Stranger Things Season 5 continues with an epic end to an era of the Upside Down. Here are the top 3 moments that left fans speechless on Christmas Eve.
The long-awaited Stranger Things Finale starts the wrap to a decade of supernatural suspense and emotional storytelling by The Duffer Brothers. While this second installment of the three-part finale somehow delivered on its promises, there were three particular moments that left us speechless.
Whether you’ve watched Stranger Things Volume 2 with hot cocoa in hand or binged late into the next morning, here’s the top 3 moments that left us speechless.
*Fair Warning: Stranger Things Season 5 Spoilers Ahead*
Dustin and Steve’s Heartbreaking Confrontation as Best Friends
Of all the friendships throughout Stranger Things, none have grown more maturely than Dustin and Steve’s brotherly bond. But things changed after Eddie’s heroic death in Stranger Things season 4. Dustin became distant to his friends, even Steve. No matter how Steve reached out, Dustin seemed too detached, even getting himself bullied at school. Along with Nancy and Jonathan, the pair drove through the Upside Down and the tension between them became heavier.
While searching for the Shield Generator at Hawkins Lab, the pair got into a heated brawl, ending in Dustin discovering Dr. Brenner’s notes and figuring out the Shield Generator isn’t what they thought it was. After Nancy’s bad-ass shooting, the Exotic Matter (a.k.a Shield Generator) blasted and shook the whole lab, reuniting the once estranged Dustin and Steve.
Dustin’s Trauma from Losing Eddie
Realizing Nancy and Jonathan may be in danger, or worse, already gone, Steve hurriedly tries to go upstairs, with Dustin trying to hold him back. Dustin became more frantic, as Steve doesn’t hesitate even in an eminent danger. In a moment of anxiety and his trauma resurfacing, Dustin finally cracks, saying “You’re gonna die and I can’t let it happen again, I can’t let it happen again. Not you. Please don’t let it happen again”. All the pain and trauma he’s been carrying was finally out, and it was met with Steve’s warm and comforting hug.
Everything that Dustin had done and how he distances himself to his friends, were all reflection of his trauma. He was only a child when he lost Eddie and he can no longer take anymore friends dying on him. Not Steve.
In a preparation for one last adventure in the Upside Down, Dustin and Steve promised, “You die, I die.”
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Nancy and Jonathan’s Break Up
Let’s face it, Nancy and Jonathan’s relationship has been in limbo since they reunited in Season 4. While their shared trauma once made them closer, now it was evidently suffocating them in Season 5.
Secrets, Lies, and Confrontations
The couple’s confrontation came quietly, in a moment of acceptance of impending death. There were no Demogorgons, just Nancy and Jonathan on top of a table surrounded by melted goo, thanks to the Exotic Matter. Nancy starts to admit some of the things Jonathan did, and the latter continues by sharing he did not applied to Emerson, to which Nancy confessed she’s known about it all along.
The couple poured their hearts even more, showing that besides their shared trauma, they both didn’t have anything in common. Jonathan then brings out his biggest secret, the engagement ring that has been sitting in his pocket the whole time. But in a moment of clarity, he didn’t propose to Nancy. Instead he shares that he’s tried to convince himself that proposal and marriage would fix them, but it wasn’t the solution after all. Nancy, reflecting Jonathan’s confession, accepts his un-proposal and says, “I love you, Jonathan Byers”, one last time.
Did Nancy and Jonathan Break Up
Nancy and Jonathan’s breakup wasn’t dramatic. It was mature, soft, and sad, but it was what they both needed. Fans have called this the most realistic breakup on TV in years. It gave closure without bitterness, and love without any grudge.
But if in case you’ve missed it, the Duffer Brothers confirmed the couple’s relationship status. Did Nancy and Jonathan break up? According to Ross and Matt Duffer in an exclusive with People Magazine, Nope. Matt tells PEOPLE, “That’s a breakup, they are broken up.”
I guess the ring toss was an 80s version of a mic drop.
Will’s Coming Out Confession
Since Season 1, Will Byers has stood as the emotional link in Stranger Things. He’s quiet, often overlooked but proved himself to be a pivotal character. Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 finally gave a spotlight to Will’s voice.
Before Episode 7 The Bridge ends, Will gathers everyone and pours his heart out in a confession. While he’s tried to be normal like his friends, he can’t deny that he’s in fact, different. A tearful Will admits he’s different in a way that he doesn’t like girls. This truth was met with a loving hug from Jonathan, Joyce, and his friends Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Eleven.
Will’s confession hits home, it’s about self-acceptance, friendship, love and fear all in one. But more than anything, Will’s confession is about bravery. In a town filled with monsters, Will’s greatest battle was always with himself, and his coming out confession showed his courage and innate power. He’s always been Will the Wise, and now, Will the Sorcerer.
Why These Moments Define Stranger Things Season 5
From Dustin and Steve’s confrontation and near-death experience to Will’s coming out confession, these three moments cut deep. They are emotional, painful and deeply human, cutting through the noise and challenges of a world turned upside down.
These moments reminds us that at its core, Stranger Things has always been about Hawkins, the four nerds playing D&D and their friendship they’ve built over the years. Yes, it was also about the Upside Down, the Demogorgons, and 80s nostalgia, but Stranger Things was also about growing up, loving and letting go, and fighting for the ones you love.
Stranger Things Season 5 is not just the end of the Upside Down, it’s an epic goodbye to childhood and growing up to leave safety and chase adventure. Before Stranger Things Finale come on New Year’s Eve, let’s continue binge watching the party’s last fight in Hawkins.
