The long-running Netflix phenomenon, Stranger Things, is preparing for its final curtain call. The last episode of the series, titled 'The Rightside Up', is scheduled for a global release on New Year's Eve, marking the end of a nearly decade-long journey for fans. With the final three episodes of Season 5 Volume 2 having premiered on Christmas, anticipation for the grand conclusion has reached a fever pitch.
Social Media Buzz: A Mix of Hope and Anxiety
As the countdown to the finale begins, social media platforms are flooded with reactions from the show's dedicated fanbase. The overwhelming sentiment is a blend of excitement and nervous apprehension about how the complex storylines will be resolved. Many are expressing strong protective feelings towards their favourite characters.
One fan's plea has resonated widely online: "Amazing finale that will make the last 9 years feel worth it... but no matter what, don't kill Dustin, Steve or Hopper." This highlights the deep emotional investment viewers have in the fates of these core characters.
However, not all comments are purely optimistic. Some fans are skeptical about the show's ability to tie up all loose ends satisfactorily. A user questioned the pacing, stating, "2 hours of a finale and 40 minutes of that is epilogue..how are we gonna wrap this up." Another echoed concerns about the runtime, feeling that a two-hour finale might be "too little time" to conclude the sprawling narrative.
What We Know About the Epic Final Episode
Netflix has set the stage for the finale with a tantalizing teaser, announcing that "the crew faces the most powerful darkness it has ever known." The episode, with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes, promises a massive scale. Co-creator Matt Duffer assured Entertainment Weekly that despite the large-scale action, the finale will be "more character-focused than any of the other episodes in the season."
A significant source of tension stems from the cliffhanger in Episode 7. Co-creator Ross Duffer pointed to a moment between Eleven and her sister Kali, suggesting Eleven may have agreed to a sacrificial plan to stay in the Upside Down. "There's a big question mark in terms of what's going to happen to Eleven," Ross noted, amplifying the suspense for the protagonist's fate.
Release Schedule for Indian Viewers
For fans in India, the wait ends on the morning of 1st January. The final episode will be available for streaming on Netflix at 6:30 AM IST. The fifth and final season was released in two volumes. The first four episodes of Volume 2 debuted on 26th November, followed by episodes 5, 6, and 7 on 26th December.
The complete episode list for Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 is:
- Episode 1: “The Crawl”
- Episode 2: “The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler”
- Episode 3: “The Turnbow Trap”
- Episode 4: “Sorcerer”
- Episode 5: “Shock Jock”
- Episode 6: “Escape From Camazotz”
- Episode 7: “The Bridge”
- Episode 8: “The Rightside Up” (The Finale)
As New Year's Eve approaches, the global Stranger Things community holds its breath, ready to say goodbye to Hawkins, its heroes, and the Upside Down in what promises to be a landmark television event.
