The Stranger Things Finale: Action, Mystery, and a Major Plot Hole
January 1, 2026
The final episode of Stranger Things delivered a mix of action, horror, drama, and death, captivating fans worldwide. However, amidst the conclusion’s satisfying moments, a notable plot hole concerning a villainous character has sparked widespread frustration. Spoilers ahead...
The Finale Wraps Up Most Characters, But Not All
After nearly a decade, the Stranger Things saga concluded with resolutions for most of its characters. Vecna was defeated when Joyce chopped off his head, leading her to a joyful engagement with Hopper. The kidnapped kids were rescued, Hawkins’ heroes moved forward, and Eleven seems to be thriving in a new setting.
Yet, amidst these well-rounded endings, one character was surprisingly underserved—leading fans to call it an unforgivable oversight.
Dr. Kay: An Underwhelming End for a Promising Villain
Fans were initially excited about Linda Hamilton’s casting as the new antagonist, Dr. Kay, especially since her character’s pursuit of Eleven formed a central plot thread. Throughout Season 5, she was portrayed as a formidable villain, and her military minions posed significant threats.
However, in the finale, her role diminishes dramatically:
- She is mostly a bystander when Eleven seals herself in the Upside Down.
- Post-battle, she and her soldiers disappear without explanation.
- The Upside Down crisis is casually attributed to an earthquake.
This abrupt disappearance has left fans dissatisfied, questioning what really happened to her.
Fans’ Frustration and Unanswered Questions
Many viewers expressed confusion and annoyance over her fate:
- “What happened to Dr. Kay?” and “Dr. Kay and the military just disappeared?” are common questions.
- Some even labeled her “the most pointless character in TV history” and “the worst-written character of all time” due to her seemingly unnecessary evilness without clear motives.
Others are puzzled about her relevance:
- “Who even is Dr. Kay, and why is she here?”
- “Why didn’t she tell her soldiers to leave the kids so they could stop El?”
- “She was obsessed with finding her, then she did nothing?”
Most notably, fans wanted a definitive, brutal ending for her. The realization that she simply escaped and survived left many disappointed:
- “So Dr. Kay got away with everything in the end?”
- Some fans wished for a more visceral ending: “I needed to see her neck snap,” or “We should have seen El snap Dr. Kay’s neck.”
Final Thoughts
While the Stranger Things finale brought closure to most storylines, the fate of Dr. Kay and her military squad remains a glaring omission. Fans’ desire for clear resolution and satisfying payoffs keeps this plot hole a topic of debate long after the credits rolled.
Related:
- Explore the Stranger Things Season 5 soundtrack
- Check out our ranking of the best Stranger Things characters
- Discover the best Stranger Things episodes