‘Stranger Things’ season 5: From Max’s return to Will’s powers — Best moments from volume 1 that have us waiting for volume 2

Dust motes danced in the dim light filtering through the boarded-up windows of the Wheeler’s basement. It felt like forever since the Hawkins crew had last gathered there, laughing, arguing, and battling Demogorgons. But the air still held a faint scent of stale pizza and teenage angst, a potent reminder of the battles fought and the friendships forged in that very space. We’re all waiting with bated breath for Stranger Things season 5. The sheer anticipation is palpable, isn’t it? After the rollercoaster that was Volume 1, the questions are piling up higher than a stack of Eggo waffles.

Season 4 Volume 1 left us with so many cliffhangers. From Max’s precarious state after her encounter with Vecna (poor Max!), to the lingering questions surrounding Will’s connection to the Upside Down, and not to mention the ominous presence of Vecna looming over Hawkins – it’s all enough to keep us up at night. Max Mayfield‘s fate is a major worry for fans, and everyone wonders if she will return in Volume 2. The tension is thick enough to cut with a Demogorgon claw. My neighbour, Sarah, actually cried when Max was… well, you know. She’s a big fan.

But amidst the darkness and despair, there were moments of hope and heroism, glimpses of the strength and resilience that define the Stranger Things gang. Eleven’s journey to regain her powers, Hopper’s brutal fight for survival in Russia, and the unwavering loyalty of the friends who refused to give up on each other – these are the moments that resonated deeply and fueled our anticipation for what comes next. We’ve seen Eleven struggle, we’ve seen Hopper fight, but what will happen in the final season? And, whisper it, are we getting some hints that Will Byers’ powers are about to make a serious comeback?

Let’s delve into the most compelling moments from Volume 1 that have us practically counting down the seconds until Volume 2 drops on Netflix, focusing particularly on what these moments might foreshadow for the final chapters of this epic story.

Max’s Fight For Survival: A Glimmer of Hope?

The scene where Max confronts Vecna in her mind, using her favorite song “Running Up That Hill” as a shield, was undoubtedly one of the most powerful and emotionally charged moments of the entire season. Kate Bush even saw a huge resurgence thanks to the show! Seeing Max, played brilliantly by Sadie Sink, face her deepest fears and traumas was both heartbreaking and inspiring.

But the ending was devastating. While she managed to escape Vecna’s grasp, she was left severely injured and in a coma. Eleven’s attempt to revive her mind was… incomplete. So, the burning question remains: will Max ever fully recover?

“I honestly don’t know if Max will ever be the same,” admitted an anonymous source close to the production. “The Duffer brothers are keeping everything incredibly tight-lipped, but it’s safe to say that her experience has changed her profoundly.” (That’s putting it mildly, right?)

Here’s what we know:

• Max’s mind is still present, but inaccessible.
• Eleven’s powers are still evolving, and she might find a way to fully restore Max.
• Vecna has a clear connection to Max’s trauma, which could be exploited in Volume 2.

Hope isn’t lost, but the road to recovery will be long and arduous, potentially impacting the entire group dynamic. I think her return would be a huge boost to everyone’s morale, honestly.

The Re-Emergence of Will’s Powers: A Key to Defeating Vecna?

Remember way back in Season 1 when Will was trapped in the Upside Down? It seems that experience left him with a lingering connection to the dark dimension, a connection that appears to be re-emerging in Season 4. Several scenes showed Will sensing Vecna’s presence and experiencing unsettling visions.

During one particularly chilling moment, Will tells Mike, “He’s not gone, Mike. He’s still here.” (Goosebumps, anyone?) This implies a deeper understanding of Vecna and his motivations. Could Will’s connection to the Upside Down be the key to understanding and ultimately defeating Vecna?

