With season 4 of Stranger Things totally done and dusted as of July 1st, the incredible series is set for one last ride in season 5. Volume 2 of season 4 gave as many questions as answers, and season 5 is going to have a lot to cover.
What helps separate Stranger Things from other media is how seamlessly it blends the teen drama/romance and the supernatural element into one story. That being said, there are huge unresolved plot points in both aspects of the show that fans are looking forward to seeing answered once and for all, and that will undoubtedly play a major role in the storyline of season 5.
Will's Connection To Vecna/The Mind Flayer
Will is very likely to have a bigger role in Stranger Things season 5, partly due to his re-emerging connection to Vecna and the Mind Flayer. The exact details are still hazy, but season 4's finale certainly set up the link.
It seems likely that Will's role in season 4 will make him instrumental in taking down Vecna once and for all. The entire Hawkins crew will probably each have an important part to play, but the original Upside Down victim seems like an important piece of the puzzle. Sadly, Max certainly proved in season 4 that a connection to Vecna is as dangerous as it is useful.
Jonathan's College Decision
More on the slice-of-life side of Stranger Things is Jonathan's decision about what to do with his life moving forward. He's still yet to face Nancy and tell her his decision as of season 4.
Of course, Jonathan's college plans could change after season 5, but regardless, he needs to tell Nancy. Jonathan had some great moments towards the end of season 4 with Will, and it's understandable if he wants to stick with his family. However, he'll need to tell his significant other the truth if he still plans not to join her in college. Of course, depending on how many characters Vecna takes out in season 5, his decision may not matter anymore.
Robin's Crush
A relationship between a supporting character and a very minor character isn't exactly the most important thing to focus on in season 5, but fans would still love to see Robin get a happy ending.
Her crush on classmate Vickie has left open the opportunity for that opportunity, but hopefully, it will be a relatively quickly resolved matter. The cast of Stranger Things includes over a dozen very important characters who will all need satisfactory conclusions for their arcs. That being said, Steve and the audience definitely ship it.
The Jonathan/Steve/Nancy Love Triangle
Stranger Things is full of romance, but the only true love triangle is the season 1 triangle focused on Jonathan and Steve's feelings for Nancy. Recently, the love triangle was reignited.
There seems to be plenty to expand on to finish this romance once and for all. Currently, neither boy seems like the perfect fit for Nancy. Her boyfriend doesn't want to move to the same college, while Steve seems to want to stay in Hawkins with Robin and his friends. As things stand, the best option for Nancy might be to leave Hawkins single.
Dmitri and Yuri's Whereabouts
Dmitri was one of Stranger Things 4's bravest new characters, and he and the smuggler Yuri seem to have up and disappeared to nowhere after bringing Hopper and Joyce home.
The two new characters were pretty fantastic inclusions to the season, and season 5 wouldn't feel the same without at least a cameo from the two Soviets. Knowing their current status with the KGB, it seems unlikely for them to have moved back to Russia, so an appearance by Dmitri and Yuri seems like a probable bet.
Will's Feelings Towards Mike
Mike and Will weren't exactly the MVPs of season 4, as both pretty much functioned as Eleven's delivery service and cheerleaders for nearly the entirety of volume 2.
However, a subplot that wasn't lost on fans was the apparent feelings that Will had developed for Mike. It's clear that Mike is in love with Eleven, and it seems unlikely that Will could get the happy ending he hopes for in that regard. However, it is an unresolved issue that they should both probably address before the series concludes.
The Hellfire Aftermath
Eddie Munson's heroic sacrifice may have stopped the Demobats from coming into Hawkins or going after Nancy and the others, but it didn't stop the town's perception of Hellfire.
Thanks to Jason, many in the town still believe that Mike and Dustin were part of a satanic cult. That's a part of the story that likely will not be forgotten about, leaving Mike and Dustin to deal with plenty of backlash from the town. Lucas may also, by association, be ostracized by what's left of Hawkins moving forward.
Max's Literally Lost Mind
Max may have narrowly avoided becoming the most tragic Stranger Things death ever, but it wasn't without cost. Upon an inspection by Eleven, Max doesn't seem to be in her own mind.
Whatever Max's current state is, it will surely tie back in some way to Vecna and the Upside Down in season 5. Whatever happens to Max in the season, it would be incredible for her to outperform the character's portrayal in season 4. All fans can do is wait and see if Max can ever return to her real-life body.
Vecna's Return
Vecna/Henry/One is the greatest antagonist in the show's history. He's multidimensional, fits into the broader world brilliantly, and will make for a fantastic final boss in Stranger Things.
In the season finale, he was able to narrowly escape permanent defeat at the hands of the Hawkins crew. According to Will, Vecna is still very much alive and willing to do whatever it takes to unite the human world with the Upside Down. He seems to be the looming final antagonist of the series, and his role in season 5 could solidify him as an all-time great villain.
The Upside Down Taking Over
With Venca's plan set in motion, the Upside Down seems to be merging with Hawkins already. It will be interesting to see how the Duffer Brothers go about writing the everyday life of characters in this changing world.
The Upside Down takeover could lead to many interesting story arcs, and the stakes are now higher than ever. The final battle between Vecna and the crew taking place in a mix between the Upside Down and Hawkins would be a fantastic way to end the series, but dealing with the aftermath of it all will be just as tricky.