Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 Ending Explained

This post contains SPOILERS for Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1

As a huge fan, I can tell you Season 5 of Stranger Things is everything I hoped for! Volume 1 really threw our characters into the thick of it, facing off against Vecna – seriously, he’s terrifying. While he didn’t stick around for the whole volume, Vecna caused a ton of chaos in Hawkins. It was so cool seeing how he was the mastermind behind everything, finally stepping out of the shadows in episode four.

The first part of Stranger Things Season 5 not only delivered some truly frightening moments with Vecna, but also revealed answers to many long-standing mysteries, particularly as the volume came to a close. Things moved quickly, though, so if you’re feeling lost after the ending, we can help clarify what happened.

Stranger Things Season 5 Brings Back Eight, Or Kali Prasad

The Military Was Holding Kali Captive At Their Upside Down Base

Kali Prasad, also known as Eight, is back in Season 5 of Stranger Things. She and Eleven were both test subjects at Hawkins Lab, but Kali escaped. Eleven only had vague memories of her sister until Season 2, when she found Kali and spent time with her. While Eleven was still learning to control her abilities, Kali had mastered hers and actually taught Eleven a crucial early lesson about using psychic powers.

During the fifth season, the group from Hawkins discovers a secret military base within the Upside Down, overseen by the new villain, Dr. Kay, played by Linda Hamilton. They suspect the military is holding someone captive in the lab, and Eleven initially believes it’s Vecna, as she can’t detect this person’s presence. Surprisingly, the captive turns out to be Eight, which is a relief for Eleven and her friends. While it’s still unclear how Dr. Kay managed to capture Eight, it’s evident she’s been conducting experiments to understand the girl’s abilities. The season will likely reveal what part Eight will play in the events to come.

Yes, Max Isn’t Dead In Stranger Things Season 5, Yet

She Is Trapped Inside Vecna’s Memories

During the fourth season, Vecna created four openings to the Upside Down by murdering four individuals, with Max being the last. Although the group tried to stop him, Vecna briefly killed Max. Luckily, Eleven was able to revive her using her powers, but the experience left Max in a coma. In the fifth season, it’s revealed that Max is somehow trapped within Vecna’s memories – a vast world containing a thousand recollections. Interestingly, Henry has also brought Holly to this same mental landscape, and Max manages to locate her there.

So, Max explained everything to Holly – how she was bouncing around inside Henry’s mind, reliving memories. It was working okay for a while, but then she accidentally landed right back in the memory of her own death – the one where Vecna killed her. That was a huge problem because it put her right back within his reach! Luckily, she bolted for this cave within the memory, and for some reason, it terrified Henry. We don’t know exactly why he’s so scared of this cave yet, but since it’s all happening inside his head, my guess is it’s connected to something from his childhood, maybe a really traumatic moment he’s been trying to bury.

Okay, so here’s the thing that really got me: Max was so close to breaking free from Vecna’s grip! Lucas was literally right there, playing ‘Running Up That Hill,’ and it was working. It was almost like she was pulling herself back. But then, the song ended—and at the worst possible moment. The gate started closing again just as she was about to make it, which is just heartbreaking. Seriously, a few more seconds of that song, and she could have been safe. It’s incredibly frustrating!

Will Awakens His Powers In The Final Season Of Stranger Things

Yes, He Isn’t A Weak Scared Kid Anymore

Will Byers was Vecna’s first known victim in the Upside Down, though he did eventually return. However, it was always clear Will remained connected to that dark place. In fact, Vecna exploited this connection, using Will as a spy in Season 2. Will could consistently sense Vecna’s presence, and the reason why is now revealed: during his time in the Upside Down in Season 1, Vecna linked Will to a shared consciousness, a ‘Hive Mind’. This allowed Vecna to see and understand events happening in the real world through Will’s eyes.

Things change in the fifth season when Will gains the ability to see through the eyes of the Demogorgons. He can anticipate the monsters’ attacks, but initially, he’s just watching. Mike suggests that if Will is connected to the monsters’ collective consciousness, he might be able to control them too. While Will isn’t the main villain, Vecna, this is similar to how Vecna controls the creatures. By the end of the episode, Will unexpectedly takes charge, using his connection to the Hive Mind to tap into some of Vecna’s abilities. He shifts from being controlled to being the one in control, determined to protect his friends and family.

While some viewers might compare Will to Eleven and wonder if he has psychic abilities, it’s more accurate to say he’s connecting with Vecna through the Hive Mind – a connection that’s historically been harmful to him. This explains why, when he defeats the monsters, he appears more like Vecna than Eleven. This is a really compelling development for Will’s character. Throughout the series, he’s been portrayed as frightened, so it’s great to finally see him embrace a stronger, more assertive side.

2025-11-27 15:09