Summary
Stranger Things risks becoming the new Lost if it doesn't address the major mystery of the Upside Down in its final season.
The audience is kept engaged by the enigmatic origins and true nature of the Upside Down, making it a crucial element. However, delaying the revelation of these mysteries until the last season can backfire, leading to an unsatisfying ending like the controversial finale of Lost.
Stranger Things is approaching its fifth and final season, but failure to address a major mystery risks tarnishing its reputation in the same way Lost did. The popular Netflix show has captivated audiences with its blend of horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and nostalgic 1980s vibes. One key element that has kept viewers engaged is the Upside Down, an enigmatic dimension whose origins remain a mystery. While Stranger Things season 4 provided some insights into the Upside Down, it didn't fully resolve the puzzle surrounding this alternate realm.
Through the character Vecna (played by Jamie Campbell Bower), season 4 of Stranger Things depicted the Upside Down in a different light, demonstrating that it wasn't always a mirror image of Hawkins. With the upcoming final season, it is crucial for Stranger Things to address its most significant mysteries and deliver satisfying resolutions. The Upside Down must take precedence, or else the series risks mirroring Lost's fate of failing to provide closure on its long-standing mystery.
Stranger Things' Upside Down Mystery Risks An Unsatisfying Ending
The Upside Down made its first appearance in the first season of Stranger Things when Eleven unintentionally opened a gate to another dimension after making contact with the Demogorgon in the Void. During this season, Will Byers was taken to the Upside Down by the Demogorgon, leading Joyce and Hopper to enter the other dimension to rescue him. The Upside Down was portrayed as a dark replica of Hawkins, sparking various theories about its origin, including the popular suggestion that Will Byers created it.
The mysteries surrounding the Upside Down continued in seasons 2 and 3 of Stranger Things, introducing more monsters and creatures while avoiding the exploration of its origin. It wasn't until the fourth season that it was revealed that the Upside Down is not always a replica of Hawkins and, more surprisingly, it exists in a frozen state on November 6, 1983, the day Will disappeared. While this revelation provided some answers about the Upside Down, the Mind Flayer, and who holds true control over everything, it remains the biggest enigma in the Stranger Things universe.
Lost Highlights The Problem With Paying Off Long-Running Mysteries
Stranger Things may face consequences by withholding answers about the Upside Down until its final season. Although this strategy effectively piques and maintains the audience's interest and curiosity, it leaves little time to address numerous unresolved mysteries in only a few remaining episodes. Consequently, Stranger Things runs the risk of delivering an unsatisfying ending akin to Lost, a TV series infamous for its disappointing and controversial conclusion.
Lost, hailed as one of the most beloved and successful TV series of the 2000s, captivated viewers with its blend of captivating drama and puzzling mystery. The enigmatic nature of the island where the characters found themselves stranded added fuel to the fire, inspiring endless speculation among passionate Lost fans. However, as the series continued without providing a satisfactory explanation, this anticipation turned into disappointment. The final episode of Lost, often considered one of the most disappointing TV finales of all time, fell short in answering all the lingering questions and delivered a twist that received negative feedback. The legacy of Lost, once illustrious, was overshadowed by its unsatisfying conclusion.
Lost is now seen as a prime example of how not to handle the major mysteries in a television series. While intriguing and unresolved storylines are crucial for maintaining audience interest and sparking discussions, deliberately withholding answers until the very end while offering minimal hints along the way ultimately detracts from the final episodes and has the potential to completely tarnish the show's reputation.
Why Stranger Things Needs To Explain The Upside Down (Even If It's Divisive)
Stranger Things faces its ultimate challenge in the final season - unraveling the enigma of the Upside Down and providing a gratifying resolution for both this eerie dimension and the intriguing tales of the main protagonists. The series cannot afford to disregard the mysteries surrounding the Upside Down, as it holds significant importance in the narrative and leaves behind numerous unanswered questions. Thus, despite the potential divisive nature of the answers and the ultimate fate of the Upside Down, their revelation is imperative. The ability of Stranger Things to successfully unravel these profound mysteries and offer satisfying resolutions to the characters' narratives is yet to be determined. However, it stands on the precipice of becoming the next Lost, a risk that looms large.