Mind-Blowing Plot Twists Unveiled: A Detailed Analysis of Stranger Things Season 4 Ending

Summary

The explosive season 4 finale of Stranger Things introduces Vecna as the main villain and reveals his connection to the Mind-Flayer.

After their Pyrrhic victory, the heroes' arduous endeavors in Hawkins result in dire repercussions. The demise of Max sets off a cataclysmic earthquake and prompts the Upside Down to expand further. Meanwhile, Will's continued connection to Vecna signifies his potential to play a pivotal part in season 5.

The explosive finale of episode 9 in Season 4 of Stranger Things sets the stage for an even higher-stakes Season 5. It introduces a terrifying monster named Vecna, who is ultimately revealed to be Dr. Brenner's Number One. Vecna wields all of Eleven's powers and has been using them to carry out murders in the Upside Down. Throughout Season 4, the heroes of Hawkins each play their part, with Max putting herself in great danger to lure Vecna into a trap. However, their plan would have failed if it weren't for the unexpected support of Eleven, who engages Vecna in a psychic battle.

At the same time, in Russia, Hopper and Joyce do everything they can to protect their families by causing further damage to the hive mind. Stranger Things Season 4 delves into its darkest elements yet, although there are surprisingly few casualties despite warnings from the Duffer brothers. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean that the heroes of Hawkins come out victorious. The second volume of Stranger Things Season 4 concludes with the revelation that their victory came at a great cost, and Hawkins is the one paying for it.

Vecna Created The Mind-Flayer: Upside Down Reveal Explained

In the Stranger Things season 4, episode 9 ending, it is revealed that Vecna has been the show's antagonist all along. Vecna unveils another flashback, demonstrating his realization that the Upside Down is not a purgatory, but rather an untouched dimension devoid of human presence. Initially intrigued, Vecna explores this realm and delights in its pristine state. However, his discovery of a mysterious cluster of particles leads to the creation of the Mind-Flayer, which forms the basis of the hive mind. Anything that consumes these particles becomes a part of this collective consciousness. This revelation, although a retcon, aligns well with Stranger Things season 2.

Interestingly, Vecna appears unaware of his own true nature. He criticizes humanity for imposing structure on the physical world, yet when he enters the Upside Down, he imposes his own even stricter order by creating a consuming hive mind. This hypocrisy in villains, a flaw in their ideology of which they are oblivious, is evident in Vecna as well.

How Is Vecna Still Alive? How Can He Be Killed?

Vecna sustains an enormous amount of damage in the conclusive episode of the fourth season of Stranger Things. In a remarkable turn of events, Eleven successfully overpowers him in yet another intense psychic battle, while Nancy, Steve, and Robin launch an assault on his physical form using Molotov cocktails and a sawn-off shotgun. Despite his severely wounded state, Vecna plummets through the window to the ground, a fall that should have been fatal. Astonishingly, when the trio swiftly descends the stairs, his body has inexplicably vanished. It is plausible to assume that Vecna's ailed escape was facilitated by the creatures he commands from the Upside Down.

What Happens To Hawkins At The End Of Stranger Things 4

Regrettably, the triumph arrived too late, as Max fell victim to Vecna's lethal attack. The tremors occurring in the Upside Down were undoubtedly caused by dimensional instability, with the Upside Down, an evidently organic pocket dimension, being progressively drawn closer to the real world through the creation of consecutive gates. At the precise moment of Max's demise, a seismic activity measuring over 7 on the Richter scale shakes Hawkins, indicating the ultimate shift as cracks begin to appear throughout the town. Eruptions of Upside Down residue emerge from the ground, gradually settling across the vicinity of Hawkins. Eleven gazes upon a doomsday-like spectacle, as it truly appears that Hell has descended upon the town.

In a curious twist, this aligns perfectly with the original series Bible for the immensely popular Netflix show, back when Stranger Things had the working title of Montauk. It had insinuated that a series of extraordinary events would engulf an entire town:

"Throughout the series, a mysterious 'tear' or 'rip' separating their world from ours would gradually expand, engulfing Montauk like a supernatural affliction. This affliction would manifest in increasingly peculiar and paranormal ways. The normal flow of electricity would be disrupted. Unusual fungi would flourish on both structures and individuals. A dense fog would roll in from the Atlantic. The temperature would plummet drastically. Food would spoil. Gravity itself would become unstable. People would catch glimpses of peculiar entities within their homes and places of work. Disappearances would multiply. The entire town would transform into a 'haunted' place, teetering on the edge of grave danger. If individuals can vanish... can an entire town?"

It's telling that Stranger Things season 4, episode 9 ends with grass and flowers rotting as the Upside Down expands - seemingly in fulfillment of this original concept.

Is Max Going To Die In Stranger Things?

