Max’s Limited Role In Stranger Things Season 5 Finale Explained

by

Warning: spoilers for Stranger Things season 5, volume 2.

The second part of Stranger Things season 5 has set the stage for the show’s ending, and it’s made me think seriously about what will happen to Max (Sadie Sink). The final season of Stranger Things was released in three volumes: the first in November, the second in December, and the last on Netflix on December 31st.

The final part of Stranger Things season 5 continues the story immediately after the first part, following Will’s use of his abilities to rescue his friends and enter Vecna’s mind. This section brings the Hawkins group back together in their town, now with help from Kali and Mr. Clarke.

It’s wonderful to have Max back with the team, but her return also reminds us of a bittersweet truth about how her story ended in the final episode.

Despite Being Back, Max’s Role Will Be Limited In The Series Finale

The first part of Stranger Things season 5 showed that Max was actually trapped in Vecna’s mind, explaining why Eleven couldn’t locate her. While frightening, this discovery meant there was still a chance for Max to return to her body and be with her friends again. She managed to do just that, with a little help from Holly.

As Vecna focused on his scheme to combine the Abyss with the real world, Max and Holly managed to escape his mental grasp. Max regained control of her body immediately after Lucas, Robin, and Vickie rescued her from the Demogorgons Vecna had attacked her with.

After being in a coma for over a year, Max is very weak physically. She’s thankfully regained her sight, but her muscles aren’t strong enough for her to walk, so she’s currently using a wheelchair. Because of her condition, she won’t be able to join the others when they go to the Upside Down to fight Vecna and close the gate.

Max spent much of the season separated from the main events, struggling to stay safe from Vecna while with Holly. It’s sad that, because of this, she won’t be able to fight alongside her friends against Vecna and the other creatures.

How Max Can Still Help Defeat Vecna In The Stranger Things Series Finale

Even if Max isn’t able to physically fight Vecna in the final episodes of Stranger Things, she could still play a vital role in defeating him. Because she’s the only one who’s survived a journey into Vecna’s mind, she has unique knowledge that the others can use to help them win.

The Hawkins group is going to need help from all sides to defeat Vecna, and they’ll have a better chance if they can attack him both from within the Upside Down and from the real world. Everyone in the group has a vital role to play in the plan, and even though Max might not be central to the final showdown in Stranger Things, she’ll still be important.

Read More

2025-12-26 22:48