It's almost time to pivot your entire personality to "Stranger Things Fan Who Spends Too Much Time on Reddit" again!
The show's fifth season is finally coming—with the first four episodes dropping on November 26, followed by three episodes on Christmas Day, and the series finale on New Year’s Eve. Which is great and everything...except for those of us who barely remember what happened yesterday, let alone what happened last season on this show.
On that note, here's a quick top notes recap of where things left off—for those of you who don't have time to do a re-watch before Season 5.
Hawkins Is a Disaster Zone
The season ends with Eleven and her friends looking out at the horizon as ash falls from the sky and plants start dying all around them. Not...great! Meanwhile, the people of Hawkins think there's been some sort of natural disaster, and donation stations have been set up around town.
Hopper and Joyce Are Back in Hawkins
Hopper and Joyce spend the majority Season 4 fighting Demogorgons in a Russian prison. But they fly back home with the help of Agent Ellen, and Hopper finally reunites with Eleven.
A couple noteworthy things from Hopper and Joyce's time in Russia:
- We find out the Russians have managed to isolate the Mind Flayer's particles.
- Hopper and Joyce share a kiss and officially change their relationship from "just friends" to "newly dating during an apocalypse."
Eleven's Powers Are Back
They return stronger than ever after a stint in Papa's experimental underground facility—where El learns the truth about Vecna: she created him. More specifically, El sent Henry/001 to another dimension when she killed him, he was like "wow, love it here," and then wasted no time creating the Mind Flayer / wreaking havoc.
Vecna Isn't Dead
While Robin, Steve, and Nancy's plan kill Vecna seemed like it worked for a moment, all that really happened is...they lit him on fire and he fell out a window.
We don't know where Vecna is now, but we do know he's staging a comeback thanks to Will telling Mike as much. (Reminder: Will is still seemingly connected to Vecna's Hive Mind from that awkward time he was possessed.)
Eddie Is Dead, I'm Sorry, I Know
Eddie sacrificed himself in the Upside Down by distracting Vecna's army of bats. While there are fan theories that he miiiiight come back, Matt Duffer told Empire (via Variety) "no, he's dead," adding "everyone should know he’s not coming back" and "he’s fully under that ground."
Max Is in the Hospital
Max has been hospitalized and appears to be in a coma with multiple broken limbs due to using herself as bait while the rest of the gang tried to kill Vecna.
There Are Multiple Love Stories
While Nancy and Jonathan are still very much dating, she and Steve spent the entirety of last season together and seem verrrrrry into each other. Meanwhile, Robin and her crush Vickie are vibing, Mike declared his love for Eleven, and Lucas is more devoted to Max than ever.
On that note: you are officially ready for Stranger Things Season 5 when it drops on November 26!
