After weeks of nail-biting speculation, Stranger Things fans finally have an answer to one of season five's biggest questions: does Steve Harrington meet his end? The beloved character, played by Joe Keery, was at the centre of grave fears following a tense moment in the volume two trailer.
The Trailer That Sparked Panic
Viewers' hearts sank when a preview for the final episodes showed Steve and his young companion, Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo), sharing a grim vow. In the clip, the duo declared "if you die, I die" as they prepared to confront a monumental threat within the Upside Down. This moment, laden with foreshadowing, led many to believe that Steve's luck had finally run out, especially after the traumatic death of Eddie Munson in the previous season.
Context Revealed in the Upside Down
The true meaning of that ominous exchange is unpacked across the pivotal episodes of volume two. In episode six, titled 'Escape from Camazotz', the show's lore expands significantly. Dustin makes a critical discovery, realising the Upside Down is not merely an alternate dimension but actually functions as a wormhole.
Meanwhile, Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) find themselves in dire straits. After Nancy shoots a suspicious wall, the pair are knocked out and awaken trapped in a lab that is rapidly filling with a mysterious liquid.
A Heartfelt Reconciliation and a Renewed Vow
It is against this tense backdrop that Steve and Dustin's emotional arc reaches its peak. After bickering for much of the season, the pair finally reconcile in episode seven. Dustin confesses his deep-seated fear of losing another close friend, a raw sentiment stemming from Eddie's loss.
As the group mobilises for a mission to rescue Holly from Vecna's mindscape, the duo's bond is reaffirmed. Dustin tries to find a positive angle, stating, "Silver lining, if it fails we both go down." Steve then echoes their trailer promise, replying, "You die, I die," with Dustin solemnly agreeing.
The crucial revelation for fans is that, as of the end of episode seven, both Steve Harrington and Dustin Henderson are alive. Their vow, while highlighting the extreme danger they face, serves more as a testament to their unbreakable friendship than a definitive prediction of their demise. The final battle for Hawkins, however, is far from over.
