Summary
To enhance the impact of Stranger Things season 5, it is advisable to refrain from concluding with a present-day flash-forward scene. Although such a scene might depict the characters leading a joyful and carefree life, it also has the potential to unveil the menacing paths they may venture down if they fail to recover from their past traumas.
Using CGI or casting older actors to portray the characters as adults in the future would be ineffective and could be perceived as cliché or abrupt. The show has consistently evoked nostalgia for the 1980s, and introducing a flash-forward could disconnect fans from the narrative.
Stranger Things has numerous alternative paths to achieve a satisfying conclusion without resorting to a glimpse into the future. Conquering Vecna and eliminating the Upside Down would offer the characters an opportunity for a more peaceful existence, while omitting a glimpse into the future would allow fans to utilize their imagination and trust that their beloved characters will fare well.
Stranger Things should avoid adding one particular cliched scene at the end of its final season. With the announcement that season 5 would be the show's last, fans have eagerly awaited the conclusion. While the fourth season aired in 2022, the filming of the fifth and final season has been delayed due to its complexity and the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, heightening anticipation.
Season 4 of Stranger Things left viewers with a cliffhanger, revealing Max in a coma with Lucas by her side. It remains uncertain whether she retains control over her body or if she has been possessed by Vecna. Rumors suggest that season 5 may include a time jump to align the characters with the actors' ages. Nonetheless, the series must steer clear of a well-worn trope.
Stranger Things Season 5 Could End On A Modern-Day Flash-Forward
The show Stranger Things might consider ending with a present-day flash-forward scene to satisfy fans and provide closure for the characters. It would allow fans to see the characters' current lives, free from the dangers of the Upside Down. This would be particularly meaningful for characters like Max, who have endured numerous hardships throughout the series.
However, there is also the possibility that the characters could struggle to move on from their traumatic experiences. This is especially true for Eleven, who played a crucial role in protecting her friends. Additionally, if the core group of friends drifts apart in the future, as often happens with childhood friendships, it could be heartbreaking for fans to witness. Therefore, although there may be a desire to give fans a glimpse into the future, it might be more beneficial for the show to remain set in the '80s.
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Why A Stranger Things Ending Flash-Forward Is A No-Win Scenario
Showcasing the main characters as adults in the future poses a challenge for Stranger Things. While the series currently uses CGI to recreate Eleven's childhood scenes, employing CGI to depict the characters as adults may not yield satisfactory results and could appear odd or cliché. Alternatively, another approach would be to cast older actors to portray the characters in the future. However, this option may not be ideal and could potentially be met with criticism. Nevertheless, this casting choice would draw parallels to the film adaptations of Stephen King's IT, a comparison often drawn to Stranger Things since its debut.
Stranger Things Doesn't Need A Flash-Forward For A Happy Ending
Additionally, the appeal of Stranger Things lies in its nostalgic portrayal of the 1980s. Audiences have developed a strong attachment to this particular time period and have become acquainted with the characters within its confines. Introducing a sudden flash forward at the conclusion could disrupt the immersive experience and potentially come across as contrived. Witnessing the characters in a happily-ever-after scenario set in the present would deviate from the show's original premise. Although the characters certainly merit a positive resolution, showcasing their current well-being through a flash forward would not be in line with the show's tendency to end on a darker note, even if it only appeared seemingly resolved.
Various indications suggest that the characters in Stranger Things will ultimately lead fulfilling lives. It is expected that they will emerge victorious against Vecna, marking their most significant achievement to date. Such a triumph is likely to bring about the downfall of the Upside Down, liberating the characters from their ongoing battles against otherworldly creatures. Additionally, the series might even offer a glimpse into the future, aligning the characters' ages with those of the actors.
The series could portray how the characters are dealing with the aftermath of their traumatic experiences, while enjoying a more peaceful existence, now that everything has returned to normal. By refraining from depicting a future timeline, fans would have the freedom to imagine the current lives of the Stranger Things characters. In fact, the show doesn't need to bring the story into the present day for fans to find solace in knowing that their beloved characters will be alright.