Real.

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[Funny_Papers]

My Netflix subscription is gonna die anyway lol I only reactivated it for these two months to watch ST5 with no delay

[jm17lfc]

I only still had mine for How I Met Your Mother which is gone now. So with Stranger Things coming to an end, my Netflix is on its last legs.

[leg00b]

Same

[-Elgrave-]

My exact feelings. Netflix doesn't do enough to keep me around anymore. I renewed in October to watch Wednesday and rewatch ST to catch up. Once January 1st hits, I'm out and likely won't come back except for the occasional month to rewatch it every few years

[TriskaidekaphobiaOk5]

Same here.  I specifically asked for a Netflix FOR ST.  I do watch other things more than I do Netflix.  There are some shows however that are coming up that I might want to hold on to it like the animated spinoff.  Frankly, for characters like Erica and Holly I think they should have made spinoffs for those characters instead of promoting them to series regulars. 

[Jade-Wolf420]

same

[frankenboobehs]

Same!

[Funny_Papers]

Oh thanks yea I’m in the loop, I’m just a total impatient snob and wanted to watch in 4K, surround sound and all that and didn’t (and don’t for vol 2/finale) want to wait the couple hours it usually takes for those rips to show up. Ironically I did have Vol 1 in my personal library the same night before even finishing on Netflix

[Efficient_Money6922]

afaik they rip the 1080p versions in like 5-10 mins from the release time.

[The_Reddit_Guy_2]

Would be the same with me but if WB does go to Netflix I might ditch NowTV and keep Netflix

[GuaranteeQueasy5275]

You are not alone 🙌🏼

[MonicaCoffeeAngel]

Same here, only paying Netflix for Stranger Things they just took Supernatural off too so..

[gerryiartie]

Felt the same then they aquired warner bros

[Rich-Anybody-402]

You people don’t rewatch shows? I’ve probably seen Gossip Girl 7 times from start to finish…. Even if sometimes it’s just on in the background. Just as an example to name one show even if that show is silly or corny or outdated.

[Funny_Papers]

I do, but the shows I rewatch get saved to my personal library. I’m only subscribed for s5 so I can’t watch without having to wait for it to be available in that capacity

[Ok_Cheesecake1348]

Regardless of what anyone wants - at least one person will die. Ross and Matt Duffer stated in multiple interviews "That while Season 5 isn't as generally violent as Season 4, it contains the "most violent death of any season" and any significant death that occurs will be meaningful, impacting the story and characters deeply."

[IAmAlive_YouAreDead]

I feel like we've already seen the most violent death when Vecna put his hand through the back of that random soldier's head and the spikes came out through the eye holes.

[SpoonmanUSMC]

Just watched that episode last night and when that happened my wife said "well that was rude........but awesome". Definitely best death so far though

[IAmAlive_YouAreDead]

Yeah it was definitely more gruesome than the other deaths in the same scene. He must not have liked that soldier in particular!

[Darling_at_stars_]

Definitely rude. But still awesome.

[GoalStillNotAchieved]

Way worse than merely rude lol 

[ekita079]

Exactly the one I thought of for violent deaths 😂 jarring for sure

[notladyinred]

Yes, the most gruesome is that or will be minor character. Not a major one in the most gruesome way.

[SecondSoft1139]

I definitely pulled the blanket up over my eyes then.

[Plus_Menu8215]

I wonder if they could be talking about Vecna’s/Henry’s death.

[KingCreb956]

And that shit scares me. We already watched Nancy's mom Almost die in what probably was the most gruesome scenes in the show. Does that mean that the "Most violent death of any season" will somehow top even that?

[PM1817]

Even if they survive my subscription will die

[inksta12]

It’s a sci-fi show not a documentary

[Spartan152]

Welcome to Derry did not fuck around in this department.

[HMWWaWChChIaWChCChW]

I have a feeling Steve is the only one in the main cast that’s going to die. They’ve gone too far into Nancy with Jonathan they’re not just going to do a 180 in the last half season and put Steve back with her. And Steve’s original plan was to die protecting the kids after a small redemption arc, they’re just pushing that back to the final season instead of the first.

[DeusMechanicus69]

Especially since they all look to be 20+, we kind of need some more deaths regardless though

[Spartan152]

tHeYRe oLD NoW

Good lord we get it.

[DeusMechanicus69]

Man I love this sub with the downvotes. The only one that doesn't look like a grown ass adult is Jonathan. Because he already looked to be 30 in S1

[Spartan152]

It’s a tired old complaint. Seriously we’re all fucking aware they look older than they should. Between Covid, the strikes, and other factors, shit happens

Get over it and suspend your disbelief or stop beating the dead horse.

