The Stranger Things series finale had a lot of questions it needed to answer — yet some viewers were left unsatisfied by the wide variety of plot holes and inconsistencies.
Created by Matt and Ross Duffer, Stranger Things focused on a fictional town where a series of supernatural events took place and caused mystery and mayhem. The hit Netflix series became a pop culture phenomenon when it premiered in 2016 but it has since become known for long gaps between filming. More recently, fans have questioned how little the show has focused on its OG characters before the series finale.
Ahead of the series finale, several Stranger Things episodes received mixed reviews. This then turned into speculation that important scenes may have been cut before season 5 premiered.
The Duffers, however, denied that — and stood by their ending. Despite not answering a multitude of questions on screen, the duo appeared unsure when asked for answers in offscreen interviews. They often urged viewers to draw their own conclusions, which not everyone was happy with after investing nearly a decade into the show.
‘Stranger Things’ Series Finale Ending Explained: Who Died? Who Survived?
Keep scrolling for the biggest plot holes and inconsistencies from the series finale:
Where Are All the Demogorgans?
Five seasons of wrecking havoc all over Hawkins but suddenly all the demogorgons, demodogs, demobats and every other threatening monster — except Vecna and the Mindflayer — were missing in action for the final battle?
How Did Max Graduate After a 2-Year Coma?
While most of Us are willing to suspend our disbelief because Max deserves to graduate, there is a big question about how that is possible considering she didn’t take a single test or attend any classes for two years.
Where Did the Tank in the Upside Down Come From?
After previously establishing that the Upside Down has no water, the series finale turned that around by having a tank waiting and ready to go for Eleven’s use. How convenient …
Why Is the Upside Down Frozen in Time?
Speaking of, there was a big focus in past seasons on the Upside Down being frozen on November 6, 1983, the date Vecna captured Will. But that was never explained — and neither was Vecna’s claim that he had a lot in common with Will which is why he took him.
What Was Will’s Importance to Vecna?
We covered the fact that the show didn’t specify why Will was so important — and it didn’t bring November 6 up either despite that being the day Will was abducted, the day of Henry’s school play and more.
Which ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Story Lines Had to Be Clarified Off Screen?
What Is the Deal With Dr. Kay?
After all that build-up, Linda Hamilton’s antagonistic character was nowhere to be found after creating a problem for the main friend group as they tried to save the world. Eleven was of most use to her but what exactly happened after Dr. Kay realized her plan was ruined?
Are We Not Going to Mention the Henry Connection?
Stranger Things spent a lot of time in the final season basically setting up an ad for the show’s Broadway play. But when it came to connecting the dots — such as the fact that Joyce and Hopper went to school with Henry — suddenly those details were nowhere to be found.
Is Will OK After That Showdown?
There was a lot of ambiguous hints that Will’s connection to the hive mind was a danger to him. Yet there he was infiltrating Vecna’s inner thoughts — only to walk away without any issues. After being intertwined to the big bad, how is that no longer an issue?
Who Opened the Door in the Pilot?
It was confirmed off screen — as were many other things — that Vecna didn’t open Will’s door in the pilot. So who did? The world may never know.
