation sequence showcased Dustin’s (Gaten Matarazzo) rebellious brilliance as he paid tribute to the dearly departed Eddie (Joseph Quinn).
The episode also featured some memorable musical moments, with two of Prince’s megahits, “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain,” adding emotional weight to the scenes.
A Satisfying Farewell
After a year filled with strange occurrences, ensuring that every character received a happy ending in “Stranger Things” was a welcome resolution. The series, which began as a nostalgic homage to the ’80s, evolved into a rich tapestry of friendship, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil. As fans bid farewell to Hawkins and its beloved residents, the impact of “Stranger Things” will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of viewers for years to come.
