Stranger Things just fixed its biggest mistake with Season 5 008 reveal

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The creators of Stranger Things have addressed a long-standing criticism of the show, and fans are taking notice. Season 5, Part 1 successfully revises a previously controversial plotline, largely thanks to the character of Eight.

The first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 are finally here! The release was so highly anticipated that it actually caused Netflix to temporarily go down due to the huge number of people watching.

Volume 1 is packed with exciting developments – we meet intriguing new characters, finally get answers to long-standing questions from the very beginning of the show, and it’s all set to a fantastic ’80s soundtrack. Everything builds to a thrilling mid-season finale.

There’s this one huge moment in the new season that actually makes me understand why they brought Kali – you know, 008 – into the show in the first place. A lot of fans, myself included, didn’t really get her storyline in Season 2, but Volume 1 of Season 5 totally flips the script. Seriously, it’s a redemption arc no one was expecting! Be warned though, I’m about to get into major spoiler territory!

Forgotten 008 plot matters again after Stranger Things Season 5 twist

In Season 5, Episode 4, it’s revealed that Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) is holding Kali, also known as 008 (Linnea Berthelsen), captive. Dr. Kay is studying Kali’s abilities in an attempt to find Eleven, and Kali will become more important as the story continues in Volume 2.

Although many viewers considered Eleven’s lost sister to be a weak storyline in Stranger Things, the creators have now shown that her story was important all along.

If you’re new to the story, Kali appeared in Season 2 as another child who was experimented on at Hawkins Lab. While Eleven can move things with her mind, Kali has the power to create illusions – she can make people see things that aren’t real.

The issue wasn’t with the character Kali, but how her storyline was handled and how it fit with the rest of the season. Her solo episode, ‘The Lost Sister,’ felt separate from the main plot, and many felt it slowed things down, particularly since she wasn’t featured again afterward.

You know, I saw someone on Reddit nail it with Moira. They said the biggest issue isn’t really her design or anything, but that Blizzard just… dropped her storyline after ‘The Lost Sister’ event. If they’d followed up on that and actually done something with her character afterward, people wouldn’t have been nearly as critical. It’s like they built up this cool mystery and then just left it hanging!

One viewer said the secondary storyline felt completely separate from the main plot, like it belonged in a different show altogether. It didn’t blend in naturally.

For years, it’s been considered Stranger Things’ biggest misstep… until now. 

During the first part of Season 5, Eleven explores the mind of Lt. Robert Akers and learns the military has been secretly storing a substance they call “Kryptonite” in Dr. Kay’s greenhouse.

Suspecting Vecna might be hidden behind the door, Eleven and Hopper break into the facility, only to find that the lab’s sound system can neutralize superpowers—including Eleven’s.

Despite making it through, they were surprised to find not Vecna, but Kali. She was unconscious and connected to a machine, clearly with her powers weakened, just like Eleven’s.

Kali plays “important role” in Volume 2

Dr. Kay seems to be using Eight to reach Eleven, and the second part of the story still has a lot to reveal. One thing is clear: Kali will be important in what happens next.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Ross Duffer explained that they’ve always hoped to work with Linnea again, recognizing her exceptional talent. They consistently discuss the possibility of bringing her back to the show each year and each season, wanting to give her another opportunity to showcase her skills.

We didn’t want to just include the character for the sake of it. We really wanted her return to meaningfully contribute to the story and Eleven’s development. As we approached the final season, it didn’t feel right to leave her out.

He explained they didn’t want it to feel like an afterthought or a failed attempt, and wanted to avoid that impression.

Bringing the character back was essential to finishing the story of Stranger Things. As the second part of the season unfolds, you’ll understand how she connects to the overall plot and Eleven’s personal development, and she’ll be crucial to what happens next.

“Linnea’s awesome, so it’s definitely a big swing for this season, but one we’re excited about.”

Millie Bobby Brown shared her excitement about her on-screen sister’s return, explaining that the show’s creators, the Duffer brothers, always have a good reason for bringing characters back. She hinted that Kali will play a significant role in the new season.

It’s great to see Eleven connecting with people who understand her, because she hasn’t had much family or anyone who truly gets what she’s experienced. Will really seems to be that person for her, even more so than Mike.

I believe Will and Kali are the only ones who truly understand the trauma involved, and because of that, every scene I shared with Kali felt much more emotionally charged and intense than any other.

Bringing the character back has been well-received, showing that fans of Stranger Things believe a previous issue with the Netflix show has been resolved.

Someone pointed out that as soon as Hopper wondered how Vecna could have taken the children through the reinforced door, they immediately suspected 008. They reasoned that whoever was responsible must have powers, and Vecna didn’t seem like the likely culprit.

Honestly, I was really hoping for closure with this season, and the Duffer brothers promised everything would be wrapped up. So, seeing Eight back – even though a lot of fans weren’t thrilled with how her storyline played out – actually felt right to me. I think the issue wasn’t the idea of bringing her back, but more how it was done.

One person shared their excitement, saying Kali deserved a chance to shine on her own. Another commenter expressed hope that including her in the story would lead to a satisfying outcome.

The first part of Stranger Things Season 5 is now available on Netflix, and the second part will be released on Christmas Day. While you wait, you can check out who didn’t make it through Volume 1, our list of the best characters in the show, and our picks for the best episodes.

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2025-11-27 14:20