The highly anticipated first part of Stranger Things Season 5 premiered on Wednesday, November 26, delivering a series of shocking developments. The season opener included significant character returns and the emergence of new powers among the core group. Hawkins is now under quarantine after Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) successfully broke the seal between the Upside Down and the real world.
Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) initially struggled with her powers, seemingly having lost access to most of them. Alongside Hopper (David Harbour), Eleven planned to venture into the Upside Down in pursuit of Vecna. During regular army burn sessions, both Eleven and Hopper found themselves trapped in the alternate dimension.
Back in the real world, the remaining group discovered Vecna’s new target: children. Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Nancy (Natalia Dyer)’s younger sister, Holly, were among his first targets. Holly vanished in the premiere episode but surprisingly found an ally in Max (Sadie Sink).
Will (Noah Schnapp) also experienced a major surprise, reconnecting to the hive mind. Initially unsure of its meaning, he gained clarity from Robyn (Maya Hawke). Will realized he could access everyone under Vecna’s control, including the Demogorgons. The first part concluded with Will saving the day and unlocking his own unexpected powers.
Joyce (Winona Ryder) continued her relationship with Hopper and lived with Mike’s family, fiercely protective of Will. She joined efforts to rescue the children, though their plan was disrupted by military intervention. Joyce faced a deadly Demogorgon attack but was ultimately saved by Will’s newly manifested abilities.
Hopper and Eleven, while hiding, prepared for a final confrontation with Vecna. They were captured by the new antagonist, Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton), after entering the Upside Down. Hopper had originally intended a self-sacrificing mission but changed course upon discovering Dr. Kay’s captive.
The Wheeler family became primary targets for Vecna’s attacks. Holly was kidnapped, and Mike’s parents suffered a brutal assault. Will intervened and rescued Mike just before he could be attacked.
Eleven remained in hiding from the military but was determined to defeat Vecna despite her apparent loss of powers. She found a way into the Upside Down and collaborated with Hopper against Dr. Kay. They uncovered that Dr. Kay was holding Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) hostage. Kali was introduced in a controversial Stranger Things spin-off pilot, possessing powers similar to Eleven’s.
Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) grappled with keeping Eddie (Joe Quinn)’s memory alive. He remained in the Upside Down, providing crucial assistance to the group’s efforts.
Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) continued to hold hope for Max’s survival. He actively contributed to the group’s strategies, even enlisting his sister, Erica (Priah Ferguson), in their unconventional plans.
Nancy (Natalia Dyer) took the lead in the fight against Vecna, working to locate Holly and protect Hawkins. Her personal life was strained, as she grew weary of the dynamics between Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) and Steve (Joe Keery).
Jonathan focused on one-upping Steve and participating in the dangerous missions. He is currently in the Upside Down and possesses a ring, hinting at a potential proposal to Nancy.
Will’s connection to Vecna initially filled him with dread. However, accepting his sexuality, guided by Robyn, allowed him to find strength. He harnessed his connection to Vecna, revealing he possesses powers similar to Eleven’s.
Max (Sadie Sink), presumed dead, reappeared in a monitored area of the Upside Down. She had been hiding from Vecna in a secluded location he refused to enter. Max has now allied with Holly to orchestrate an escape.
Steve (Joe Keery) continued to harbor feelings for Nancy and remained Robyn’s loyal best friend. He proved invaluable in the life-or-death missions. Steve is also in the Upside Down, determined to find Vecna before Hawkins is utterly destroyed.
Robin (Maya Hawke) put her thriving personal life aside to focus on saving the world. She played a key role in rescuing the children and bonded with Will over their shared feelings of being outsiders in Hawkins while keeping their sexualities secret.
Erica (Priah Ferguson), Lucas’s sister, took on a more significant role this season. She contributed to crucial planning, including rescue operations and strategies to eliminate Vecna.
Jamie Campbell Bower delivered a compelling performance as Henry, who lured children to their doom. He also transformed into the terrifying Vecna. At the end of Part 1, Vecna entered the real world to reveal his plan to Will and remains at large, posing a dire threat to Hawkins.
