The End of an Era: Did the Stranger Things Finale Deliver?

After the highly anticipated Stranger Things finale was released, students at WGHS shared mixed reactions, debating whether the ending lived up to the show’s legacy and if Eleven is truly gone. 
by Amelia May and Haley Hubbard

Most students began watching Stranger Things at a young age, making the finale especially meaningful. Senior Amelia Guzman said she started watching when she was “like 12,” while senior Myles Gregory remembered being in “fifth or sixth grade” after his mom encouraged him to watch. Junior Scarlet McFall shared that she started watching when the show first came out while watching it with her her dad. Senior Camden Lundgren said he began watching around 2019, and senior Tahirah Oliver said she started watching the show in 2020.

When asked whether the finale did justice to the show, the majority of students said it fell short. Amelia G. explained that while the Duffer Brothers promised multiple deaths, the ones that occurred felt meaningless. She said the show relied too heavily on “plot immunity,” explaining that “if a character is important to the plot, they won’t kill them off.” Myles also expressed disappointment, saying that he disliked that viewers were left without clear answers. He admitted that he expected a major character to die, saying he honestly thought Dustin was “gonna kick rocks and die.”

Several students described the finale as rushed. Scarlet said the ending was “good, but super rushed,” and added that Eleven’s unclear death made it feel less impactful. “It could’ve been more epic,” she said. Tahirah had even stronger feelings, stating, “No, I hated it,” and criticizing the writing, especially the moment when Eleven was suddenly taken away, calling it “stupid.” Camden agreed that the ending was unsatisfying, explaining that “there were too many loose ends that weren’t tied up.”

When asked what they would change, students shared bold opinions. Amelia G. said the show should’ve committed to one ending instead of leaving things open, explaining that she disliked the “what-if” approach. Myles said confirming Eleven’s death would have made the finale more meaningful, calling it “the most emotional part of the story.” Scarlet questioned how easily Vecna and the Mind Flayer were defeated after being major threats throughout the series. Camden suggested that Steve Harrington should have died saving the group, saying it would have “wrapped up his storyline.” Tahirah said she would have changed the ending entirely by making the “Byler” theory happen.

The biggest debate surrounded Mike’s theory that Eleven is still alive. Amelia G. said the ending allows for either interpretation, but for her own peace of mind, she believes Eleven is dead. Myles agreed, saying that for the sake of Stranger Things, “we gotta keep her dead.” Scarlet said she wants to believe the theory but remains unsure. Tahirah strongly rejected it, saying, “She’s gone…she’s dead.”

While many students admitted the finale was emotional after years of following the show, most agreed it could have been stronger. The ending sparked discussion, debate, and disappointment, proving that even after the final episode, Stranger Things is still giving students plenty to talk about.