Stranger Things 5 has launched with explosive drama as our beloved Hawkins heroes confront terrifying new threats from the Upside Down in Volume 1. The first four episodes deliver shocking developments and brutal confrontations that leave several characters fighting for their lives.
Major Character Survival Shock
In a surprising twist that defied fan expectations, none of the main central characters meet their demise during the initial four episodes. This comes as a particular shock given the significant body count witnessed in Stranger Things 4 Volume 1.
However, the Wheeler family bears the brunt of the early season violence, with multiple members facing life-threatening situations that leave their futures hanging in the balance.
The Wheeler Family Crisis
The horror hits home literally in episode 2 when a Demogorgon invades the Wheeler household, attacking Karen, Ted and their youngest daughter Holly.
Karen Wheeler demonstrates incredible bravery, attacking the creature with a broken wine bottle to protect her daughter. During the confrontation, the Demogorgon slashes her twice - once across her torso and another devastating blow across her throat and chest.
When Nancy and Eleven discover the aftermath, Karen is critically injured and losing significant amounts of blood. She's rushed to hospital where doctors stabilise her condition, though throat damage leaves her unable to speak.
Ted Wheeler suffers even more severe injuries during the home invasion. After confronting the Demogorgon with a golf club, the creature slashes him clean across the chest, creating massive lacerations. He's thrown across the room and left bleeding out in a corner.
The family patriarch is hospitalised alongside his wife and placed in an induced coma due to his critical condition. His survival remains uncertain as Volume 1 concludes.
Holly's Terrifying Fate
Young Holly Wheeler faces the most disturbing fate of all. After the Demogorgon attack, she's taken into the Upside Down, mirroring her brother Will's experience back in 1983.
In episode 4, Will experiences a vision revealing that Holly is hidden in an inaccessible location - somewhere even Eleven cannot reach. The young girl lies unconscious with a vine attached to her mouth, exactly as Will experienced when captured by Vecna.
While her physical body remains in mortal danger, Holly's consciousness survives within Vecna's mind. Her rescue becomes a primary concern for the Hawkins team as Volume 1 ends.
Military Casualties Mount
While main characters survive the initial episodes, the same cannot be said for Dr. Kay's military personnel, who suffer devastating losses throughout the first four instalments.
The bloodshed begins in episode 1 when a Demogorgon kills at least six soldiers during a military convoy attack. Episode 3 sees Hopper eliminate several soldiers during an intense shootout in the Upside Down.
The violence escalates in episode 4 with multiple casualties: Eleven snaps the neck of a guard at the military facility, Hopper kills several additional soldiers, Lt. Akers murders a scientist, and Vecna's Demogorgons wipe out most soldiers in the MAC-Z.
In a spectacular display of power, Will Byers kills three Demogorgons in the final moments of episode 4, demonstrating unexpected capabilities.
Hopper's Emotional Sacrifice
Jim Hopper continues his pattern of self-sacrifice in season 5, narrowly escaping death multiple times. After surviving a stray bullet wound in episode 1, he faces his most emotional challenge in episode 4.
During their infiltration of the military facility, Hopper reveals he's wearing a bomb vest, prepared to sacrifice himself if Vecna awaits behind the secret door. He shares a heartbreaking goodbye with Eleven, who becomes distraught at his decision.
The scene cuts away as Hopper enters the room holding the detonator, leaving viewers to wonder about his fate. However, the episode concludes with Hopper alive and revealing what lies beyond the door.
Uncertain Fates and Future Threats
The status of several characters remains unclear as Volume 1 concludes. Lieutenant Akers and Lieutenant Colonel Sullivan's survival is uncertain following their respective confrontations with Hopper, Eleven, Vecna and the Demogorgons.
With Vecna's return and the stakes higher than ever, the December 25th finale promises significant casualties among the main cast. Fans anxiously await answers about Ted's potential recovery, Holly's rescue mission, and whether fan favourites like Steve Harrington will survive the ultimate confrontation.
The first four episodes set the stage for an emotional and potentially devastating conclusion to the Stranger Things saga when Volume 2 arrives this Christmas.
