It goes without saying that Stranger Things is one of the most popular streaming series of all time. The sci-fi phenomenon, which debuted in 2016, helped put Netflix on the map as a go-to streaming service—back when streaming was still relatively new. Well, now, after almost a decade, the show is ending with its fifth season. The first four episodes of season 5 are now streaming, and there’s a lot to unpack already.
Warning: There are major spoilers for Stranger Things 5 below, of course.
While Stranger Things has a hardcore fandom, breaking viewership records with each season and receiving positive reviews from both critics and fans alike, there is one particular episode that many still dislike. Personally, it’s the only one I’d ever skip in a rewatch. Of course, we’re talking about season 2 episode 7, “Chapter Seven: The Lost Sister.” This is when Eleven meets one of her Hawkins Lab siblings, Kali, a.k.a. Eight.
Well, Kali/Eight is back in Stranger Things 5!
What’s meant to be an exciting adventure episode for Eleven actually turned out to be cliché, tonally uneven, and frankly jarring compared to what fans had been used to seeing from the show. A common complaint was that the episode wasted time when other storylines were more pressing. But, as Stranger Things 5 proves, Kali’s introduction was—and still is—actually very important.
In season 5 episode 4, it’s revealed that the military is keeping Kali in a vault at the Mac-Z in the Upside Down, having presumably captured her while failing to find Eleven. Throughout the season so far, the military, led by Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton), is more determined than ever to find and contain El, believing she’s responsible for all the destruction and death in Hawkins. (No, they still don’t know about Vecna).
Bringing Eight back isn’t necessarily a bad thing
Eleven assumes the military is holding Vecna in the vault, so toward the end of the episode, Hopper leaves her to go and kill him. But he’s quick to find El to show her what he’s found. It’s not Vecna in there at all, but Eleven’s “sister.” We don’t get to see what the pair does with this discovery as the episode ends before showing us, but this is definitely a game-changer.
Look, as mentioned already, I’ll be the first to admit that the season 2 episode isn’t great. It’s no fault of actor Linnea Berthelsen whatsoever, but it just wasn’t the right writing or the right time. However, now that Stranger Things is concluding, it makes sense to tie up this loose end. Plus, having another person with powers like Eleven can only help in the fight to defeat Vecna.
As much as we’ve learned about Vecna and the Upside Down—with still more to find out!—the Hawkins gang might not be equipped to win this time. They need serious backup, even with Eleven’s powers coming back. It’s going to be a good thing that Kali is back… I hope!
And, if you’ve watched the very end of the season 5 episode 4, you’ll know that Kali isn’t the only new recruit they’ll be able to count on. Will is able to channel his powers—yes, he has powers—and he might even be stronger than Eleven and Kali. Because he’s connected to the Hive Mind, he can see through the creatures of the Upside Down, including the Demogorgons and Vecna. That’s no doubt going to come in handy, especially now that they’ve been reunited with Vecna.
Stream the first four episodes of Stranger Things 5 right now on Netflix. The next three episodes drop on Dec. 25, followed by the finale on Dec. 31.
How do you feel about Kali being back in Stranger Things? Can you finally get over your grudge against the season 2 episode? Let us know in the comments section below!