Unraveling the Finale of "Stranger Things"

After nine and a half years, the cult-classic series "Stranger Things" concluded with a finale that premiered not only on Netflix but also in select theaters. The show's creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, managed to wrap up the storylines of all major characters, retiring the series with a finale that dropped precisely on New Year's Eve.

In the exciting two-hour finale aptly titled "The Rightside Up", the Hawkins heroes including Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Will (Noah Schnapp), Nancy (Natalia Dyer), Joyce (Winona Ryder) and others journeyed to the Abyss to defeat the Mind Flayer and eliminate Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). Despite the answered plot lines, several unresolved mysteries remain, keeping the internet abuzz with speculation about the potential for a spinoff.

While surprises abound, the fate of Eleven -- whether she sacrificed herself in the destruction of the Upside Down or if the final scene was a projection of her escape -- remains ambiguous. However, fans are given reasons to remain hopeful. The final scene, set in Wheelers' basement during the class of '89's graduation, had Mike (Finn Wolfhard) expressing his belief that Eleven might still be alive.

In a revealing interview on New Year’s Day, the Duffer brothers discussed aspects of the finale, explained their decision-making process about the final battle against the Mind Flayer and Vecna, and shared their surprise upon encountering the review bombing of the penultimate episode, "The Bridge". The brothers also hinted at the possible direction for the spinoff, clarifying that while it would answer some remaining loose ends, it would introduce a completely new mythology, new characters and a new world.

The Duffer brothers showed pride and satisfaction in the season's conclusion, despite initially unexpected reactions from the fandom, particularly on Eleven's fate and the reaction to Will's coming out scene. The interview, albeit holding back some details about the spinoff, was a sincere revisit of the beloved series' thrilling last act and a testament to its lasting legacy in popular culture.