'Stranger Things' fans question certain unresolved character storyline in season 5 finale

Viewers raised concerns over the fate of Dr. Kay in the 'Stranger Things' season 5 finale, citing lack of closure

The final episode of Stranger Things has prompted discussion among viewers, with many questioning how the series handled the storyline of Dr. Kay in the concluding chapter of season five.

The Netflix series ended with major developments for its core characters. Vecna was defeated when Joyce killed him, and several story arcs were resolved as the show jumped forward 18 months.

However, fans have focused on the absence of resolution for Dr. Kay, portrayed by Linda Hamilton, who was introduced as a major antagonist during the season. Much of the storyline centred on her pursuit of Eleven, yet her role diminished during the finale.

Viewers noted that she remained largely inactive during the closing events, including the moment when Eleven sealed herself in the Upside Down.

After the time jump, Dr. Kay and the military forces accompanying her were no longer mentioned, with the disaster in Hawkins explained as an earthquake. This narrative choice prompted questions from fans, many of whom took to social media to express frustration.

One viewer wrote, “What happened to Dr. Kay?” while another added, “Dr. Kay and the military just disappeared?” Others criticised the character’s arc more strongly, with one calling her “the most pointless character in TV history,” and another describing her as “the worst-written character of all time” because “she is so evil, for no reason.”

Some viewers questioned her inaction during key moments, with one asking, “Why Dr. Kay didn’t tell the soldiers to leave the kids so they could stop El? She just watched the entire thing and did nothing?”

Others expressed disappointment that the character did not meet a definitive end. “So you’re telling me Dr. Kay got away with it all in the end?” one fan wrote, while another said, “Dr Kay didn’t even f**king die?!??? I needed to see her neck snap.”

Netflix has not addressed the criticism, and the series concludes without further explanation of Dr. Kay’s fate.