On January 1, 2026, the Duffer Brothers turned the TV world the wrong way up after they introduced Stranger Issues to a dramatic conclusion.
Sure, after ten lengthy years, our heroes lastly managed to save lots of Hawkins from the specter of the evil Thoughts Flayer and his psychic sidekick, Vecna, however their victory got here at a value.
Sadly, Eleven was compelled to sacrifice herself to make sure the Upside Down was destroyed as soon as and for all (or was she?) whereas her mates – Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas and Max – went to play one final sport of DnD.
Maybe, unsurprisingly, given the expectations surrounding the finale, this ending has confirmed to be extra divisive than a dialog about whether or not breakfast cereal is technically a soup.
And whereas most individuals agreed that the finale was thrilling, some followers felt the episode was rushed, with too many unanswered questions, and even accused the ending of being riddled with plot holes.
Obtain customized updates on all issues Netflix
Get up to search out information in your TV exhibits in your inbox each morning with Metro’s TV publication.
Join our publication after which choose your program within the hyperlink we ship you so we will obtain TV information tailor-made to you.
However was that basically the top?
Please allow JavaScript to view this video and take into account upgrading to an online browser that helps HTML5 video
Some Stranger Issues followers are satisfied there was one thing…nicely, unusual about episode eight.
Actually, they assume they’ve noticed a number of clues that point out a secret ninth episode is on the best way. Enable us to clarify…
What’s the ‘conformity gate’ principle?
The Conformity Gate principle means that the epilogue on the finish of season 5 will not be the true ending, however an phantasm created by Vecna, who may be very a lot alive.
Proponents of this principle imagine the reality can be revealed in a last episode releasing on January 7, which is able to presumably see The Occasion defeat Vecna as soon as and for all.
The speculation will get its title from the best way The Occasion ‘conforms’ after a seemingly good completely satisfied ending.
So what proof do these ‘Conformists’ (for lack of a greater title) need to show their principle?
Properly, there are some visible inconsistencies within the epilogue that folks assume are “flaws” within the phantasm, just like the discrepancies Holly Wheeler found when she searched via Vecna’s recollections.
Probably the most notable of those is the best way the graduating class all sits equally to Vecna throughout the commencement scene. There’s additionally a clean banner, a pin badge with the unsuitable yr on it, and a number of other individuals who seem to bear a placing resemblance to the villain.
That is not all. When Hopper and Joyce get engaged, a lot of individuals across the completely satisfied couple seem to stare into the digicam, breaking the fourth wall.
Maybe essentially the most compelling proof, nonetheless, is seen throughout the last moments of the episode, when The Occasion places their DnD folders on a shelf and the names on the backbone seem to spell out the phrase ‘XA LIE’.
Presumably this is a sign that all the pieces we noticed when the Occasion was in Dimension X was in truth a lie.
There are additionally a number of copies of the WHATZIT? board sport scattered all through the Wheeler basement (an apparent reference to Vecna’s imaginary alter ego).
The ultimate clue is presumably the 20-sided die, which could be seen subsequent to the Stranger Issues participant information that we see within the last moments of the episode.
The die exhibits a seven, which in accordance with conformists signifies January 7, when the ultimate episode can be launched.
Why do individuals assume Stranger Issues season 5, episode 9 will launch on January 7?
Those that imagine within the Conformity Gate Principle imagine that episode 9 of Stranger Issues season 5 will launch on January 7, as Netflix beforehand shared a video titled “Your future is on the best way,” accompanied by that date.
They imagine the six-day wait is a reference to the six days Will Byers was lacking from the Upside Down earlier than being found by Joyce.
Please allow JavaScript to view this video and take into account upgrading to an online browser that helps HTML5 video
Are there indicators that this could possibly be true?
No, there isn’t any proof to counsel that the Conformity Gate Principle is true. A lot of the proof that followers level to is definitely fairly circumstantial.
The visible variations, such because the banner and badge seen throughout commencement, might simply be errors made by the manufacturing staff.
As for the graduating class that sat as Vecna, nicely, I simply do not see it. The individuals within the crowd merely sit with their fingers on their laps, the best way individuals have a tendency to sit down after they don’t have anything of their fingers.
What can we consider the Conformity Gate Principle?
