Boldly declaring that the finale of "Stranger Things" has left a significant mark, one cannot help but love or loathe the choices made in its conclusion. Yet, amidst the excitement, there are numerous plot decisions that have us scratching our heads in confusion. From characters completely overlooked by the finale to the sudden introduction of unexpected story elements, there are several glaring issues that can be quite frustrating for viewers. If you're eager to delve deeper into these points, feel free to check out our video that highlights them all—you won��t want to miss it!
In Season 5 of "Stranger Things," pacing issues are glaring, particularly affecting one character who seems to have been poorly treated by the narrative flow. In a flashback, Vecna, originally known as Henry Creel (played by Jamie Campbell Bower), recalls his first encounter with the Mind Flayer, prompted by a frantic scientist carrying a mysterious briefcase. The scientist warns him to keep his distance, implying that he has been investigating this ominous piece of Upside Down-related rock for quite some time, possibly in an effort to conceal it from falling into the wrong hands. However, the show leaves us in the dark regarding how long this has been going on and the reasons behind it. This hints at a backstory that remains unexplored, becoming a minor detail in Season 5 that ultimately leads nowhere. But it's not just Vecna's past that Season 5 fails to fully develop.
One can't help but question, what exactly drives Vecna's motives?
Throughout Season 5, we follow the intertwined stories of Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) and Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) as they seek to escape Vecna's mindscape. Max eventually discovers a mineshaft, which she hesitates to enter, using it as a hiding spot while formulating her plans. "The Rightside Up" reveals that this location is where Vecna committed his first murder and encountered the Mind Flayer. Yet, one wonders why Henry would go to such lengths to suppress this memory. Was the Mind Flayer trying to prevent him from recognizing his past as an innocent child ensnared by circumstances? Surprisingly, the answer is no. Henry is fully aware of his history but chooses to connect with the creature, driven by a desire for power and security, which ultimately leads to his demise in the series finale. So what accounts for his fear of this pivotal moment if he views it as a fortunate turn of events?
Additionally, there are numerous other inconsistencies unrelated to Henry in "The Rightside Up." A notable instance is when Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), crowned class valedictorian, embodies Eddie Munson's (Joseph Quinn) spirit by defiantly flipping off their principal and donning a Hellfire Club T-shirt beneath his cap and gown. The scene unfolds as a classic moment of triumph, with the audience erupting in applause, seemingly in unanimous agreement without a single dissenting voice, including the many parents present. While it might seem like a trivial detail, it certainly adds to the list of frustrations. Want to learn about more head-scratching moments from the "Stranger Things" finale? Click on the video above to find out!
