The first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 reveal an unexpected hero. While Eleven is usually the one who saves the day, Season 5, Volume 1, takes a different approach. Spoiler alert: the show highlights a character who steps up in a surprising way during the fight against Vecna.
Let me tell you, one of the biggest surprises in the latest episode, “The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler,” was Karen Wheeler stepping up as a total hero. We see Eleven honing her skills and Hopper working undercover, and even Will developing powers, but it was Karen’s bravery that really struck me. The episode throws a Demogorgon at her and Ted, and then it grabs Holly, pulling her into the Upside Down. But honestly, seeing Karen – completely unprepared, no special abilities, and a little tipsy, no less – fight that monster to protect her daughter was genuinely powerful. Audiences are really connecting with that moment, and I have to say, I was impressed.
Stranger Things Fans Love Karen’s Demogorgon Scene (& Rightly So)
She wasn’t a superhero – she didn’t have any special abilities, she was incredibly intoxicated, and she’d never faced a Demogorgon before. All she had was a wine bottle, but she fiercely protected her daughter. A true hero in my eyes! #StrangerThings5
— tamara / stranger things spoilers (@tamifleita99) November 27, 2025
A Twitter user, @tamifleita99, praised a character from Stranger Things, writing that even without any special abilities, and while intoxicated, she bravely defended her daughter against a Demogorgon with just a wine bottle. The user called her a hero and expressed excitement for season five using the hashtag #StrangerThings5.
NO WONDER NANCY IS THE BAD BITCH SHE IS HAVING KAREN AS A MOTHER #StrangerThings5
— perkins (@theonewitheone) November 27, 2025
X user @theonewitheone shared a similar opinion, tweeting: “No wonder Nancy is the way she is, with Karen as a mother! #StrangerThings5”
Karen Wheeler had a shocking discovery – monsters are real! Fueled by alcohol and a fierce determination, she bravely confronted a Demogorgon all on her own, armed with only a wine bottle and incredible courage. Talk about a powerful mom! #StrangerThings5 #StrangerThings5Spoilers
— Dustin (@dustinddh) November 27, 2025
Dustin praised Karen Wheeler as a total “Mother” after sharing a hilarious story about her. He described how, while intoxicated, she discovered the existence of monsters and bravely fought off a Demogorgan armed only with a wine bottle and a fierce attitude. He posted about it with the hashtags #StrangerThings5 and #StrangerThings5Spoilers.
This scene is breathtaking – you can really feel the tension and fear. The way Karen fights for her daughter is amazing, and it’s fantastic to see such a positive development for her character. #StrangerThings5
— pii ‘ stranger things 5 (@willestzz) November 27, 2025
Honestly, this scene just blew me away! You could feel the tension and fear radiating from the screen. The way they showed Karen fighting for her daughter was incredible – it really gave her character a fantastic new depth and made me see her in a whole new light. They absolutely nailed it!
That scene really connects with viewers, and it’s easy to see why. Karen doesn’t have any special abilities, but she fearlessly faces a creature she couldn’t have imagined just moments before. It’s the kind of courageous, selfless act any parent would understand, and it perfectly captures the human heart of Stranger Things. Despite all the complex storylines and fantastical monsters, it’s the characters and their emotional journeys that truly make the show work and keep it relatable.
Cara Buono, who plays Karen, is a standout performer, and this episode finally gives her a chance to really shine. It’s great to see her character’s husband, Ted (Joe Chrest), step up and do something meaningful after being unaware of what’s happening for so long. It’s a bit sad, though, that his hospitalization doesn’t seem to worry anyone much.
I’m really intrigued by the direction Season 5 of Stranger Things is taking with Holly Wheeler. Giving her a bigger storyline, and tying her to Vecna’s origins, is a smart move. And honestly, seeing Karen step up to protect Holly from the Demogorgon? That felt so much more impactful and real, which is exactly what they needed to do when building up a character we haven’t seen much of before. It really made me care! Now, with everything still going on, I hope the show finds a way to give everyone their moment to shine – it’s going to be tough balancing all these storylines.
The final episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 will arrive in two parts: Volume 2 on Christmas Day and Volume 3 on New Year’s Eve.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
Read more of ComicBook‘s essential Stranger Things Season 5 coverage:
- Stranger Things Season 5, Vol. 1 Ending Explained: Will & Vecna, All Twists & What’s Next?
- Stranger Things Season 5: All the Confirmed New & Returning Cast & Characters
- Max’s Fate in Stranger Things Season 5 Explained: How She’s Alive & What It Means
- Stranger Things Season 5’s Surprising Returning Character After 8 Years Away, Explained
- Stranger Things Season 5 Timeline: How Much Time Has Passed Since Season 4
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2025-11-28 01:15