The Netflix show's creators Matt and Ross Duffer recently talked to Variety about their decision to not kill off any big characters so early on in the final season. As they explained, they're working with 'high points' (wins) and 'low points' (losses) for the protagonists, and the end of Volume 1 already had one of each.

Stranger Things Season 5 is finally here with its first volume, which consists of four episodes. The story is far from complete, but this set of episodes features important battles and jarring revelations.

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 does not wake Max. But her condition still matters a lot. Her coma keeps everyone’s emotions strong. The group fights harder because they hope she can return. The ending shows that her future is still unknown. Her fate is one of the biggest questions for Volume 2.

We break down the final scenes of Stranger Things season 5 volume 1, and what they mean for the future of Hawkins in volume 2

Spoiler alert! This story discusses major spoilers from Stranger Things Season 5’s first four episodes. Stream them with your Netflix subscription if you need to catch up.

In Hawkins, monsters may take kids, but nothing survives an ’80s power ballad. Four episodes into Stranger Things Season 5, and Volume 1 is already blasting nostalgia.

Season 5 of Stranger Things packed so many spectacular moments into its first four episodes that it was a Thanksgiving feast in itself. There is surely more excitement to come later this year, with volume 2 set to premiere on Netflix on December 25.