We are so close to reaching the conclusion of Stranger Things. It’s a sad prospect to know that this journey is ending, but the Duffer Brothers have been saving the best for last. Since the Season 5 Vol. 1 episode drop, fans have had major reactions to the explosive new season.
In only four episodes, the Duffers have dropped so many explosive moments that have caught fans by surprise. From a legendary actress joining the cast to the next generation of Hawkins’ kids becoming important players in the action, the shocking moments have led to a fantastic first batch of episodes that are continually being discussed.
8
Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay
Stranger Things is well-known for dropping ’80s references literally and visually. Since Season 1, it’s become a beloved game for fans to pick up on the subtle homages to pop culture found in the Stranger Things world. Well, for Season 5, the Duffer Brothers made a literal reference to a big-name star of the decade by casting her in a major role. Fans of science fiction and action films were pleasantly surprised to see Sarah Connor herself, Linda Hamilton. The iconic actress best known for her role in The Terminator, Hamilton took on the role of Major General Dr. Kay.
So, who is this mysterious Dr. Kay? The elusive new head scientist overseeing the military’s actions in Hawkins is leading the hunt for Eleven, who has been evading the military within the landscape of Hawkins. She is a hyper-intelligent, ruthless scientist who is pursuing Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) as a weapon. Lacking much of the humanity that Dr. Brennan (Matthew Modine) had, Kay is spearheading the development of technology, such as the sonic weapon that neutralizes Eleven’s powers. As we saw by the end of Chapter 4, Dr. Kay has a major secret hidden away.
7
Max Is Back!
When last we saw her, Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) was in a coma at the hands of Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). Though Eleven was able to save Max’s body, her consciousness is trapped in Henry Creel’s mindscape, a psychic dimension, leading to her comatose state in the real world. As Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin) has been our source of visitation at the hospital, we thought that was about as much as we might see of her. But this is Stranger Things, and we love a good surprise. As Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) was trapped inside Vecna’s mindscape, she went on a journey under the pretense of a map from Vecna. It was not him, but rather a ploy by our girl, Max!
At first, Holly was reluctant to trust Max despite her having been to her house on numerous occasions. Max had to earn her confidence, and she did so by telling her about Henry Creel’s memories. The psychic space that they’ve been occupying is the Creel’s house and the cave in which Henry first learned of his power. Fans of the stage play, Stranger Things: First Shadow, were given Easter eggs that connected the series to the show. Though Max may not be with her friends, she’s serving a major role in protecting Holly at all costs.
6
The Introduction of Mr. Whatsit
<source media="(max-width: 1023px)" data-srcset="https://static0.colliderimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/stranger-things-5-jamie-campbell-bower-mr-whatsit.jpg?q=70&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=1" srcset="https://static0.colliderimages.com/wor…
…
