Stranger Things Finally Explains a Big Upside Down Mystery After 7 Years

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Although fan and critic reactions to Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 were mixed, the spin-off has successfully addressed a significant unanswered question from the original Stranger Things series. The Netflix show evolved considerably between its 2016 debut and its finale, shifting in tone and style. Initially, Stranger Things presented itself as a dark, realistic small-town mystery, only hinting at its science fiction elements until the very end.

Compared to its earlier seasons, Stranger Things season 3 felt over-the-top and relied on familiar tropes, such as a misleading scene suggesting Hopper’s death. It was much more exaggerated than the first two seasons, trading realistic storylines for a monster that takes over bodies, a relentless killer, and a subplot about Soviet spies running a hidden lab beneath the mall. While this all sounds crazy, the spin-off Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 later cleverly explained the spy storyline with a backstory change seven years later.

Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 Explains The Location of Starcourt Labs

The comic book series Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 continues the adventures of Dustin, Mike, Max, Will, Lucas, and Eleven as they battle new monsters from the Upside Down. Set between seasons 2 and 3 of the show, the series introduces Nikki Baxter, a significant new character played by Odessa A’zion. Her appearance creates a continuity issue, as she’s never referenced in later seasons. However, the stories featuring Nikki also help to resolve a previously existing plot inconsistency.

Viewers always wondered why the Russians chose the busy Starcourt Mall as the location for their gate to the Upside Down in season 3, even after learning how they covered their tracks. They had blackmailed the Hawkins mayor to enable their plan until Hopper discovered it, but the reason for choosing such a noticeable spot remained a mystery. Fortunately, the ending of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 finally explains that decision.

Although the Russians could have potentially opened a gate to the Upside Down anywhere in Hawkins, the ending of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 shows Eleven closing a partially opened gate deep underground. This likely made that specific spot weaker, creating an easier access point to Vecna’s Upside Down – which explains why the Russians chose that difficult, heavily-trafficked location despite the challenges.

Stranger Things: Tales from ’85’s Lore Change Highlights The Spinoff’s Best Move

Despite being more geared towards families than the original series—especially with its less violent ending—Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 ultimately justifies its existence. The spinoff successfully bridges the gap between seasons 2 and 3, and importantly, it clarifies unanswered questions from the main show. One example is finally revealing where the gate to the Upside Down appeared in season 3. While not flawless, Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 clearly has a valuable role to play within the overall Stranger Things story.

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2026-04-27 22:47