The highly-anticipated second half of "Stranger Things" season four [1] returns on 1 July, just over a month after volume one left much of the Hawkins gang in peril [2].
In the final moments of episode seven, viewers learn the identity and origin story of this season's terrifying villain Venca [3] (Jamie Campbell Bower), while Nancy (Natalia Dyer [4]) remains in his clutches in the Upside Down just as the majority of Hawkins' "babysitters" escape back into newcomer Eddie Munson's (Joseph Quinn) trailer. Overseas, Joyce (Winona Ryder [5]) and Murray (Brett Gelman) finally reunite with Hopper (David Harbour), but their triumph over a Demogorgon doesn't exactly equal a victory over the Russians — yet. Meanwhile, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown [6]) is finally recalling her past, as Mike (Finn Wolfhard [7]), Will (Noah Schnapp [8]), and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) remain unaware of the current plight of their Indiana cohorts.
Footage from a recently released volume two trailer [9] doesn't bode well for any of our heroes, and Schnapp had dire warnings during a recent appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon [10]." "You can expect from volume two, we've got some deaths coming, some gore," he teased.
All this has led to lots of speculation among POPSUGAR's editors regarding what's to come as season four concludes. Keep reading for some of our guesses, theories, and predictions about how the latest "Stranger Things [11]" installment will conclude.
Theory: Steve Doesn't Survive
As much as this pains me to write, I think we're approaching the end for Steve [13] (Joe Keery [14]). I love Steve, you love Steve, we all love Steve. The Steve of the last few seasons, though, is a far cry from our first introduction to the cocky high schooler who was once Nancy Wheeler's boyfriend. He's grown and evolved into a beloved "babysitter" since then, which makes me think we're headed to the ultimate conclusion of this villain-to-hero arc: sacrificing himself [15]. It doesn't help that the first half of season four also teases resurfacing feelings between Steve and Nancy. With Nancy in peril, Steve (who is already injured from an attack by those terrifying Upside Down bats) laying down his life for his ex doesn't seem too far-fetched. — Lindsay Kimble, content director, celebrity and entertainment
Theory: Eleven and Vecna Face Off — and Eleven Transforms
I think we're definitely heading for a major reckoning between Eleven and Vecna. Eleven is going to be dealing with her guilt about freeing him, and Vecna is going to want to enact his revenge on her.
Personally, I think we might see Eleven transform into some kind of Vecna-like character, perhaps trapping herself in the Upside Down in an effort to finally destroy Vecna and close the portal. I think it's possible that Eleven will turn into an evil or destructive Upside Down entity in the process, and her friends will have to kill her in order to save themselves and the town. (Of course, I doubt she'll actually be dead, but I'd wager the season will end on a cliffhanger.) Or maybe they'll have to trap her in the Upside Down.
I can imagine season five beginning with a possibly evil or questionably human version of Eleven sending electric signals from the Upside Down to her friends in Hawkins. — Eden Gordon, assistant editor, celebrity and entertainment
Theory: Ms. Kelly the Counsellor Is Working For Vecna
While watching season four, volume one, I became increasingly suspicious of a new character: Max's counsellor, Ms. Kelly. I'm convinced that in volume two, we'll learn she's working for Vecna [16] by feeding him information about her most vulnerable students so he can pursue them as his next victims. There are just too many obvious hints for this theory to not be true. Her key-shaped clock necklace! The persistent tick-tock noise when Max visits her at home! The fact that two of her students, Chrissy and Fred, get murdered by Vecna! Ms. Kelly, I'm onto you. — Victoria Messina, editor, trending and viral features
Theory: Eleven Will Get Trapped in the Upside Down
The Duffer Brothers have consistently said that these episodes are the beginning of the end as we head into the final season. To me, that means the Hawkins gang has to be in a very dark place when the final credits roll on episode nine — even darker than they were at the end of season three, when Eleven lost her powers and Hopper was seemingly dead. I don't think they'll make El lose her powers again, and if she dies I think it's game over for humanity. But if she's trapped in the Upside Down, that feels like an appropriately massive problem to solve in the final instalment of the show. — Victoria Edel, staff writer, movies and TV
Theory: Mike and Eleven Profess Their Love
Realistically, I'm not expecting a happy ending to this season, but let's imagine one: A key element would be Mike making amends for his lacklustre letter sign-offs to girlfriend Eleven, with a bold proclamation of love. Of course, El owes Mike a bit of an apology for lying about her new life in California, but I think these two crazy kids can make it work once the former is done being a hero. — LK
Theory: Dustin Will Die in the Fight With Vecna, and Erica Is the Key to Stopping the Villain
In episode one of this season, the Hellfire Club faces the fictional Vecna in a game of Dungeons and Dragons. Dustin's roll is a miss, while Erica's roll is enough for a critical hit. Maybe this will mirror what happens in the final fight — we lose Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and Erica (Priah Ferguson [17]) saves the day. I will be heartbroken if I'm right. —VE
Theory: Robin and Nancy Will Kiss
OK, OK, this one about Robin (Maya Hawke [18]) and Nancy is a little far-fetched, but the pair has great chemistry together! I am speaking it into existence. — VE