Since Stranger Things season 5 will be the final season of the hugely popular Netflix show, there should be a break from one of the long-standing traditions seen in each previous season. Following the dramatic events of Stranger Things season 4, it feels like anything could potentially happen in Stranger Things season 5. However, the continued existence of Vecna and the opening of the gates between Hawkins and the Upside Down seem sure to have a profound effect on the show's much-loved characters.
Of course, there have already been details, theories, and rumors about what will be shown in Stranger Things season 5. Showrunners, the Duffer brothers, have already confirmed that there will be a time jump between seasons 4 and 5, while an expanded role for Will Byers in the fight against Vecna has also been suggested. However, what is clear is that the darker direction of season 4 is likely to be escalated and cause a further loss of the sense of innocence that Stranger Things' younger characters have always possessed.
Stranger Things 5 Will Be Unlike Any Other Season
As it is the story's conclusion, Stranger Things season 5 will inevitably differ from previous seasons. As a result, there is an opportunity to embrace this difference by breaking with at least one of the shows' traditions. Each of Stranger Things' 4 seasons is set around a holiday, with season 1 taking place in the lead-up to Christmas, season 2 during Halloween, and the events of seasons 3 and 4 occurring around the 4th of July and Spring Break, respectively. Despite Stranger Things season 5's differences, this trend may continue, although breaking the tradition could prove to be a more impactful choice.
This is because it would demonstrate the dire situation in Hawkins and the loss of innocence that happens in the wake of season 4's ending. Living with the ever-present threat of the opened gates to the Upside Down is likely to harden even the younger, more innocent characters. After all, Christmas, Halloween, July 4th, and Spring Break are all pleasant, fun holidays, especially for children. Effectively removing any of them from the narrative would undoubtedly signal that such childlike fun is no longer something that the heroes of Stranger Things have the luxury of enjoying.
Which Holiday Could Stranger Things 5 Use?
Despite this, there are several viable options if the Duffer brothers decide to maintain the holiday tradition in Stranger Things season 5. Thematically, Easter's focus on rebirth may prove a good fit. Equally, the end of the evil Vecna could make Thanksgiving a suitable choice, while repeating the Christmas setting of season 1 would effectively bring the story full circle. Whatever choice is made, there are undoubted benefits to breaking the holiday tradition, but fans will hope that Stranger Things season 5 can end the series in a way that does justice to the brilliance of what has gone before.