Some theories suggest that Will might even possess powers similar to Eleven’s, powers that have been dormant since his time in the Upside Down. “I think Will is going to play a much bigger role in Volume 2,” a Reddit user commented. “His connection to the Upside Down is undeniable, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a key player in the fight against Vecna.”

Here’s what points to Will’s potential powers:

• His sensitivity to the Upside Down and Vecna’s presence.
• His artistic abilities, which might be a way of channeling his connection to the other dimension.
• The Duffer brothers’ tendency to bring back forgotten plot points.

Whether Will’s powers manifest fully or not, his understanding of Vecna and the Upside Down will undoubtedly be crucial in the final battle. I’m excited to see Will finally get the spotlight he deserves.

Eleven’s Journey to Regain Her Powers: The Nina Project

Eleven’s storyline in Volume 1 focused on her journey to regain her powers through the Nina Project, a program designed to unlock repressed memories and abilities. These scenes provided crucial backstory on Eleven’s childhood and her relationship with One/Vecna.

The revelations about One’s manipulation and the massacre at Hawkins Lab were shocking and deeply disturbing. But they also provided context for Vecna’s motivations and his connection to Eleven. By the end of Volume 1, Eleven had regained her powers, but they were still raw and untested.

The question now is: will Eleven be strong enough to defeat Vecna? “Eleven’s powers are definitely back, but she’s still vulnerable,” said Matthew Modine in an interview. “Vecna is a formidable opponent, and Eleven will need all her strength and cunning to stand a chance against him.”

Here’s what Eleven needs to do in Volume 2:

• Master her powers and learn to control them effectively.
• Confront her past and come to terms with her role in creating Vecna.
• Find a way to exploit Vecna’s weaknesses.

Eleven’s journey is far from over. She has a long and difficult road ahead of her, but she’s the only one who can truly stop Vecna and save Hawkins. I have faith in her, even if she seems a little lost right now.

Hopper’s Brutal Fight for Survival in Russia: Reunions on the Horizon?

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Hopper was fighting for his life in a Russian prison. His storyline was filled with action, suspense, and moments of surprising tenderness. His reunion with Joyce was one of the most heartwarming moments of Volume 1.

But Hopper’s journey is far from over. He still needs to escape Russia and return to Hawkins to help his friends fight Vecna. His knowledge of the Upside Down and the Russian’s experiments could be invaluable in the final battle. I was so happy they finally got back together.

Here’s what Hopper needs to do in Volume 2:

• Escape from Russia and find a way back to the United States.
• Reunite with Eleven and help her defeat Vecna.
• Share his knowledge of the Upside Down and the Russian’s experiments with the rest of the group.

Hopper’s strength and resilience are a testament to the human spirit. He’s a survivor, and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect the people he loves.

The Growing Threat of Vecna: Hawkins on the Brink

Of course, the biggest takeaway from Volume 1 was the emergence of Vecna as the ultimate villain. His backstory, his powers, and his connection to the Upside Down all paint him as a truly formidable opponent. The way he manipulates his victims’ trauma is particularly disturbing.

The final scene of Volume 1, where Vecna opens four gates to the Upside Down, leaving Hawkins on the brink of destruction, was a chilling reminder of the stakes. The town is in serious danger.

Here are the key questions about Vecna that need to be answered in Volume 2:

• What are his ultimate goals?
• What are his weaknesses?
• How can he be stopped?

Vecna is the greatest threat the Stranger Things gang has ever faced. They’ll need to work together, using all their strengths and resources, to stand a chance against him. It’s going to be an epic showdown, that’s for sure!

Conclusion

Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 5 delivered a powerful mix of action, horror, and emotion, leaving us eagerly awaiting Volume 2. The fate of Max, the re-emergence of Will’s powers, Eleven’s journey to regain her abilities, Hopper’s fight for survival, and the growing threat of Vecna – all these elements have set the stage for an epic conclusion to this beloved series. I, for one, am counting down the days. I just hope everyone makes it out alive! It would be heartbreaking to see anyone else die.