The fifth and final season of Stranger Things has arrived, and the show is finally addressing a long-standing issue – though it may be a case of too little, too late. The first part of Season 5 includes several surprising reveals, making the wait for the final episodes (releasing December 25th) even harder. We now have a better understanding of how Will Byers’ experiences in the Upside Down will play a key role in the conclusion. However, there’s another twist in the latest episode, ‘Sorcerer,’ that aims to resolve a previously dropped plotline.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1.
The writers of Stranger Things are generally skilled at wrapping up the show’s various storylines by the end of each season, but one plotline has lingered unresolved for years. As the fifth season approaches, many fans predicted this storyline would return, hoping it would finally justify its earlier presence. The creators seem to be doing just that, attempting to correct a past oversight by connecting it to the show’s ending. It’s uncertain whether this will feel natural, but they’re trying to make it fit.
Stranger Things Is Finally Utilizing the Season 2 Story It Ignored for Years
As a big fan of Stranger Things, I always felt like Season 2, Episode 7, “The Lost Sister,” didn’t quite fit. It’s often called the weakest episode, and I get why. Sending Eleven off to Chicago felt like a detour into a totally different show, and looking back, it doesn’t really connect to what’s happening with everyone else in Hawkins. Seeing Eleven choose to return to Hawkins over pursuing revenge with Kali was an important moment for her character, for sure. But honestly, it didn’t really move the main story forward, which is surprising considering how well the show usually ties everything together. It just felt…jarring.
As Stranger Things has expanded its story, especially with the introduction of the Rainbow Room and Henry’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) history, the character Kali has been completely left out. By the time the fifth season starts, her storyline feels like an unnecessary detour that would have been better left untold. However, because it does exist, it threatens to disrupt the show’s generally smooth narrative. This is likely why the final season revisits this plotline after so much time has passed.
In the closing moments of Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 4, Hopper investigates a strange door within the Upside Down’s Hawkins Lab, uncovering who’s been operating it. Eleven initially believes it’s Henry being held captive, considering the powerful energy coming from behind the door. However, it’s revealed that Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) and her team are actually using Kali against her. While Eleven and Kali share a short reunion, Hopper arrives to help rescue Kali, suggesting she’ll be a key player as Stranger Things comes to an end.
Is Kali’s Stranger Things Season 5 Return Too Little, Too Late?
When Kali returns in the fifth season of Stranger Things, the show aims to redeem her character and strengthen the overall storyline by tying her more closely to the central conflict. A successful return could make fans see her Season 2 episode in a new light, suggesting it was all part of a larger, intentional plan. However, given the lack of information about Eleven’s time in Chicago and her connection to other siblings, convincing viewers of this might be challenging.
Even if the plan was always to bring Kali back, it feels odd that the show didn’t hint at it in seasons 3 and 4. If the creators intended this all along, they could have at least mentioned her before now. The show makes it clear she’s gone before the events at Hawkins Lab in season 4, and then largely ignores her. Because of this, bringing her back now feels forced – like a response to criticism rather than a natural part of the story. If Stranger Things wants to redeem its weakest episode, the final volume needs to address this and make her return feel more organic.
What are your thoughts on Kali’s potential return in Stranger Things Season 5? Share your opinions in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-12-02 23:41