As Stranger Things enters its final season, viewers aren’t simply seeking an epic finale—they’re seeking closure, character reward, and a return to the elements that made Hawkins home in the first place. The series has come a long way from its early days as a quaint sci-fi mystery, expanding into a sprawling epic with a massive cast. But no matter how big it gets, at its core, it’s always been about friendship, fear, and the battle to safeguard what counts.
Here are 10 things the last season must bring to stick the landing.
1. Justice for Barb: The Resolution That Still Matters
Barb Holland might’ve had minimal screen time in Season 1, but her tragic demise left a lasting impression. Her abrupt disappearance by the Demogorgon made her a symbol of all the forgotten characters out there—and ignited the viral “Justice for Barb” movement. Though subsequent seasons nodded to her passing, her tale remains unfinished. The last season can honor her legacy appropriately—and bring much-deserved closure to one of Hawkins’ earliest traumas.
2. Reuniting the Core Cast—and the Heart of the Series
Early on, Stranger Things rode on the friendship of its core group of characters—Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas. That realness rooted the supernatural mayhem in something tangible. When the show grew, sometimes that intimacy got lost in the transition. The last season needs to get back to their relationships, allowing the original gang to reunite and remind us why their dynamic was always the heart of the narrative.
3. A Return to the Show’s Signature Humor
While the series has provided some action-packed, emotional, and horror-based moments, some of what made Season 1 so great was its humor. The nerdy jokes, Dungeons & Dragons arguments, and awkward crushes brought relief in the middle of peril. As the darkness has deepened, the lighter moments have disappeared. It’s high time to restore that balance, particularly through actors like Dustin, Lucas, and Steve, whose comedic timing has never been off.
4. The Cryptic Egg: A Solution Overdue
Long-time fans still recall the weird yellow egg that appeared in the Upside Down in season one—a visual cliffhanger never addressed again. Was it a Demogorgon baby? A portent of something worse? Season five is the ideal setting to finally explain that enigma and conclude one of the series’ most nagging loose ends.
5. Finding Love and Loyalty Again
Fundamentally, Stranger Things is a tale of love—familial, friendly, and romantic—and the extent to which individuals will go to keep each other safe. Joyce’s unshakeable belief in Will, the group’s quest to rescue Eleven, and Hopper’s begrudging but committed protection all rendered the supernatural risks personal. The last season should capitalize on that emotional center, a reminder that love and friendship have ever been as strong as any beast.
6. Will Byers Deserves His Moment
Will Byers ignited it all, yet his character has since been relegated to the background. His emotional wounds, toughened resilience, and relationship with the Upside Down make him one of the show’s most nuanced characters. As the series builds towards its end, Will must be given the time in the limelight that he so truly deserves, allowing his story to be rounded out in full.
7. Breaking the Love Triangle—Forever
The love triangle of Nancy-Steve-Jonathan injected drama initially, but four seasons down, it’s time to close shop. The three have grown up now, and having them wallow in pent-up tension is taking a step backward. Rather than rehash old dynamics, the show should allow the characters to grow up and make choices based on who they are now, rather than what they were.
8. Respecting Steve Harrington’s Growth
Few characters have undergone as shocking a transformation as Steve. From self-absorbed teen to beloved guardian, his trajectory has been one of the show’s strongest arcs. The last season must appreciate how far Steve has traveled—yes, in terms of what other people perceive of him, but more importantly, in what he perceives of himself. He’s paid his dues as one of Hawkins’ heroes, and his conclusion needs to conclude with dignity and purpose.
9. Allowing the Kids to Grow Up
The Hawkins children aren’t children anymore. They’ve experienced unimaginable atrocities, battled countless times, and matured into skilled young adults. Season four should be indicative of that growth, not only in the way they face adversity, but in how adults around them behave towards them. Players like Hopper and Joyce must recognize them not only as children to defend, but as allies upon whom they can rely.
10. Eleven’s Full Circle Moment
Since the first moment we saw her, Eleven has been trying to figure out herself—her abilities, her role in society, and what love and family mean. Throughout the seasons, we’ve seen her deal with being vulnerable and strong. The last season needs to allow her to step into her full self, not just as a weapon or a signifier, but as an individual in command of her life, her identity, and her power.
The Challenge—and Opportunity—of The Final Season
Stranger Things has fed on nostalgia from the very beginning, but nostalgia won’t be enough to produce a good conclusion. To become a true classic, the show needs to tie up its loose ends, pay respect to its characters’ development, and remind us why Hawkins left such an impression on us in the first place. And if Barb finally receives the justice she deserves? That’s the kind of closure fans will not soon forget.