What to remember before the final season of “Stranger Things”

A full refresher on every major season 4 storyline, from Eleven’s powers to Vecna’s escape, ahead of season 5

With more than 1,200 days separating Season 4 from the debut of Season 5, fans may need a refresher on where “Stranger Things” left its characters before Netflix’s final chapter arrives. 

Eleven

After losing her powers in the Starcourt Mall battle, Eleven relocates to California with the Byers family. She faces bullying at school and is eventually taken into custody after lashing out. Dr. Sam Owens then brings her to The Nina Project, run by Dr. Brenner, in hopes she can regain her abilities. Through memory recovery, she learns that Henry Creel (One) was the source of the massacre at Hawkins Lab and that she banished him to the Upside Down, transforming him into Vecna. She later reconnects with Mike and the Byers boys, ultimately using a “piggyback” method to enter Max’s mind and fight Vecna remotely.

Max Mayfield

Still grieving Billy’s death, Max becomes one of Vecna’s targets, experiencing visions and symptoms similar to earlier victims. In one of the season’s most iconic scenes, she escapes Vecna’s grasp with “Running Up That Hill.” Max later volunteers to act as bait in the final showdown. Vecna nearly kills her, leaving her blind and briefly dead before Eleven revives her. She remains in a coma afterward.

Dustin Henderson

Dustin works to clear Eddie Munson’s name after he becomes the prime suspect in Chrissy’s death. He identifies the symptoms of Vecna’s curse, locates a gate in Lovers Lake, and coordinates communication between the two dimensions. During the final battle, he and Eddie distract the Demobats. Eddie dies protecting him, and Dustin later informs Eddie’s uncle about his final moments.

Mike Wheeler

Mike travels to California to visit Eleven but ends up fleeing with Will, Jonathan, and Argyle after military forces attack the Byers’ home. He helps track down The Nina Project and supports Eleven during her mental battle against Vecna, returning to Hawkins for the aftermath of the town’s devastation.

Will Byers

Although not targeted by supernatural forces this season, Will struggles with his feelings toward Mike and his sense of belonging. He later senses Vecna’s presence again when the Upside Down begins encroaching on Hawkins, signaling the threat isn’t over.

Lucas Sinclair

Lucas initially distances himself from the group to fit in with the basketball crowd but quickly rejoins his friends when Max becomes a target. He protects Max at the Creel house and survives an attack from Jason during the final confrontation. Lucas remains at Max’s bedside as she lies in a coma.

Nancy Wheeler

Nancy investigates Chrissy’s death, learns the truth about the Creel family, and uncovers Vecna’s history. She is shown visions of Hawkins’ destruction and later joins Steve and Robin in attacking Vecna’s physical form in the Upside Down.

Steve Harrington

Now working at a video store, Steve resumes his role as the group’s protector. He dives into Lovers Lake to explore a gate, helps escape the Upside Down, and participates in the final attack on Vecna. Afterwards, he volunteers with Robin and Dustin to support earthquake victims.

Robin Buckley

Robin assists Nancy in researching Victor Creel and helps fight Vecna in the Upside Down. She continues to develop feelings for Vickie and volunteers alongside her after the battle.

Jonathan Byers

Jonathan struggles with uncertainty about his future with Nancy but remains a steady support for Will. He joins the mission to locate Eleven and later reunites with everyone in Hawkins.

Joyce Byers

Joyce discovers a clue suggesting Hopper is alive, leading her and Murray to Russia. They infiltrate a prison, rescue Hopper, and help weaken the Upside Down’s forces by fighting Demogorgons before returning to Hawkins.

Jim Hopper

Presumed dead, Hopper survives in a Soviet prison. He battles monsters, escapes with Joyce and Murray, and ultimately returns home just as the Upside Down begins to break into Hawkins.

Dr. Martin Brenner

Revealed to be alive, Brenner works with Owens on The Nina Project. He attempts to regain control over Eleven but is ultimately killed during a military assault on the facility.

Dr. Sam Owens

Owens helps Eleven regain her powers but is detained by Brenner near the end of the season. His fate remains uncertain when he is last seen alive but handcuffed during the attack.

Vecna / Henry Creel / One

Season 4’s villain is revealed to be Henry Creel, the first child experimented on at Hawkins Lab. After murdering his own family and being taken in by Brenner, Henry was eventually banished to the Upside Down by Eleven. There he became Vecna, using each victim to open gates across Hawkins. Though injured during the final battle, he escapes and remains the primary threat heading into Season 5.

Additional Context from Stranger Things: The First Shadow

BuzzFeed notes that Netflix’s Broadway prequel includes details relevant to Season 5. The play explores Henry Creel’s early years, showing him as a student alongside Joyce, Hopper, and Bob Newby. A new character, Patty Newby, develops a relationship with Henry. Her connection to him is expected to play a role in the show’s final season.Release Details

Netflix will debut the last season of “Stranger Things” in three parts:

• Vol. 1 — Nov. 26

• Vol. 2 — Dec. 25

• Series Finale — Dec. 31
  (All at 8 p.m. ET)