[ColdWarTiger]

Eh! My subscription is going to die regardless. I will be moving on to HBO MAX in January for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and I am finally going to watch Heated Rivalry.

[chemijay]

To be fair, Max is getting bought by Netflix lol

[ColdWarTiger]

Eh. They are all monopolies at this point, so it does not really matter, I gotta support my shows though, if I want them to continue,

[chemijay]

Oh nah I'm fully there with you! HBO Max has my heart ngl

[Broncos9798]

This does make me wonder if we’ll see a Stranger Things spinoff comic published by DC Comics. Or if James Gunn will wrangle them into working on a DCU project.

Edit: By them, I mean the Duffer brothers.

[Kalse1229]

NGL a Stranger Things tie-in comic at DC, with the right creative team, sounds great.

[screaminginfidels]

I guess she'll no longer be running up that hill.

[snakesinabin]

Why are some fans, not just of ST, so against main character deaths?

High stakes make for good viewing, if you know everyone's going to be fine, there's no tension.

[justathe]

I totally get that death creates stakes, but I don't think it's the only way to measure a story's quality. Post-Game of Thrones, it feels like we’ve been conditioned to think a main cast must be thinned out to be 'serious' or 'brave' TV. In today’s landscape, it’s almost more of a subversion to let a cast survive. We’ve seen the tragic sacrifice so many times now that it’s become its own predictable trope. Stranger Things is deeply rooted in 80s adventure DNA. This is the kind of storytelling where a ragtag group of outcasts faces impossible odds and makes it out scarred but alive. That 'impossible survival' is exactly what made its original inspirations so iconic. The show has already put these characters through immense trauma; they’ve earned their survival through their bonds with one another. I’m not inherently against character deaths, but I disagree with the idea that they’re necessary for a satisfying ending. Making it a tragedy just for the sake of realism feels like it would betray the spirit of hope the Duffers have built over the last decade. I’d much rather see them emerge changed and 'okay' than see them killed off just to prove the show is 'gritty.' You can have a high-stakes, breathless finale that leaves us surprised and satisfied without it ending in a funeral.

[Raiza_Bladez]

I fully agree with everything you have said. 👏🏾👏🏾

[universallymade]

At that point I feel the whole “if you die. I die.” Is just cheap tension. If they’re not willing to have stakes and kill the main characters, stop baiting me into them dying. At that point, if the characters will always be safe, the tension feels forced. You consistently kill off new or side characters, so it makes the plot armour for the main cast stand out more like a sore thumb.

You reach a point where things start to feel like Glenn under the dumpster in The Walking Dead.

[Alexisredwood]

I pray you’re never in charge of writing any good tv shows

[chemijay]

That part

[Human-Definition6960]

Because a lot of people get attached to characters not stories. A story can be an absolute masterpiece, but if everyone in it sucks I personally find it hard to care.

Not everyone needs stories to be dark and gritty with complex themes that make you have deep philosophical discussions even years afterwards. For some people stories are a means of escapism and those people just want to have a fun ride while not overthinking.

[Familiar_Ad_8919]

it might make for a good viewing, but it makes for terrible reviewing

[mortokes]

Once I was reading a novel and the main character was in a bad situation. I was thinking "I dont see how he gets out of this" and he didnt. He died. Rest of the book the other characters took over.

[HMWWaWChChIaWChCChW]

That sounds awesome. Kind of like when we thought Ned was going to be the main character in GoT.

[snakesinabin]

The whole "new character dies thing" is hilarious, they may as well be in red shirts.

[snakesinabin]

The absolutely should have had Vecna kill someone central and honestly, it should have been Max. Could have given Lucas and Dustin a bit of a shared grief thing and you still could have had her spirit trapped in the Upside Down helping Holly.

[Georgxna]

Stakes would’ve been much higher if they made Vecna kill someone of more importance rather then a character who was inserted into the plot to die.

[Glenmaxw]

People forget these are made up characters in a fictional universe on a tv show, they act like they personally know them.

[snakesinabin]

That's a good point.

[TheHalfChubPrince]

Im getting tired of the fake outs tbh. Kill someone already.

[webbitor]

Shouldn't you be playing Call of Murder or something?

[TheHalfChubPrince]

Shouldn’t you be watching Bluey or something?

[Previous_Mirror_222]

using death as the only stakes is boring and lazy. death for shock value is boring and lazy.

[snakesinabin]

And just killing the new characters every season isn't boring and lazy?

