The highly anticipated series finale of Stranger Things aired on March 15, 2024, leaving fans buzzing with questions regarding the fate of various characters, particularly Kali, portrayed by Linnea Berthelsen. After five seasons of thrilling supernatural drama, the conclusion managed to tie up many storylines, yet some elements, such as Kali’s destiny, remain ambiguous.
Throughout the final season, the show maintained a surprisingly low body count compared to earlier seasons, where beloved characters like Eddie Munson and Barb Holland faced untimely ends. In contrast, the fate of Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, was left deliberately vague. The Duffer Brothers, the creators of the series, provided an enigmatic commentary on her future, stating during an interview with Netflix’s Tudum that, “[Eleven] lives on in [her friends’] hearts, whether that’s real or not.” This allowed viewers to interpret whether she survived the climactic battle or met her demise.
Kali’s storyline took a darker turn in the finale when she expressed to Eleven the need for both of them to sacrifice themselves to break the cycle of abuse stemming from their powers. The tension heightened as they faced Dr. Kay, played by Linda Hamilton, and her army. As the Wolf Pack Unit stormed the Upside Down Hawkins Lab, Kali, Eleven, and Hopper, portrayed by David Harbour, worked to defeat the villain Vecna.
In a pivotal moment, Hopper managed to save Eleven from the chaos, leaving Kali vulnerable. She was confronted by Akers, a soldier intent on killing Eleven himself. Despite efforts to thwart Akers, including a dramatic helicopter explosion orchestrated by Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman), Kali was gravely injured. The finale illustrated a heartbreaking scene where Eleven held Kali as she succumbed to her injuries, raising questions about whether Kali truly perished.
Speculation arose among fans regarding a possible agreement between Eleven and Kali prior to the latter’s apparent death. Some theorized that Kali could have used her abilities to stage her demise, creating a façade that would protect Eleven and allow her to escape. This theory gained traction after Hopper’s emotional speech about connection and care, suggesting that Kali might have made this sacrifice to ensure that Eleven could experience the love and support she had long been denied.
While these theories swirl, it increasingly appears that Kali’s story ended tragically. Prior to the finale, some fans speculated that she might align with Vecna, but her final actions suggested a redemptive arc, sacrificing herself to aid Eleven in achieving a life filled with hope.
In discussing the finale, Matt Duffer revealed that the destruction of the interdimensional portal was inspired by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. He elaborated, “The idea in that film is they need to blow up this bridge. It’s a major military goal.” This concept of blowing up a bridge connecting Hawkins to an evil dimension was a narrative thread the Duffer Brothers had been developing for several years.
Reflecting on the series conclusion, Matt Duffer emphasized the importance of each character finding their own version of happiness. “We wanted each of the characters to find happiness but in their own specific ways,” he noted, highlighting the emotional depth that has characterized Stranger Things since its inception.
As fans continue to dissect the implications of the finale, the streaming giant Netflix has made the entire fifth season available for viewers eager to explore every detail of this beloved series.
