Stranger Things season 4 ending explained: Is [SPOILER] really dead?

Stranger Things season 4, part 2 added new layers to Vecna’s story, but what does the finale mean for the future of the show?

Stranger Things wasted little time reminding people of its sheer TV dominance when it made its long-awaited return to Netflix in May. The show’s comeback saw it launch the first seven episodes of its fourth season, introducing a brand new threat, story and obstacle course for Eleven and her friends in Hawkins to overcome.

But Vecna’s story didn’t end with the first installment. Quite the opposite, in fact, as the jaw-dropping seventh episode revealed his origins and shed some light on who – or what – he is. It all set the stage for Stanger Things season 4, volume 2, which arrived just over a month later.

*** Contains MAJOR SPOILERS from all seven episodes of Stranger Things season 4, part 2 ***

If you’ve already binged through the season’s final two episodes, you will undoubtedly need some answers. What happened in the finale, and what does it all mean? Let’s go into detail about why Stranger Things season 4 part 2 ended on a truly memorable note.

Is Eddie Munson really dead on Stranger Things season 4?

Eddie Munson became the hero that viewers already knew he was when he stood up Vecna’s bat creatures in the Upside Down and provided the perfect distraction. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his wounds, dying in Dustin’s arms.

Is Eddie really dead? Sadly, it seems so. While Eleven seemingly now has the ability to bring people back from the dead, she never knew Eddie or that he was dying. So by the time she got back to Hawkins, it appeared to be too late.

No doubt that news will upset a lot of fans, especially as he’s such a beloved character. Here’s hoping we see more of Joseph Quinn on Stranger Things season 5 – one way or another.

Is Vecna dead on Stranger Things season 4?

As the ending of Stranger Things season 4, part 2 made very clear, Vecna, a.k.a. Number One, is far from finished with Hawkins. Yes, he may have been beaten and battered by Eleven, Nancy, Robin and Steve, but he did survive.

And if the ending is anything to go by, it won’t be long until he unleashes his wrath on Hawkins.

What does the Stranger Things season 4 ending really mean?

Vecna’s curse is just getting started, it seems, as the creature from the Upside Down kicked off his master plan to destroy Hawkins in the closing moments of the season 4 finale.

In the aftermath of the large earthquake that ripped Hawkins apart, those eerie blue particles began to rain down from the skies. As everyone looked on, that very sky turned both grey and red, with lightning striking from above (just as it did in the Upside Down).

With season 5 on the horizon, it seems that it really is the beginning of the end for Hawkins, as Vecna, the Mind Flayer and all of the evils from beneath are spilling into the town that has harbored their secret for so long.

Find out all you need to know about Stranger Things season 5 here. 

What did you think of Stranger Things season 4, part 2’s finale? How do you think it sets the stage for season 5? Let us know in the comments below!