Who dies in Stranger Things Season 5? Major twists explained

Stranger Things Season 5 is the beginning of the end for the Hawkins gang, and it kickstarts an all-out battle against Vecna, and Netflix makes it very clear that no one is safe. So, here’s who dies in Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1. Major spoilers ahead!

The first four episodes of the season picks up 18 months after Season 4 with the Hawkins townspeople living in military lockdown, while Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) has seemingly disappeared completely. But when Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) is kidnapped by a Demogorgon, it becomes clear that the all-powerful villain is about to make his move.

The Duffer brothers seize the chance to expand the mythology behind Vecna and the Upside Down even further with mysterious references to A Wrinkle in Time, the 1962 science-fiction novel by Madeleine L’Engle, while also revealing a gnarly spin on a classic Christmas movie.

But as the action ramps up throughout all four episodes, it’s clear that Vecna’s out for blood. Here’s who dies in Stranger Things Season 5.

Nobody dies in Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1

Netflix

Surprisingly, nobody dies in Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1. However, that doesn’t mean that the show has lost its bite, far from it. When the Demogorgon breaks into the Wheeler house to steal Holly, it savagely attacks her mother, Karen (Cara Buono), by slashing her across her body with its claws — severly injuring her in Episode 2. It’s one of the most shocking moments of the season so far.

It also throws her father, Ted (Joseph Crest) through a wall when he tries to attack it with a golf club… After all that time, Ted finally learns what it means to actually stand up for his family! Although it’s a little too late, because he’s barely an obstacle for the massive creature.

Things also look quite dicey for Hopper (David Harbour) in Episode 4 when he and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) break into the military’s base inside the Upside Down. Faced with the prospect of losing Eleven to the military’s scientists, he reveals that he’s wearing a bomb vest to use as a last resort to break her out.

Fortunately it doesn’t come to that, although he certainly seems ready to die after giving an emotional speech to Eleven, telling her he loves her. Ultimately his sacrifice isn’t needed, and the pair of them discover that Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) is being held by Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) inside the base. What a twist!

Until we find out if any one dies in Stranger Things Season 5 volume 2, take a look at the theory about Eleven’s “real” father, learn about how fans think the show will end, and discover the best Netflix shows to watch next.