Stranger Things Is Over, but My Questions Aren’t

10. Kali’s Warning Concerning Test Subjects Pregnant Was Never Reconsidered

Season 2 reveals that the mothers of other test subjects suffered injury or death at the hands of Hawkins Lab. Later, in season 4, it is confirmed that many of the children died during the massacre orchestrated by Henry, but the fate of the pregnant females depicted in season 5, volume 2, remains unanswered. The series sets up the cruelty of the institutions but does not show where those consequences lead. This allows for one of the biggest ethical loose ends to remain that way. The lab victims fade away once they have fulfilled their role.

9. Eleven and Max’s Reunion Lacked Emotional Closure

After Max survives the attack by Vecna, Max’s reunion with Eleven is very limited. This comes across as surprising considering the level they shared in Season 3. The series rapidly transitions into resolving the plot. It does not spend much time on character analysis. Max and Eleven do not have a lengthy discussion, nor do they acknowledge the trauma they have experienced. This comes across as surprising considering the level they shared. This comes across as surprising considering the level they shared.

8. The Timeline of the Upside Down’s Creation Still Doesn’t Add Up

However, in Season 4, Episode 7, Eleven is seen banishing Henry to another dimension in 1979. Nevertheless, from Season 1, it is seen that the breach of the Upside Down takes place due to Eleven’s interaction with the Demogorgon in 1983. It is never clarified whether these are different incidents or another development of the same breach. There is no definition of rules, only an implication of them.

7. Robin and Vickie’s Relationship Is Left Unclear After the Time Skip

In Season 5, we saw the start of the couple’s Romeo and Juliet story between Robin and Vickie. Fast forward to the end of season 5, after the 18-month time gap, and it’s ignored whether they are still an item and, perhaps, whether they have even separated. Nothing is indicated in the dialogue and exposition as to their current condition. It feels unsupported in light of the storyline of self-acceptance and identity explored in the character of Robin.

6. The powers of Kali were never properly incorporated into the mythology

The manner in which Kali wields her illusions is very different from the telekinesis displayed by the other test subjects. Season 4 reveals that Henry had the ability to alter perception, possibly indicating a link there. The show does not, in fact, connect Kali's abilities directly to the powers of Vecna. The presence of Kali seems very disconnected from the overall mythology. Kali does not seem like a missing link but rather an outlier instead.

5. Why Didn't the Upside Down Fully Form in 1979?

However, if Eleven had exiled Henry in 1979, why did the Upside Down lie dormant until 1983? The series makes it clear that interaction, not exile, helps maintain balance within the dimension. However, there is no clear rule established in relation to that premise. Uncertainty damages the cohesion. A consistent explanation could have ended an internal conflict that had been raging for several years.

4. Exotic Matter was Mentioned but Not Defined

This is introduced in Volume 2 as material that is somehow linked to the gates and the power of Vecna. It was first introduced in a note from Brenner that did not elaborate. Exactly how Hawkins Lab worked with it and what their subsequent conclusions were about its connection with psychic powers were not made clear. It is more of a plot tag. It undermines the science fiction elements that should have been there in Volume 1.

3. Max’s Mother Disappears Without Explanation

Although after Season 4, Max’s home life spirals downward, Max’s mother does not appear in the finale episode. Nothing is said about her reaction to Max’s injuries or her recovery. Considering the seriousness of her illness, the absence of her character in the finale episode of the series seems illogical. Of course, the series puts emphasis on the primary cast rather than reality. A mention would have been appreciated.

2. Mike Never Learns the Truth About Will’s Painting

Will's artwork was the emotional support Mike needed, but there was never a revelation of the actual meaning in the artwork. Mike still held the belief that Eleven had commissioned the artwork. There was never a mention of the truth again. The internal strife in Will remained unresolved.

1. Will’s Link to the Hive Mind Ceases Too Neatly

Will is still responsive to the presence of Vecna throughout the series. The rules that have been previously stated imply that the death of the central mind will have a consequence on the linked hosts. However, Will does not seem to be affected. The show prioritizes relief over consistency.