The Biggest Criticism of Stranger Things’ Ending Confirms That Game of Thrones Ruined TV

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The finale of Stranger Things has sparked a lot of debate. While many enjoyed how the story wrapped up, viewers have pointed out several issues, including plot inconsistencies, the surprisingly swift defeat of the villains Vecna and the Mind Flayer, underused characters, and a sudden resolution to the military storyline. Many are also confused about what ultimately happens to Eleven. A major point of contention for fans has been the fact that very few characters died in the final episodes.

Although Eleven seemingly died, Mike’s story about the Mage suggests her fate isn’t certain. The finale’s major losses were limited to the villains – Vecna and the Mind Flayer – and Kali, a character with limited screen time. Many fans anticipated the deaths of Steve Harrington, Dustin, or Hopper, but surprisingly, almost all the main and supporting characters survived and received happy endings. This outcome has received criticism, leading some to wonder if the expectation of character deaths stems from the impact of shows like Game of Thrones.

Game Of Thrones Is To Blame For Stranger Things’ Death Criticism

Although the ending of Stranger Things didn’t receive the same level of criticism as the finale of Game of Thrones, the complaints about a lack of character deaths likely come from the expectations set by that earlier show. Game of Thrones wasn’t the first to kill off important characters, but it did it so effectively that it created a huge impact, changing how television is both watched and produced. Now, thanks to moments like Ned Stark’s death and the Red Wedding, major character deaths are much more common – and expected – in television, for better or worse.

Whether killing off major characters works well depends entirely on how it’s done. Shows like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead, which often featured shocking deaths, sometimes relied on this too much. However, it’s unfair to expect every show to have constant bloodshed or to assume main characters must die. That wasn’t the point of Game of Thrones – or George R.R. Martin’s books that inspired it.

The shocking deaths of characters like Ned Stark and the events of the Red Wedding aren’t random. While they appear sudden to viewers, they’re carefully built up through a chain of cause and effect. The show meticulously lays out the choices and actions that lead to these outcomes, demonstrating the consequences of decisions made by many characters. Importantly, Game of Thrones then takes the time to explore the lasting impact of these deaths, using them to drive the story, develop themes, and shape the characters’ journeys.

It’s become common for stories to kill off characters, often for dramatic effect or to emphasize the danger. This practice is partly why the final season of Stranger Things was criticized for not having enough deaths. However, raising the stakes and creating tension doesn’t require characters to die. While Stranger Things could have done more in other areas, relying on deaths as the primary way to build suspense can feel unearned and ultimately unsatisfying.

The story should focus on what the characters go through – they should still face challenges and setbacks, even if it doesn’t mean someone has to die. A great example is the strong emotional connection between Dustin and Steve, which remained powerful even though they both survived. While the final battle with Vecna and the Mind Flayer felt a little too easy, the show could have raised the stakes by having characters get injured, or by having the heroes win a battle only to be forced to retreat and fight again. When handled well, failure and struggle can be just as exciting – and sometimes even more rewarding – than characters dying.

Beyond its popularity, Stranger Things stands out as a unique show. While some criticized it for protecting its main characters for too long, the eventual deaths felt more like fulfilling a trope than a genuine necessity—Hopper’s death in Season 3 being a rare exception where it could have truly impacted the story. Each season built compelling stakes that felt authentic, even before a character died (like Bob or Eddie). Importantly, the show maintained a sense of fun, remembering that it’s essentially a nostalgic, 1980s adventure where heroes usually survive.

The finale might have had too many characters, but strong writing could have managed that by grouping them effectively and avoiding sudden shifts in importance – like making a minor character the central focus (though Holly was a well-written character, possibly because the creators were more comfortable writing younger heroes). In fact, by keeping its main characters alive throughout Season 5, Stranger Things remained true to its core identity. While the season wasn’t perfect, that’s not necessarily a flaw.

All five seasons of Stranger Things are now streaming on Netflix.

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2026-01-08 01:42