Our Deputy TV Editor, Tom Percival, shares his ideas on Conformity Gate…
If I had a penny for each time followers of a success TV present rejected a divisive finale in favor of an imagined “higher” episode, I would have a bajillion and forty-two cents – which I believe we will all agree is a whole lot of pennies.
As somebody who lived via the ending of the BBC’s most up-to-date Sherlock collection, Sport of Thrones and Misplaced, I am no stranger to this type of discourse.
Truthfully, selecting to imagine {that a} secret last episode is about to return out or demanding {that a} present be remade to swimsuit the fandom’s particular preferences is as widespread as a London bus.
The factor is although, I’ve to take a London bus, I hate it (#TubeBoy4Life).
I ought to make clear: I do not thoughts individuals complaining about an ending they do not like, and I do not actually hate fan theories both.
Heck, I’ve made a profession out of bitching about horrible TV exhibits and films, or to paraphrase Homer Simpson, it is enjoyable to criticize others (additionally straightforward).
Likewise, fan theories are, for essentially the most half, only a enjoyable option to have interaction with a TV present you want – though I have to confess that I’ve smelled farts with extra substance than the Conformity Gate Principle.
The factor is although, it is okay to not like issues and picture the way it might have been, however I do not assume you could have the suitable to inform an artist how their work ought to finish.
Actually, it actually will get below my pores and skin when followers demand {that a} author bend to the whims of some monolithic fandom.
I believe it is truthful and annoying, like a protracted automotive trip with somebody who insists we solely hearken to their music.
Why? Properly, as a result of fandoms aren’t monoliths – they include multitudes.
So when you could also be disenchanted that El does not find yourself with Mike, that we did not see extra of Suzie, or that Vecna wasn’t redeemed, there can be simply as many individuals who thought the ending was good.
And that opinion is simply as justified as yours.
So in the event you’re holding out hope that Conformity Gate goes to undo the ending of episode eight, you are going to be sorely disenchanted come January seventh… in any other case I might need to eat some humble pie.
Likewise, the group staring on the digicam when Hopper proposes appears to be simply trying on the poor getting engaged, whereas the ‘WHATZIT’ board sport is only a cute nod to Vecna.
The phrase “XA LIE” might be the perfect proof for the idea, but it surely might simply be a coincidence (even when Luke warned us to not imagine in coincidences).
Maybe the perfect proof we now have that the idea is unsuitable, nonetheless, comes from advertising and marketing. It appears unlikely that Netflix would have put a faux finale in theaters solely to launch one other ‘actual’ finale per week later.
So if there is not any secret episode deliberate, what was Netflix teasing individuals about?
Please allow JavaScript to view this video and take into account upgrading to an online browser that helps HTML5 video
What can we learn about the way forward for Stranger Issues?
Stranger Issues could also be coming to an finish, however the franchise will stay on. We all know {that a} present referred to as Stranger Issues: Tales from ’85 can be launched this yr.
Set between seasons two and three of Stranger Issues, this animated collection sees the group on a never-before-seen journey as they battle new monsters the wrong way up.
Tales from ’85 can also be not the one deliberate spin-off. Ross Duffer informed The Hollywood Reporter that they’re engaged on a spin-off centered on the unusual rock that was contaminated with Thoughts Flayer particles.
“There’s one thing within the finale that ties into the spinoff,” he stated. “The spin-off is not about rocks or mining the rocks, however I might say that is the free finish that is not tied up and can be tied up.”
Would you like the Conformity Gate Principle to be true?’
That is not all: Netflix will launch a documentary on January 12 titled One Final Journey: The Making of Stranger Issues 5, which is able to function a last farewell to the hit Netflix collection.
Stranger Issues is now accessible to stream on Netflix.
Do you could have a narrative?
Should you’ve obtained a star story, video or footage get in contact with the Metro.co.uk leisure staff by emailing [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Submissions web page. We would love to listen to from you.
Arrow
MORE: 11 of the Largest Netflix Flops of 2025
Arrow
MORE: Gavin and Stacey dominate most-watched TV in 2025 regardless of no new episode
Arrow
MORE: 7 cozy snow day motion pictures to stream from the heat of your property
Reply now
Add Metro as a most popular supply on Google