Max experienced a momentary cessation of her heart, rendering her clinically deceased. Eleven fervently refused to accept this dire reality and utilized her considerable abilities in a desperate attempt to revive her beloved companion. The outcome proved partially fruitful; Max was indeed revived, but presently finds herself in a comatose state. Upon delving into Max's subconscious, Eleven made the chilling discovery that Max's brain functions had been irreparably compromised. Significantly, it is disconcerting to observe that the incursion of the Upside Down occurred shortly thereafter, hinting at a potential connection between Vecna and Max. It is plausible to assume that Vecna, in his characteristic manner, opted to bide his time until Eleven's physical return to Hawkins. The unanswered query looms large as to why Max miraculously eluded permanent demise in the Stranger Things universe, thereby indicating an essential role for her character in the forthcoming season 5. Given that her demise inadvertently facilitated the merging of dimensions, it is conceivable that she will be instrumental in effecting their subsequent separation.

Why Eddie Sacrificed Himself In Stranger Things' Ending

Stranger Things has a tendency to introduce new characters only to subsequently kill them off. In Stranger Things season 4, Joseph Quinn's Eddie Munson emerges as the true hero by sacrificing himself to serve as a constant distraction for the hive mind. Throughout the season, Eddie had always fancied himself as a hero in his Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, but he had been disappointed with his own actions, particularly how he would run away from the supernatural rather than confront it head-on. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Dustin and Steve, Eddie resolves to go out as a hero.

Stranger Things 4 All But Confirms Will Byers Is Gay

The suggestion that Will Byers may be gay has been present in Stranger Things for a while. Even in the show's series Bible, created by the Duffer brothers, Will is described as "a sweet, sensitive kid with sexual identity issues." This suggestion becomes even more apparent in the final episodes, as Will engages in several conversations that indirectly touch on his sexuality. Despite the societal challenges of a less accepting time period, Will's love for Mike is selfless and unconditional. He even goes as far as providing advice on relationships to help Mike understand the significance of Eleven's presence in his life. Jonathan recognizes what is happening and offers his support to Will. Although the truth is never directly stated, the underlying dynamics are quite clear.

The final scenes of Stranger Things season 4, episode 9 leave viewers intrigued as Eleven stands at the front, gazing out at Hawkins. Standing behind her are three couples: Jonathan and Nancy, Hopper and Joyce, and Will and Mike. The relationships of two of these couples will play a crucial role in Stranger Things season 5 - Hopper and Joyce have finally become a couple, while Nancy and Jonathan are on the brink of a breakup. This scene suggests that the dynamic between Will and Mike will hold equal importance.

Why Will Is Connected To Vecna

In Stranger Things season 4, episode 9, it is revealed that Will is still connected to Vecna. The initial connection between Will and the Mind-Flayer was established in season 1 when he was saved from the Upside Down but had already consumed some of the Mind-Flayer particles. Although it was supposedly banished in season 2, a lingering psychic bond has remained. Upon returning to Hawkins, Will discovers that the weakening dimensional barriers now allow him to sense Vecna's thoughts. The upcoming Stranger Things season 5 will be intriguing to witness the development of this connection, as Will could potentially provide valuable insights into Vecna's motivations. However, there is also the possibility that Vecna might exploit Will as his unwilling accomplice once he becomes aware of their link.

Will Robin & Vickie Get Together In Stranger Things 5?

What Stranger Things 4's Ending Means For Season 5

Love lives have increasingly become an important subplot in Stranger Things due to the teenage cast. In Season 4, Robin develops a crush on Vickie, only to find out that she is already in a relationship. However, their next encounter shows more promise as Vickie reveals that she has broken up with her boyfriend. As they spend more time together, they realize how similar they are. With the upcoming trials that the residents of Hawkins will face in Season 5, it seems likely that Robin may find love with Vickie, as they will have to rely on each other to survive.

Stranger Things season 4 signifies a significant turning point for the popular Netflix TV series as it ventures into uncharted territory. Unlike previous seasons where encounters were contained and closures were possible, the Upside Down has now infiltrated Hawkins, and the malevolent Vecna is determined to obliterate humanity. Thankfully, Vecna's invasion being delayed by two days conveniently allows all the characters to gather in Hawkins. With season 5 serving as the ending, it becomes evident why the Duffer brothers have built up to this monumental climax, as it was foreshadowed in the series Bible itself.

What Stranger Things Season 4's Ending Really Means

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In terms of themes, the ending of Stranger Things season 4 completely changes the direction of the franchise. Previous seasons always concluded with convenient cover-ups, with the government attempting to do the same in season 4 by pretending there was an earthquake. However, this time the barrier between Hawkins and the Upside Down has been dramatically shattered, leading to the exposure of all the hidden secrets. Stranger Things season 5 will likely revolve around the revelation of these long-kept truths, possibly explaining why the show has been avoiding explicitly confirming Will's homosexuality to his friends. This thematic choice will add depth and resonance to the story. It will be exhilarating to witness how the people of Hawkins cope with the aftermath of these revelations.

The core of Stranger Things lies in the relationships and pairings between characters. This is not only because the show features teenage protagonists, but also because romance has played a significant role in the lives of Hopper and Joyce. The final moments of Stranger Things season 4, episode 9 seem to emphasize this aspect. Robin starts to form a connection with Vickie in Hawkins, and soon after, Eleven finds herself standing in front of three sets of "couples." Her separation from the group hints at a potentially ominous and tragic conclusion to the Stranger Things story. As the girl who inadvertently entered their lives and transformed them, Eleven now risks everything to ensure their survival.

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