The Duffer Brothers recommended these 4 essential episodes before you start the final season of Stranger Things
And the day has finally arrived, 26th of November, for the final season of your favourite Netflix show the Stranger Things. Well, before you turn yourself into a binge watcher, The Duffer Brothers have suggested four important episodes to rewatch for a clear understanding, rather than wondering. These episodes are more than a recap; they reveal your emotional threads, character arcs, and hidden clues that will play a major role in how the story concludes. With Stranger Things episodes becoming more layered over time, revisiting these selections offers a deeper understanding of what’s coming next.
Below is a breakdown of the four episodes they recommend, why they matter, and how they connect to the upcoming showdown in Stranger Things Season 5.
1. Season 2, Episode 4: “Will the Wise.”
This episode is one of the earliest signs that something bigger and darker is controlling Hawkins. Will, already struggling after his return from the Upside Down, begins to show signs that the Mind Flayer has embedded itself deeper than anyone expected.
In “Will the Wise,” we watch him shift from being a victim to becoming an unwilling vessel. The emotional tension in this episode is unmatched; his drawings, the visions, and the gradual loss of control foreshadow the rise of a more sinister presence.
The episode becomes even more meaningful now because Season 5 will likely revisit Will’s connection to the dark dimension. Many fans believe his sensitivity to the Upside Down might become the key to ending the nightmare once and for all.
2. Season 2, Episode 6: “The Spy.”
Among the four selected episodes, “The Spy” is perhaps the most heartbreaking. Will’s body becomes a battleground, and his mind turns into a map that the Mind Flayer uses to outsmart Hawkins Lab. The intensity is relentless—every scream, every blackout, every coded message feels like a step closer to something catastrophic.
The Duffer Brothers picked this episode because it shows the origins of the psychic warfare that’s central to the entire series. It’s also one of the rare moments when the audience realizes that the Upside Down isn’t just a monster world; it’s a strategic enemy.
This episode also ties into Vecna Stranger Things, as Season 4 later reveals how Vecna has been orchestrating events long before he even appeared on screen.
All Images have been created and converted from Gemini
3. Season 4, Episode 7: “The Massacre at Hawkins Lab.”
Season 4 shifted the tone of the series completely, and this episode is the turning point. The truth behind Eleven’s past is finally revealed including how the massacre truly unfolded. Instead of being responsible for the destruction, she is shown to be the lone survivor of Vecna’s brutal attack.
This single episode redefines everything fans thought they knew about Eleven, the lab, and the origins of Hawkins’ horrors. It’s also where we see Henry Creel transform into Vecna, creating a direct line between the earliest experiments and the present-day threats.
If you’re preparing for the final season of Stranger Things, “The Massacre at Hawkins Lab” is simply essential. It lays out the emotional betrayal, trauma, and villain origin story that Season 5 will likely build upon.
4. Season 4, Episode 9: “The Piggyback.”
The finale of Season 4 was not just grand, but it was devastating. “The Piggyback” showcases Eleven’s incredible strength as she fights Vecna from a distance by entering Max’s mind. But the emotional weight of the episode is what makes it unforgettable: Max’s near-death, the collapse of Hawkins, and the group’s realization that the battle has only just begun.
The scene where the ground splits and the Upside Down begins to seep into Hawkins marks a shift from hidden horror to full-on invasion. This episode also reminds viewers of the monstrous roots of the Upside Down, especially when thinking of the Stranger Things demogorgon, which once felt terrifying but now feels like only a fraction of the danger looming ahead.
How These Episodes Connect to the Final Season
All four episodes share a common theme: the growing connection between Hawkins and the Upside Down. The story has been slowly piecing together how Vecna has controlled events for years, and Season 5 will likely bring all these threads together.
The Duffer Brothers’ choice isn’t random. Each episode shows:
- How emotional bonds shape the characters
- How Hawkins has been manipulated from the shadows
- How Eleven’s powers were shaped by trauma
- How Will remains a key to understanding the Upside Down’s motives
Together, they create a roadmap of everything the characters have endured—and everything they must face.
And as fans anticipate Stranger Things season 5, rewatching these episodes helps set the emotional and narrative stage for the final battle.
The Final Countdown to Stranger Things
The end of Stranger Things is more than just concluding a series; it feels like the closing of a cultural era. These episodes highlight why the show matters: friendship, resilience, trauma, hope, and the fear of something lurking just beyond sight.
Revisiting them now offers a powerful reminder of how far the characters have come and how much they still have to lose. No matter how the story ends, these episodes ensure that fans walk into the final season with a full understanding of the emotional stakes and the threatening forces that have been building from the very beginning.
FAQs
1. Which Stranger Things episodes should I rewatch before the final season?
The Duffer Brothers recommend four key episodes: S2E4 “Will the Wise,” S2E6 “The Spy,” S4E7 “The Massacre at Hawkins Lab,” and S4E9 “The Piggyback.”
2. Why are these episodes important for Season 5?
They reveal emotional arcs, Vecna’s origins, Will’s connection to the Upside Down, and major turning points that shape the final season.
3. Is Stranger Things Season 5 connected to events from earlier seasons?
Yes. The final season ties together story elements from Seasons 1–4, especially Eleven’s past, Vecna’s rise, and the spreading influence of the Upside Down.
4. Where can I watch these episodes?
All episodes of Stranger Things are available on Netflix.
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