The Last Ride Through the Upside Down

Stranger Things Bids Farewell

On New Year's Eve 2025, Stranger Things released its long-anticipated series finale, in which the final battle took place. This release racked up an overwhelming revenue of an estimated $20 million to $25 million, and over 105 million views within the first week and a half. 

In this two-hour episode, the group is plunged into Vecna’s Abyss—a nightmarish realm where the villain has kidnapped twelve children from Hawkins and is scheming to merge Earth with his world, forging a universe in which he has ultimate power. The finale also reveals the terrifying Mind Flayer, a monster that has merged with Vecna to become almost unstoppable. 

Despite the odds seemingly against them, the group fights the Mind Flayer as Eleven battles Vecna, leading to the ultimate showdown where Will uses his newfound abilities to help Eleven and stop Vecna. The children are rescued, and Joyce Byers wrathfully cuts off Vecna's head, killing him once and for all, a moment that symbolizes her growth from a fearful mother to a vengeful fighter, finally getting her long-desired revenge. 

Overall, the closure of Stranger Things offers ambiguity—shown when the fate of Eleven is left for viewers to interpret—and nostalgia, when Mike witnesses Holly and her friends play DND, as if continuing his group’s legacy.

The series balances climactic fights with emotional scenes, reinforcing its core themes of friendship and sacrifice. Visually and emotionally, the episodes rely on tension, often using parallel storylines and escalating stakes to create overwhelming suspense. This strategy is especially effective by letting victories feel incomplete. Even when losses are prevented, and evil is pushed back, big threats still remain. However, the climax displays that the team’s unity is ultimately what allows them to triumph, supporting the theme of friendship overcoming evil. 

Reactions have been passionate and varied across the board. Many viewers find the finale’s blend of action and emotional closure fulfilling, while others think that some parts feel underwhelming or rushed. Critics point out several plot holes that the finale did not cover, such as inconsistent timelines, the swift disappearance of the military, and the unexplained opening of the gate in Season One. Some viewers are unsatisfied with the short duration of the final battle, and the fact that no one in the gang died, which seemed very unrealistic. There was even talk of a secret last episode that would fill all of the plot holes the finale missed, a rumor that was evidently unfounded.    

Ultimately, the long-awaited conclusion of Stranger Things delivers a finale that is emotional and climactic. While unresolved plot points and pacing issues have sparked some debate, the final episode succeeds in staying true to the theme of friendship that has endured for all five seasons. Whether viewed as a fulfilling climax or a frustratingly imperfect one, the ending leaves an impact on all viewers, not just about monsters and fear, but about making friends and taking responsibility in the face of evil.

image by: KTSM

Evelyn Vanderweil ‘29