Devotees of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things are expressing apprehension about the upcoming series finale, set to premiere on New Year's Day, after a revealing detail about one character's prominence emerged.
Final Countdown to the Upside Down
The fifth and final season of the global sci-fi phenomenon is now in its closing stages. While seven of the eight episodes are available to stream, the climactic finale is scheduled to drop for UK audiences at 1am on January 1st. This concluding chapter promises to wrap up an epic narrative that has captivated viewers for nearly a decade.
The current season has delivered no shortage of shocks, including major revelations from the villainous Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), the awakening of Max (Sadie Sink) from her coma, and the discovery of Will Byers' (Noah Schnapp) own latent powers. Despite these dramatic developments, a specific concern is brewing among the fanbase on social media platforms.
The Holly Wheeler Conundrum
The source of the anxiety stems from observations about screen time distribution. A post from the popular 'Stranger Things Memes' account on X, dated Saturday, December 27th, highlighted that Holly Wheeler has reportedly received more focus than core cast members in the final season.
Played by actress Nell Fisher, Holly is the younger sister of Mike and Nancy Wheeler. Her character, previously peripheral, was thrust into the centre of the action when she was kidnapped by a Demogorgon in the season five opener. A significant portion of the plot has subsequently revolved around her rescue from the clutches of Vecna.
Audiences have watched Holly navigate Vecna's memories alongside Max in a bid for freedom. However, with only one episode remaining, fans are questioning how the show's creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, can satisfactorily conclude numerous story arcs while having devoted considerable time to a character who was not central in prior seasons.
Fan Reaction and Spin-Off Speculation
The reaction online has been one of disappointment and concern. Many feel the focus on Holly has come at the expense of spending final moments with the beloved main ensemble.
One fan replied to the X post, stating it was a "Strange time to unwrap an entire new character arc with one episode left." Another commented, "No offence to Holly, but this is the worst decision Duffers have ever made," while a third pessimistically noted, "They're not pulling this together in two hours."
This narrative choice has led to speculation among some viewers. A theory circulating suggests the Duffer Brothers may be intentionally elevating Holly's role to set the stage for a potential future spin-off series. It is crucial to note that no such project has been confirmed by the creators or Netflix.
All eyes will now be on the early hours of New Year's Day to see if the final episode of Stranger Things can defy these worries and deliver a conclusion worthy of its storied legacy. The entire series is available for streaming on Netflix now.
