Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 has finally dropped, and if you know me, you know I’m always more interested in the "why" than the "how." So, here we are, diving deep into how Will, Eleven, and the whole gang are setting the stage to take down Vecna once and for all. In fact, these three episodes were incredibly information-heavy.
We learned so much about the lore and the mechanics of this world, so let's break it down piece by piece. Starting off with the biggest revelation: the true nature of the Upside Down. Since the beginning, the show built this atmosphere that the Upside Down was a mirror or parallel dimension to our own.
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The Truth About the Upside Down
This volume completely puts a new spin on that concept. It reveals that the Upside Down isn't exactly a parallel dimension itself, but rather a bridge, or a wormhole, existing between two distinct dimensions. The first dimension is, of course, our Earth. The second is the Abyss, which the Duffer Brothers previously referred to as Dimension X.
This distinction is crucial because bridges and wormholes are inherently unstable. The gravitational pull from both dimensions constantly tries to collapse the bridge. This is where Dr. Brenner comes in. To stabilize this connection, he created "Exotic Matter." If you looked closely at the notes Dustin found, it clearly mentions a gravitational field designed to repel that pull.
Basically, as long as this Exotic Matter remains stabilized and "alive," the Upside Down stays intact. This revelation practically hands us the blueprint for the finale. The show has clearly laid out the Upside Down's weakness: destroy the Exotic Matter, and the bridge collapses. Since the Upside Down is Vecna’s entry point, blowing it up cuts him off.
Emotional Arcs and Character Moments
Let’s talk about our favorite Hawkins gang. I have to admit, there were some conversations here that I personally felt dragged on a bit too long. Don't get me wrong, closure is essential for a finale, and the moment between Jonathan and Nancy was fantastic. It perfectly explained why their character arcs don't necessarily align anymore.
However, my small complaint is that they stretch these emotional beats. Take Will coming out of the closet, for example. As viewers, we already knew this, but it was necessary for the other characters to learn it. More importantly, it was vital for Will to face his fears, as keeping that secret was a vulnerability Vecna could exploit.
By accepting himself and telling the world, Will essentially made peace with himself, neutralizing that fear. That said, the scene felt longer than it needed to be. On the flip side, the bromance moment between Steve and Dustin was absolute gold. Seeing them bicker and then connect was a beautiful reminder of their bond.
Vecna’s Origins and The Mind Flayer
Speaking of the villain, we got some intriguing glimpses into Vecna's past, though a massive chunk of the reveal is likely saved for the final movie-length episode. We saw a flashback of a young Henry Creel in a cave, and he was starkly different from the robotic, unfeeling monster we see today.
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Young Henry was expressive, he talked, and most shockingly, he seemed powerless. He gets shot in the hand, and if he had powers then, he surely would have used them. This suggests Henry wasn't born with his abilities. Something traumatic happened in that cave—likely involving the Mind Flayer particles found in the suitcase—that gave him his powers.
There is a strong theory here that the Mind Flayer actually possessed Henry, making Vecna a puppet. However, this raises questions. If the Mind Flayer is in control, why does Vecna fear the cave? For the Mind Flayer, gaining access to a host should be a victory, not a trauma. It’s more likely Henry possessed or controlled the Mind Flayer, merging their goals.
Predictions for the Final Showdown
The plan is set: merge the dimensions to expand the hive mind. Vecna believes Earth is flawed and chaotic, and he wants to bring everyone under his absolute control. To stop him, the gang is split. Eleven will try to seize Vecna's body when the dimensions are close, while the rest destroy the Exotic Matter to collapse the bridge.
As for who survives, I honestly thought we’d lose a main character in these episodes, especially after the "dark Christmas" tease. But everyone seems to have plot armor for now. I suspect Eleven's future is dark; her very existence is a problem because the government wants to use her blood to create more subjects.
They might pull a "Dark Knight Rises" ending, making us think she sacrificed herself in the Upside Down's collapse, only to reveal later that she’s living a quiet life somewhere far away with Mike. As for Will, I don't think he dies. His life is just beginning, and once the connection to Vecna is severed, he can finally live.
With one massive episode left, all the emotional groundwork is laid. Now, it’s time for pure action. The finale will likely explain the full extent of the bridge and Henry's backstory before everything comes crashing down. I can't wait to see how they wrap this up. Let me know what you guys think will happen!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Upside Down according to Volume 2?
It turns out the Upside Down isn't just a parallel dimension like we thought for years. It is actually a bridge or a wormhole that connects two specific dimensions: our Earth and the Abyss (also known as Dimension X).
How does the group plan to destroy the Upside Down?
The plan revolves to Dr. Brenner's creation: Exotic Matter. This matter creates a gravitational field that stops the wormhole from collapsing under the pull of the two dimensions. If the gang destroys this Exotic Matter, the bridge collapses, effectively destroying the Upside Down and Vecna’s entry point.
Did Henry Creel (Vecna) always have his powers?
No, the flashbacks in the cave strongly suggest he was not born with powers. We saw a young Henry who was expressive and vulnerable, even getting shot in the hand without retaliating. It implies he gained his abilities later, likely through contact with the Mind Flayer particles in the Abyss.
Is Will Byers going to die in the finale?
I honestly don't think so. While his connection to Vecna makes him vulnerable, destroying the Upside Down (the bridge) should sever that connection. Killing him off now wouldn't make much narrative sense as he has just started to truly live and accept himself.
What is the theory about Eleven's fate?
Since the government sees Eleven's existence as a threat (wanting to use her blood to make more subjects), the theory is that she will pull a "Dark Knight" move. She might fake her death or disappear during the destruction of the Upside Down, only to be revealed living peacefully in hiding later.
