Stranger Things 5 Review: Powers, Major Deaths, and That Wild Ending Explained
(This article may contain spoilers for season 5 of Stranger Things)
The Duffer Brothers love a good cliffhanger, but they’ve truly outdone themselves with Stranger Things Season Five, Volume One. The first four episodes have landed, and they don’t just set the stage for the grand finale—they blow it wide open with one of the most jaw-dropping moments in the show’s entire run. If you haven’t binged it yet, turn back now because we are diving deep into major spoilers.
For years, fans have theorized, hoped, and practically begged for it. And now, it’s canon: Will Byers has powers. Yes, you read that right. Our resident “wizard” is finally living up to his D&D title, and it’s a game-changer. The final moments of Episode 4, “Sorcerer,” deliver a sequence so massive and emotionally charged, it feels like the climax of a standalone movie.
Just when you thought the Hawkins crew was in over their heads, they prove once again they’re the only ones who can save the world. It’s a geek-out moment of pure, unadulterated payoff.
How Will Byers Finally Unleashed His Powers
The build-up was a masterclass in tension. The gang’s desperate plan to rescue a group of children held hostage at the MAC-Z military complex goes sideways, fast. As Demogorgons swarm the facility, it becomes clear the military is tragically unprepared for the Upside Down’s horrors. In the middle of the chaos, Vecna himself waltzes through the gate, more menacing than ever.
This is the moment we’ve been waiting for. It’s the first time Will has seen Vecna since his abduction back in Season One. Vecna, in his classic villain monologue, taunts Will, calling him weak and easily manipulated. But he severely underestimates the kid who survived the Upside Down.
Drawing on a heartfelt conversation with Robin about self-acceptance, Will remembers his strength. As Vecna holds him in a telekinetic grip, Will taps into a power he never knew he had. In a scene that will go down in Stranger Things history, he turns the tables. With his eyes rolled back and a trickle of blood from his nose, he stops the Demogorgons in their tracks and obliterates them.
Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, was just as excited as the fans, saying he was “freaking out” when he read the script. This arc was years in the making, a slow burn that finally exploded. Mike Wheeler, ever the believer, finally gets his “I told you so” moment, witnessing his friend become the hero he always knew he could be.
Will Anyone Actually Die in Stranger Things Season 5?
With the stakes this high, the body count is a major question on every fan’s mind. Surprisingly, Volume One pulls its punches, and all our main heroes make it out alive. The Duffer Brothers explained that the focus was on establishing Will’s new reality and Vecna’s terrifying plan to use captured children as “perfect vessels.”
But don’t get too comfortable. The showrunners have confirmed that this isn’t Game of Thrones—there won’t be a “Red Wedding” level of carnage. That would be too bleak for a show that, at its core, is about friendship and hope. However, they’ve also hinted that the reprieve is temporary. With two more volumes to go, we should brace for impact.
So, who is on the chopping block? It’s hard to imagine Eleven or Will dying, especially now that Will is just stepping into his power and embracing his identity. Their stories feel unfinished. But nearly everyone else is fair game. Fans have been worried about Steve Harrington for years, and his journey from high school jock to a beloved, bat-wielding babysitter feels like it could be heading toward a heroic sacrifice. Ultimately, any death will need to serve the story emotionally, not just shock for shock’s sake. Expect tears before the final credits roll.
What’s Next in Volumes Two and Three?
The reveal of Will’s powers changes everything. It’s not just a copy of Eleven’s abilities; the showrunners have teased that his powers manifest differently and will evolve. The Hawkins crew now has another heavy hitter on their team, but how will Will learn to control these new gifts? And what does this deeper connection to Vecna mean for his safety?
Volume One ends on a low point, with Vecna succeeding in capturing more children, but also a high point with Will’s triumphant power-up. We know Max is still trapped in Vecna’s mindscape, and the return of Kali (Eight) suggests we’ll be diving deeper into the lore of the Hawkins lab experiments.
The Duffer Brothers always intended to split the final season into three parts, treating each as its own massive cinematic event. Volume Two is set to release on Christmas Day, with Volume Three dropping on New Year’s Eve. The board is set, the pieces are in motion, and the final battle for Hawkins—and the world—is about to begin. It’s going to be one hell of a ride.
