7 Things That Still Don’t Make Sense About Stranger Things

In 2016, the series Stranger Things swept across the globe, keeping viewers spellbound for years. Despite the frequent gaps between seasons, fans have grown accustomed to this pattern. However, the wait for season five, the last installment, has been particularly tough. With the end now approaching, fans are preparing, revisiting the show, and generally getting ready to see how the finale will challenge us. Each season has skillfully increased the tension and startled viewers, and there’s no question that this year’s conclusion will continue the trend. On the other hand, for every thrilling scene in Stranger Things, there are an equal number that leave us puzzled. These inconsistencies prevent the storyline from feeling as logical and consistent as we desire.

In simpler terms, the series titled “Stranger Things” revolves around a band of youngsters residing in Hawkins, Indiana. Their ordinary lives took an extraordinary turn when one friend disappeared and a fresh face joined their group. This marked the start of an epic journey filled with encounters of the Upside Down world and monstrous creations born from human ingenuity. Although we’re hooked on this show, there are certain aspects that remain puzzling. Excitingly, the fifth season is set to premiere in November 2025, concluding with the final episode on New Year’s Eve.

1) What Happened to Chester?

It seems like a minor point, but where is Chester, the adorable white dog from the Byer household, nowadays? Since we last saw him in Season 1, it’s hard to believe that he wouldn’t have moved with the family, making an appearance at least once since then, don’t you think?

Although it’s not the most puzzling situation, the overlooked detail about Will’s dog leaving is frustrating. One might wonder if the family didn’t prioritize his well-being, considering Will’s health issues and emotional attachment to his pet. It seems unusual that Will wouldn’t obsess over his dog upon its return, as a way of coping or simply due to affection. Given the fate of another pet in Season 2, perhaps it’s better that Chester didn’t stay. However, the existence of a grave has fans on edge, fearing that something happened to Chester. Maybe we should be thankful that the incident wasn’t depicted on screen.

2) No Hazmat Suits In Later Seasons

One key takeaway from Will’s adventures in the Upside Down that viewers can’t miss is how dangerously toxic this alternate realm is. His encounters left an indelible impact on his personality, a recurring motif throughout the series. Even during his rescue, those involved donned protective Hazmat suits. However, it’s worth noting that not all characters were shielded when they ventured into the Upside Down, even as early as season one. While their exposure was often brief, there were instances where they weren’t fully protected.

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In Season 1, Nancy found herself in the Upside Down, only to revisit it again in Season 4. Characters like Nancy, Dustin, Eddie, Robin, and Steve spent a considerable amount of time in the Upside Down without any safety equipment. Remarkably, they didn’t exhibit any immediate symptoms of illness or adverse effects. It seems that the upcoming season might hold a significant revelation regarding this mystery, but it appears rather improbable. More likely, these scenes were crafted to enhance visual appeal, as masks and other protective gear might have detracted from their appearance on screen.

3) Eleven’s Language Regression

11 is undeniably intelligent beyond her years, and it’s evident from early on. In fact, she had already devised a plan for escape from one of the most fortified facilities in the region before the first season even began. However, when we first meet her in “Stranger Things,” she appears as a young girl with limited speaking abilities. This initial portrayal led viewers to suspect that her silence was not just a result of trauma but rather a restriction on her communication due to her circumstances. She often found it challenging to form complete sentences.

In my opinion, as a film critic, the series occasionally flashes back to an earlier version of Eleven engaging in full-fledged dialogues with Dr. Brenner. Granted, these aren’t advanced scientific debates, but she certainly holds her ground. However, seeing her converse fluently in these flashbacks makes the regression she experiences in season one a bit perplexing at the least.

4) Dr. Brenner’s Survival

Dr. Brenner was responsible for all the chaos in Hawkins, from conducting experiments on children to opening a gate to the Upside Down. It seemed logical that he wouldn’t survive by the end of the first season as a form of karmic retribution for his actions. However, the series soon revealed that Dr. Brenner managed to survive the attack by the Demogorgon, contradicting our initial belief about his fate.

It’s tough to accept that a single, unarmed and injured man could outlive a Demogorgon, especially given our knowledge about these creatures. Although it’s possible that Dr. Brenner had exceptional insight into the Demogorgons due to his research, there was never any indication that he knew some secret method for survival. He never hinted at this nor did he ever explain how he survived in any scene. His unexplained survival added a supernatural element to the story but also made him seem more like an invincible villain rather than a human with a disturbed mind. In essence, it appears that the creative team may have overestimated Dr. Brenner’s abilities somewhat.

5) The Fake Body/Death Announcement About Will

In the first season, there are numerous questions surrounding Will and his fake corpse. Initially, it appears that Joyce instantly recognized the body wasn’t her son, suggesting that the lab had plans to manipulate the autopsy findings somehow, as it wouldn’t have passed a thorough examination. While this could be plausible enough for us to overlook, things took an unexpected turn when news of Will’s “body” was broadcasted to the town. When the genuine Will was found later on, he earned the nickname “Zombie Boy.

Despite the peculiar names involved, didn’t anyone question about that corpse? At best, it suggests someone deliberately staged a boy’s death. At worst, it hints at an unidentified deceased child, one who was presumably never reported missing. Does this fact not stir any curiosity or concern among the residents of this town?

The story leaves us wondering: How did the townspeople respond upon Will’s comeback? Although we know some children tormented Will, the feelings of the adults remain uncertain – were they relieved, bewildered, or enraged? This aspect of the tale is not thoroughly delved into, which gives an impression of unrealistic simplicity. After all, given Will’s significant story, even in a large town, it would generate much discussion. In a smaller community, such news would dominate conversations, and children wouldn’t be able to escape it.

6) Why They Keep Killing Off Amazing Supporting Characters

In every new season of “Stranger Things”, there’s a unique talent for bringing new characters onto the scene that quickly win our hearts. Unfortunately, it seems to be a pattern that the ones we grow most attached to often meet their demise, especially if they aren’t part of the initial group. The list of casualties starts with Barbara in Season 1 and carries on through Bob in Season 2, despite his death happening towards the end, which gave him more on-screen time than unfortunate Barb. Alexei and Billy were taken from us in Season 3, and the dearly cherished Eddie Munson met his end at the close of Season 4.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say it’s noticeable how Stranger Things seems to have a specific rhythm when it comes to character deaths. Though the main characters can endure severe and lasting wounds, they often don’t meet their demise. For example, Hopper’s apparent death shook us all, but it keeps fans hopeful that even though Max appears to be in grave danger, she might just pull through, breaking this pattern if she were to die – which would undoubtedly be heart-wrenching for us viewers.

7) Why Dustin Thought a Demo-Dog Would Be a Good Pet

In simpler terms, Dustin showed unwavering loyalty among his friends, sticking with them even when things seemed on the verge of falling apart. Yet, it was perplexing that during Season 2, he chose to adopt Dart (Demo-Dog), given that he isn’t stupid. Despite not recognizing the peculiar slug creature instantly, his limited contact with the Upside Down should have warned him that this entity could be harmful.

Despite the group uncovering Dart’s link to the Upside Down, Dustin remains steadfast in his attachment to it. Bizarrely, he ignores Will’s warnings about its danger, leading straight to one of the most distressing animal deaths on screen recently. This tragic event underscores why websites like “Does the Dog Die?” are necessary for viewers.

In connection with this, where did Dart’s body end up after it was kept in the fridge by Steve at Dustin’s request as evidence? Since we don’t see it again later on, did it get removed as part of the agreement or did Joyce encounter another unexpected problem related to it?

Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix.

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2025-06-13 07:10