Anticipation is building for the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. Fans are questioning if the long-awaited conclusion will satisfy their expectations. Actress Cara Buono, who plays Karen Wheeler, has offered her unique perspective on the series’ finale.
Buono shared her thoughts during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. She addressed the show’s ending, touching upon the journey of her character and her on-screen husband, Ted (Joe Chrest).
"As with any relationship that lasts for years, there’s a lot left unsaid between two people," Buono revealed. She believes the series concludes "in the best way for everyone." While acknowledging that "with every great series, you can’t satisfy everyone," she confidently stated, "the audience will be very happy."
Buono lauded creators Matt and Ross Duffer for their "amazing job" in bringing the season to a close. For her, filming the finale provided a profound sense of completion.
She recalled the initial table read before season five began, a "fantastic moment" with the entire cast. What felt like an "unheard of" full year of filming "flew by," she said. Her final day on set also marked the show’s very last day of shooting.
Buono described that day as "very emotional." She was part of the penultimate scene for the series finale, reflecting on her journey from the "first day, first scene, and first shot" of season one. "It was a really beautiful moment," she told Us. She found herself "just trying not to cry and be able to say my lines."
Stranger Things premiered in 2016, captivating audiences with its tale of supernatural events in a fictional town. For much of its run, Buono’s character, Karen, remained somewhat removed from the central action in Hawkins.
Buono expressed her satisfaction that Karen’s role changed in recent episodes. "I just wanted Karen to get off the couch and get into a fight. And they did that," she said, referring to a scene where Karen battled a Demogorgon. She praised the Duffers’ cinematic approach, noting the scene’s gravitas despite its fun elements. "Emotion always drives action," she explained, highlighting Karen’s protective instincts for her son.
At the end of the first part of season five, Karen was in the hospital. Buono confirmed her character is "alive." She hopes Karen will engage in more action before the series concludes.
The upcoming fifth season also ties into Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a prequel play set in 1960s Hawkins, featuring a teenage Karen. Buono highlighted the extensive backstory, noting the show’s potential to explore past and future narratives.
"There’s so much story," she stated. She finds it intriguing to observe how characters like Karen and Joyce have evolved. Buono personally hopes to see Karen’s journey continue into the 1990s, especially after facing a Demogorgon.
"Especially if she moves out of Hawkins once Holly goes to college," Buono speculated. Karen might then "decide to fulfill some unfulfilled dreams and maybe move to New York."
Stranger Things Volume 2 will return to Netflix on December 25. The series finale will be available on December 31.