Stranger Things has wrapped up, with the series finale available for viewing on New Year’s Eve on Netflix. Nevertheless, the reactions to the finale have been divided, as numerous fans were left feeling unfulfilled by the conclusion of the series.

The Duffer Brothers’ nostalgic sci-fi show has changed considerably since its debut in 2016, starting with the mysterious disappearance of a teenager in a small town and culminating in a possibly world-ending supernatural clash. Fans were keen to learn the destinies of their favorite characters like Steve (Joe Keery), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and Max (Sadie Sink).

Regrettably, not every character received a joyous outcome.

Caution, significant spoilers follow.

Did Eleven perish in Stranger Things?

Season 5 unveiled Vecna’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) scheme to merge Hawkins’ universe with an alternate dimension known as the Abyss, revealing the real essence of the Upside Down as a wormhole that links the two worlds. In ‘Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up,’ the group entered the Abyss to confront Vecna and the Mind Flayer in a striking final battle, ultimately coming out on top.

Yet, not everyone returned to Hawkins. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) made the choice to remain, sacrificing herself to stop her blood from being utilized to revive Hawkins Lab’s human experimentation project. Mike (Finn Wolfhard) speculates that she might have survived, but the series leaves her fate uncertain.

“There are two paths that Eleven could take,” said Matt Duffer in an interview with Netflix. “Mike is the optimist and has chosen to believe in that narrative.”

“There was never a scenario where Eleven was with the group at the end,” concurred Ross Duffer. “She embodies magic and the wonder of childhood. For the story to reach its conclusion, Eleven had to depart.”

Stranger Things’ conclusion leaves fans feeling let down

Despite the Duffer Brothers’ justification, Eleven’s outcome disappointed many viewers who wished for a happier ending. Online responses have been predominantly negative, with fans voicing their dissatisfaction with the conclusion.

Eleven’s fate wasn’t the sole concern. Numerous viewers believed the final confrontation was underwhelming, and that the resolution did not properly reward the characters or the audience for their loyalty.

Some fans speculated that the cast might share the viewers’ dissatisfaction. A well-circulated post compared Brown’s reaction when asked about the ending to Emilia Clarke’s responses to inquiries about the Game of Thrones finale, which was infamously criticized.

Although Stranger Things’ ending wasn’t as poorly received as Game of Thrones’, the comparison does not reflect well.

Fortunately, not everyone felt let down. Some fans conveyed their contentment with the series’ conclusion.

“A lot of the finale revolves around coming of age,” stated Matt. “It’s the conclusion of a coming-of-age narrative, and part of that involves making your own choices.”

“[There were] conversations between ourselves and the actors, and everyone had distinct ideas on where their characters would conclude,” noted Ross.

Stranger Things’ final season is now available for streaming on Netflix.