Stranger Things season 5 needs to not overthink its villain

After narrowly defeating Vecna towards the end of Stranger Things season 4, the reliable group of oddballs from Hawkins are geared up to confront the Upside Down again. However, whether or not Vecna will continue as the primary antagonist in the series is a topic that leaves fans curious and excited.

In the world of Stranger Things, the Demogorgon, Mindflayer, and Vecna are some uniquely formidable villains that have emerged from the Upside Down. Notably, in season 4, the shocking unveiling of Vecna and his surprising connection to Eleven established him as the principal antagonist of the series. As Dustin put it, “Vecna is a five-star general.

The show consistently introduces a new monster from the mysterious Upside Down each season, suggesting endless possibilities for chaos. This is one reason why each season feels unique yet connected. However, as we near the end of the series, with the storyline seemingly established, the creators, the Duffer Brothers, might benefit from not overcomplicating their final episode.

My worry is that another more formidable and malevolent antagonist might appear on the scene. After all, The Upside Down, while under Vecna’s control, was not created by him. It’s a dimension brimming with endless potential, which Vecna has learned to exploit for his own advantage. Therefore, there could be something even more terrifying using Vecna as a tool for its own objectives.

It seems appropriate within the growing body of knowledge about the series and its spin-offs, such as the stage production. However, I think it would be counterproductive to introduce a new antagonist at this late stage in the show, as it could complicate rather than enhance the storyline. It’s like adding more murkiness to water that was already unclear to start with.

The storyline of Stranger Things has a winding, intricate nature; occasionally, it becomes complex and puzzling. Introducing another new antagonist could introduce twists that confuse the narrative instead of enhancing it.

Regrettably, because the Duffer Brothers tend not to eliminate important, cherished characters decisively, they might resort to adding extra details to the narrative that aren’t essential.

At the last moment, turning things around might show that they’re not shy about showing their aggression when necessary. After being playfully criticized by Millie Bobby Brown as “sensitive Sallies”, the Duffer Brothers might feel compelled to demonstrate their abilities. This need could be towards themselves, the cast, and the fans. However, this approach could lead to a different problem: diminishing the impact of their work.

In simpler terms, Season 4 stood out as the scariest one so far, delving deeper into the horror aspects that are characteristic of the science fiction-horror genre. The character Vecna, by exploiting trauma to cause harm, has left a profound impact not only on the show’s characters but also its audience. This is particularly significant because Eleven, unknowingly at first, helped give Vecna the powerful position he holds today, which led to his deadly capabilities in the storyline.

The bond between Eleven and Vecna, representing the commencement of the Upside Down’s influence over Hawkins, conclusively ties up the series. This connection offers a closing-circle moment that elegantly brings Stranger Things to an end.

In terms of storyline, having Vecna as the primary antagonist gives a personal touch to the highly anticipated confrontation. Vecna came close to killing Max and directly caused Eddie’s death. This menacing figure has taken away much from our characters and is expected to demand more, making it necessary for them to seek vengeance for their lost companions. This desire for justice intensifies the climax of the show.

To put it simply, since Vecna has been established as the main antagonist, the story’s intensity needs to grow. While Vecna is undeniably terrifying, he can’t just stay the same for the grand finale of Stranger Things. To make him more compelling, his character requires depth beyond just a lust for killing or revenge. What initially ignited this transformation into the being we know as Vecna? In other words, what was the catalyst that shaped him into who he is today?

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I share the sentiment that Vecna’s downfall should not be the sole catalyst for Hawkins’ salvation. While it’s understandable that fans yearn for resolution after such a long journey, a tidy ending where Vecna’s death instantly saves Hawkins and vanquishes the Upside Down feels too convenient. Even if Vecna meets his demise, the Duffer Brothers must keep the Upside Down alive, even if we never behold its chilling allure again within Hawkins.

Vecna’s full potential remains untapped, and letting that slip now, so near the end, would significantly distance Stranger Things from the elements that initially gave it such a strong impact – its authentic ambiance and credibility.

The first four episodes of Stranger Things season 5 are set to release on November 26th. The remaining three episodes, which include episodes 5-7, will be aired on Christmas Day, specifically on the 25th of December. The final episode, number 8, is scheduled for New Year’s Eve on the 31st of December.

Don’t forget to include ‘Stranger Things’ in your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch application. Download it today for personalized daily TV suggestions, exclusive features, and much more!

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2025-08-12 19:42