The conclusion of “Stranger Things” has stirred quite the debate among its fanbase, leaving viewers with a mixture of admiration and confusion. While the finale packed a punch, it also made a slew of perplexing narrative decisions that left many scratching their heads. From characters seemingly left by the wayside to the hasty introduction of unexpected plot twists, there’s a treasure trove of bewildering elements to dissect. For those keen on delving deeper, a video analysis is available, providing a comprehensive breakdown of the strange choices made in the series’ final chapter.

Season 5 of “Stranger Things” grapples with noticeable pacing issues, and one character, in particular, seems to suffer due to the series’ unfolding. The flashbacks to Vecna’s past as Henry Creel, portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower, offer a tantalizing glimpse into his first encounter with the Mind Flayer. This moment, instigated by a frantic scientist with a mysterious briefcase, implies a longer history with the Upside Down than the narrative divulges. The backstory, shrouded in mystery, teases a depth that remains unexplored, leaving a potentially rich narrative thread dangling. But this isn’t the only narrative misstep in Season 5.

The season also charts a complex journey for Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) and Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) as they navigate Vecna’s mindscape. Max discovers a mineshaft, a place imbued with fear and significance as it’s revealed to be where Henry committed his first murder and encountered the Mind Flayer. Yet, the narrative leaves viewers pondering why Henry would suppress this memory if he believed it to be a pivotal, albeit dark, blessing. The series posits that Henry’s connection with the Mind Flayer was a choice driven by a desire for power, a decision that ultimately seals his fate in the series finale. This raises questions about the nature of his fear and memory suppression, creating a narrative dissonance that remains unresolved.

Season 5 weaves a long-term arc around Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) and Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) trying to escape from Vecna’s mindscape. Max ultimately finds a mineshaft he’s too afraid to enter, allowing her to hide and plot. “The Rightside Up” finally reveals it’s where he committed his first murder and came in contact with the Mind Flayer. But why was Henry working so hard to avoid this moment and suppress this memory? Was the Mind Flayer trying to keep him from learning he was once an innocent boy, manipulated by fate into doing evil? Nope — Henry knows all of this, but willingly connects with the creature in the hope of finding power and safety, which leads ultimately to his death in the “Stranger Things” series finale. So why was he so scared of that moment and memory if he thinks it’s a triumphant stroke of luck?

Plenty of other, non-Henry related bloopers also exist in “The Rightside Up.” For instance, Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) becomes class valedictorian and does exactly what Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) vowed he would do upon graduating — from flipping off their principal to wearing a Hellfire Club tee-shirt under his cap and gown. It becomes a classic “and then everyone applauded” story as every single person in the audience roars their agreement without even a single voice dissenting his gesture — not even the many parents in the audience. It might be a small detail, but it’s definitely annoying. Want to hear about some more dumb thing the “Stranger Things” finale threw our way? Click the video above and hear all about it.