Clocking in at a tad over 70 minutes, the Stranger Things' season finale showcases a thrilling conclusion that takes place at the Starcourt Mall, where all the loose ends finally tie up into a dramatic climax. Picking up right where the previous episode left off, the gang is seen scrambling to rid El of the monster's remnant lodged within her. After a futile attempt, she summons the last vestige of her power to extract it, leaving the group to chart out their next course of action.
Dustin, trailed by Erica, Steve, and Robin, heads to the radio tower to assist Joyce, Hopper, and Murray in navigating the labyrinthine Russian facility. Meanwhile, the remaining members of the gang seek refuge at Murray's abode. Nancy, Jonathan, Will, El, Max, and Mike attempt to flee in Nancy's car but quickly discover that Billy has tampered with it, rendering it unusable. Spotting Billy in his car, poised for an attack, they hastily backtrack into the mall, only to be confronted by a Mind Flayer even more gargantuan than before.
Hopper, Joyce, and Murray descend deep into the facility, eventually confronting four hulking Russian guards. Hopper swiftly neutralizes them, clearing a path for Murray to crawl through the vents. Amidst the looming showdown, Joyce and Hopper share a tender moment, with her finally asking him out on a date.
As El struggles to harness her waning powers, the kids scramble to hide from the relentless Mind Flayer. Just as the beast closes in on Mike, Lucas manages to divert its attention. Nancy, Jonathan, Lucas, and Will seize the opportunity to flee the mall. However, Billy remains, lying in wait. As he lunges to ram Nancy's car, Steve swoops in, crashing his vehicle into Billy's, narrowly averting disaster.
Back in the claustrophobic underground facility, Joyce and Hopper struggled valiantly to retrieve the keys from the safe, only to find that the code they had was incorrect. The mysterious code, revealed to be Planck’s constant, had them at a loss. Then, Dustin’s mind sparked with a realization - his new girlfriend might hold the key to their dilemma.
After a frantic effort to reach her through the radio, Dustin finally made contact. She teased him mercilessly, demanding he serenade her with the theme song from "The Neverending Story." Dustin, despite his embarrassment, obliged, and in return, she graciously revealed the code. With this vital piece of information, Hopper was able to crack the safe and retrieve the precious keys.
Joyce and Hopper, breathless and triumphant, made their way to the main control room. Just as they were poised to turn the keys and presumably deactivate the menacing machine, the Russian biker appeared out of the shadows, once again engaging Hopper in a fierce brawl. But this time, Hopper emerged victorious, overpowering his adversary and throwing him into the heart of the machine.
Meanwhile, Billy had set his sights on El, Max, and Mike. With swift and brutal moves, he overpowered them and dragged Eleven towards the monster. As the Mind Flayer lunged forward, ready to strike, Lucas intervened, launching a barrage of fireworks at the creature. In a moment of desperation, El tapped into Billy's repressed memories of his mother, evoking a sense of humanity within him. Billy, overwhelmed by these emotions, chose to sacrifice himself, walking towards the monster to protect El.
Joyce, watching the unfolding drama, realized that she had to shut down the machine, even though it meant sacrificing Hopper. As more Russians poured into the facility, she and Hopper exchanged a meaningful look. He nodded, giving her his silent permission, and she turned the switch, causing the Mind Flayer to perish and saving everyone.
Three months later, the town was slowly healing from the trauma. Will and his family were preparing to move away, taking El with them. The farewells were emotional and poignant, with each goodbye feeling like a piece of their hearts being torn away. El and Mike promised to meet during the holidays, and as she boarded the car, she turned to him, her eyes filled with love and gratitude. "I love you," she whispered, and then they were gone, leaving only memories and the hope of a brighter future.
