Stranger Things Season 4 Ending Explained, Stranger Things Season 4 Finale Recap
by Janani
Updated Jun 08, 2023
Stranger Things Season 4
The fourth season of the popular American science fiction horror drama TV series, Stranger Things, was released worldwide on the streaming service Netflix in two parts. The first set of seven episodes premiered on May 27, 2022, followed by the second set of two episodes on July 1, 2022. The season was produced by the show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, along with Shawn Levy, Dan Cohen, Iain Paterson, and Curtis Gwinn.
The main cast members from previous seasons returned, including Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Matthew Modine, and Paul Reiser. Additionally, Brett Gelman, who had recurring roles in the previous two seasons, was promoted to a series regular. The season also introduced new cast members, including Jamie Campbell Bower, Joseph Quinn, Eduardo Franco, and Cara Buono. Tom Wlaschiha, Nikola Đuričko, Mason Dye, and Sherman Augustus appeared in recurring roles.
Critics responded positively to the season, with particular praise for the performances of the cast, especially Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Joseph Quinn. The visuals, action sequences, realistic themes, emotional depth, and darker, more mature tone were also commended. However, some critics felt that the season was overly packed with content due to the longer episode runtimes. The first part of the season received a total of 13 nominations for the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, including an Outstanding Drama Series nomination, and won five awards.
Stranger Things Season 4 Ending Explained
There are glimpses of hope amidst the darkness. Toward the end of the season, Hopper and Eleven finally reunite, and the entire group gathers at Hopper's cabin to share their collective experiences. However, things take a turn for the worse.
As ash descends from the sky and nature withers away, engulfed in rot and ominous red lightning emanating from Hawkins, Eleven realizes that Vecna's plan has succeeded. Max's sacrifice has opened the gateway, and now the Upside Down, along with its terrifying creatures, is merging with the real world.
This sets the stage for an epic and monumental fifth and final season, which may deviate from the familiar pattern of time jumps and resets seen in Stranger Things. It is evident that a final battle awaits, where Vecna and his horde of grotesque beings must be defeated once and for all. The climax is approaching rapidly.
Stranger Things Season 4 Finale Recap
In a courageous attempt to divert the demogorgons' attention, Eddie valiantly sacrifices himself so that his friends can confront and defeat Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). Tragically, Eddie meets a brutal demise in Upside Down. The scene becomes even more heart-wrenching as Dustin, devastated by the loss of his friend and role model, screams in anguish. It was just moments before Eddie had encouraged Dustin to remain true to himself. Dustin informs Eddie's uncle that his son died as a hero, staying loyal to his own values.
Max, too, finds herself on the brink of joining Eddie in the afterlife. She becomes possessed by Vecna/Henry/001 and faces near-fatal danger, only to be saved by the power of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill."
The showrunners, Matt and Ross Duffer, who wrote and directed both episodes, skillfully play with fans' emotions by briefly leading them to believe that Max has perished. Lucas, overcome with grief, cries out and cradles her contorted body. However, in a poignant turn of events, Eleven uses her extraordinary abilities to revive Max after her heart stops beating for a minute.
Stranger Things Season 4 Ending Song
Master of Puppets is the Stranger Things Season 4 Ending Song. Master Of Puppets is a song by Metallica. Here comes the lyrics of the song.
End of passion play, crumbling away
I'm your source of self-destruction
Veins that pump with fear, sucking darkest clear
Leading on your death's construction
Taste me, you will see
More is all you need
Dedicated to
How I'm killing you
Come crawling faster (faster)
Obey your master (master)
Your life burns faster (faster)
Obey your master, master
Master of puppets, I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can't see a thing
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master, master
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master, master
Needlework the way, never you betray
Life of death becoming clearer
Pain monopoly, ritual misery
Chop your breakfast on a mirror
Taste me, you will see
More is all you need
Dedicated to
How I'm killing you
Come crawling faster (faster)
Obey your master (master)
Your life burns faster (faster)
Obey your master, master
Master of puppets, I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can't see a thing
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master, master
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master, master
(Master, master, master, master)
Master, master, where's the dreams that I've been after?
Master, master, you promised only lies
Laughter, laughter, all I hear or see is laughter
Laughter, laughter, laughing at my cries
Fix me!
Hell is worth all that, natural habitat
Just a rhyme without a reason
Never-ending maze, drift on numbered days
Now your life is out of season
I will occupy
I will help you die
I will run through you
Now I rule you too
Come crawling faster (faster)
Obey your master (master)
Your life burns faster (faster)
Obey your master, master
Master of puppets, I'm pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can't see a thing
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master, master
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master, master
Stranger Things Season 4 Ending Review
Even in the face of immense devastation, Eleven adamantly refuses to accept the loss of her friend. With unwavering determination, she employs her telekinetic powers to delve into Max's consciousness and, as implied later, rekindle her life force. However, several days pass and Max remains confined to a hospital bed, her heart having ceased beating for over a minute during the ordeal.
The doctors express uncertainty about Max's chances of regaining consciousness, leaving her loved ones anxious and uncertain. In a desperate attempt to find her friend, Eleven ventures into the astral plane, a realm beyond the physical world. Yet, to her dismay, Max's presence eludes her, and she is nowhere to be found. The mystery deepens, casting further doubt on Max's fate and leaving Eleven grappling with the unknown.
Stranger Things Season 4 Ending Explained - FAQ
Stranger Things Season 4 was released in two volumes. The first set of seven episodes premiered on May 27, 2022, and the second set of two episodes was released on July 1, 2022.
The main cast members returning for Season 4 include Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Matthew Modine, and Paul Reiser.
Yes, Season 4 introduces new cast members such as Jamie Campbell Bower, Joseph Quinn, Eduardo Franco, Cara Buono, Tom Wlaschiha, Nikola Đuričko, Mason Dye, and Sherman Augustus in various roles.
Season 4 received positive reviews from critics. The performances of the cast, especially Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Joseph Quinn, were praised. The visuals, action sequences, realistic themes, emotional depth, and the show's darker and more mature tone were also well-received. However, some critics felt that the season was overstuffed due to longer episode runtimes.
Yes, the first volume of Season 4 received 13 nominations for the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards. This includes a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, and the season won five awards in various categories.