Nearly three years later Stranger Things returned to Netflix. Eyeing the current quagmire Netflix is in, Stranger Things 4 was split into two parts, just keep the subscriptions coming. Still we got seven fresh episodes that deliver on the towering expectations. Each episode is more than an hour and Chp. 7 well that’s 1 hour 37 minutes to be precise. Yep, that’s feature length. Netflix is milking its flagship show to its bone. Although, despite the long episodes the quality is outstanding. We get a lot of information about the Upside Down and meet the new bad boy in Hawkins- Vecna. Well, as the season ends with a huge reveal and cliffhanger, its natural to have some unresolved issues… sorry Eleven… I meant unanswered questions. Spoiler Warning for Stranger Things 4.
Stranger Things 4 – What is Vecna’s True Motive?
From the moment we’re introduced to Vecna we see him kill three people, as he fails to kill Max. After the reveal in Chp.7 that 001 i.e., Henry Creel is Vecna after all, his monologue in the suggests he wants to have balance in the world by eliminating mediocrity. Wonder where I’ve heard that…looking at you Thanos. Although, the events in this season rarely show him doing that. With only three kills he’ll never get the universal balance. He simply kills vulnerable kids, that’s just mean. A possible answer maybe his intentions changed after being banished to the upside down. Dustin theorizes he wants to open many gates to the upside down but for me that doesn’t sound right, he is not some creature from the upside down who’ll programmed for such thing, he is human so does that not make him different? Did just became a ploy for the mind flayer?
Stranger Things 4 – The Curious Case of Ms. Kelly
This might seem odd. A seemingly minor character who barely eats up any screen time, why does she feature in this list. Observe closely. Vecna’s victims have issues they don’t deal with. In a scene, it is seen that Vecna hunts for such individuals. In a small town like Hawkins, it is likely to have only one counsellor. What if she is working with Vecna on this? Perfect combo, am I right? Okay you think it is too far. Have a look at this video and then deny the possibility.
Not so farfetched now huh… anyways this may well be simple over observation but is this theory turns out right those two episodes in Vol.2 will be really trippy.
The Upside Down’s Existence
This has to be one of the confusing parts of this season. Let me elaborate, in season 1 it’s revealed amidst one of Dr. Brenner’s experiments El opens a gate to the upside down as she contacts the Demogorgon, shattering the wall and tearing through reality. Although, in this season we see that before that there was a massacre at Hawkins lab that resulted in a confrontation between Eleven and One and resulted in him being thrown into the upside down by El, is this the first time when the gate was opened or is this the moment where El creates this pocket dimension? If so then why was the upside down active only after the gate opened once again? Did El close the gate after throwing One? This also begs the question of Brenner’s intentions as if he’d witnessed a tear in reality did he purposefully employ Eleven so that she can open the gate? I hope this is cleared in Vol. 2.
Stranger Things 4 Is music really Vecna’s kryptonite?
Nancy and Robin theorize that to snap out from Vecna’s spell music can guide an individual as it reaches distant parts of the brain and activates it. The theory works wonders with Max as she escapes from Vecna’s clutches and for the rest of the season is safe or seems like it. Nancy and Robin theorize this after their visit to Victor Creel as he narrates that he could get out of his nightmare because his favorite song showed him the path. Well, that’s cool but if you believe his son’s version then that’s not it. Henry reveals he passed out after murdering his mother and sister as he had no idea of the extent of his powers. So does music work or not?
Why was 001 kept as an orderly by Brenner?
The knowledge we currently posses about the events that took place in the Hawkins lab is Brenner found out Henry Creel has unseen abilities and so he began the program to see whether there are others like him. Although, he kept 001 as an orderly and we later realize that there was a chip inserted in his neck that nullified his power, the only reason to do that is because he was dangerous. Well, if so why not just get rid of him? Yeah I mean kill him. His powers display great threat, so was Brenner planning to use him? If so then for what? Were they always looking for someone to open a gate to a new reality or planning to create one?
Why Nancy?
Vecna killed three people and tried to kill Max. While doing so he exploited their nightmares or fears but when he casted a spell on Nancy he seemed to be quite lenient with her. Why did out of all people he chose Nancy to tell his story? Is because she is a reporter? I don’t think so. Why is Nancy his main target? She is one of pivotal characters in the show though I don’t get Vecna’s interest in her.
What is up with the Russians?
Season 3 introduced us to the Russians evil exploits and season continues with that via Hopper who is being kidnapped by the Russians. All that is fine. Hopper surviving a seemingly impossible situation doesn’t bother me as much as a Demogorgon in a Russian facility. How did the Russians catch it in the first place and why have they kept it alive? Are they studying it? Maybe or are they planning to use it somewhere? What’s more unsettling is Vol. 2 sneak peek suggests another revelation in Russia as Hopper and Joyce see a wind like creature trapped as well. What are the Russians planning? Also, on a side note…how will Hopper, Joyce and Murray get to back to Hawkins? Check the sneak peek through.
you can't stop this now. the story continues july 1st with Stranger Things 4 vol. 2. pic.twitter.com/YfXYuViRfR
— Stranger Things (@Stranger_Things) June 9, 2022
Nancy-Jonathan or Nancy- Steve?
The first season of Stranger things saw Nancy being confused between Jonathan and Steve, though by the end of the second season it was pretty clear Jonathan and Nancy are a couple and Steve seemed to be at peace with it. The third season too didn’t pull any strings as Jonathan and Nancy were pretty solid throughout. Although, as Jonathan moved away both of them seem to be not happy in this relationship. They’re about to break up when a bigger adversity hits them. Meanwhile, it is pretty clear Steve still has a thing for Nancy as Robin revealed about her sexuality in season 3 and in this season Nancy does seem to be pulled back to Steve. Things are unclear….let’s hope we get an answer for it.
Will’s Sexuality?
Throughout season 4 Will seems to be off. His interactions with Mike are awkward and he constantly seem to be hiding something or suppressing it. Many have theorized it is with his sexuality and he has feelings for Mike but as he knows El and Mike are in a relationship he is suppressing it. The thing he is painting in the first episode that El thinks is for a girl is never shown again. I don’t think its for a girl. Also, I can’t forget him snapping at Mike and Lucas and yelling, ” I don’t like girls!” That may just be a naïve boy speaking as he is ignored by his mates or it could say something more. Even in this season he has that talk with Mike about tough talks with your close ones. There are hints all over. The Duffer Brothers did him no favor by forgetting his birthday on 22nd March, the least they can do is give him some clarity.
Who dies?
To wrap up a fun question. Stranger Things isn’t afraid to kill its characters. While the core group is mostly safe, the seasonal characters are the ones who bites the dust like Bob Newman. So is Eddie going to die? Specially after his talk with Steve about being a coward that would be a cool way to show a character arc. Is it Nancy? As she is under Vecna’s spell? We don’t know but my guess is someone will definitely die. The Duffer Brothers too are promising an emotional finale. Get your tissues ready.
These were all the questions we had. Hopefully Vol. 2 addresses them and gives us answers. It’ll debut on Netflix on 1st July 2022.
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