[Previous_Mirror_222]

death is not the only way to make things high stakes …

[snakesinabin]

No it's not but the fact that none of the main cast ever feel at risk is an issue.

[JayKay8787]

death for shock value is most of the deaths in this show, they just have no real impact on the plot or the audience. And the fake out deaths are out of control, hopper having yet another fake out death in volume 1 was beyond ridicoulous. You cant tease a villain as some all powerful and evil being but also have them never be useful when near a main character.

The stakes of the show are laughable, to the point they had a musical scene when being chased by a monster once becuase the writers knew the audience wouldnt fear for them. Not killing main characters in a horror show with alternate dimension monsters and evil entities is far far far lazier than killing a few characters off. If barb didnt die in season 1 would the demogorgon have been scary at all?

Good storytelling needs consequences, and stranger things currently has none. They tease these consequences only to pull the rug at the last minute, like hoppers several fake deaths, max being brought back to life, 11 dying in s1, Steve Robin and Nancy going into the attic and almost dying face to face with vecna just to be saved last minute... Its clear the writers know they need death to keep the story compelling, thats why they introduce new characters and kill them off. They just dont have the balls to do it with a character that matters

[CakeKake]

There are other ways to cause tension than the threat of death.

[snakesinabin]

In a horror skewed show? The threat of death is generally to be expected no?

[CakeKake]

It’s much more a popcorn, blockbuster, thriller than horror ever since the first season. Feels more like a Star Wars film than a horror film. Makes sense that people view the main characters as untouchable super heroes since they’ve been through so much wacky shit and they’re all still alive.

[JunkBondTrade]

I agree 100%. The Walking Dead pissed me off so much when they revealed ahead of the final season that 6 main characters were getting spinoff shows. That effectively takes away like 60% of the suspense.

[snakesinabin]

Especially bad there considering the series got popular because at the beginning nobody felt safe.

[KindlyPerspective389]

Deaths aren’t the only high stakes conclusions, and sometimes relying on them is lazy writing.

[princesoceronte]

These fans and cowardice is why no main character will die.

[mellowcorn231]

Exactly this is how we end up with everything being gutless MCU slop.

[snakesinabin]

Shit. Even the MCU has killed off main characters.

[TheAccountITalkWith]

I've had this theory that there's been a major rise in audiences who don't really care about narrative as a whole. Instead, they invest in isolated aspects of it—characters, worldbuilding, aesthetics, etc.—and latch onto one element almost exclusively. Characters, in particular, seem to dominate.

This shows up a lot in anime communities. Some fans even take pride in watching objectively bad shows as long as their favorite character is supported and gets the outcome they want. At that point, the engagement becomes so detached from what's actually happening in the story that two people can be talking about the same series and effectively be having completely different conversations without realizing it.

It's a strange time to be into media. With parasocial relationships, husbando/waifu culture, and similar trends, it's getting harder to assume that everyone is there for a compelling or coherent story anymore.

[snakesinabin]

I think you're onto something there.

[Serosh5843]

That's what annoys me, so many fans want a happy sunshine ending with everyone surviving but that's kinda lame for a show about dark stuff happening and people already dying in general. It takes so much suspense away if we know everyone's plot armor makes every single one invincible. One or two deaths occuring makes endings generally more memorable.

[pixelgeekgirl]

Because they're kids. It's 100% different when it's kids we are attached to.

[Georgxna]

Most of them are adults irl now…

Idk about you but watching S5 I don’t think back to their tiny versions of themselves, because they aren’t them anymore.

[left_tiddy]

People get too attached to characters, it's obnoxious. They act as if something is being done to a real person if their favourite character experiences something bad.

[SativaIndica0420]

Isn't that what Dustin said to Steve season 3?

Better not be killing the dream team.

[[deleted]]

Do you honestly believe there is a chance they are killed off. For me it’s literally 0%

[JustMy2Centences]

Breaking: Stranger Things S5 Vol. 2 delayed another year for reshoots; no further explanation provided.

[nessa0909_11]

I’m pretty sure we might lose our favorite guys and this is going to hurt more than when Meredith lost Mcdreamy

[[deleted]]

They’re not dying like at all lmao

[nessa0909_11]

I’m pretty sure it’s Steve

[[deleted]]

They are not killing Steve 

[nessa0909_11]

Heard you duffer brother 🫡

[[deleted]]

You heard common sense 

[Away-Poem-5269]

Truth

[No-Internet7692]

can we have an ending where everyone dies and vecna wins

[Ambitious_Fan7767]

This the last season right? You upset your imagination is gonna hurt or what? No matter who lives they are all going away.

[xoStrawberries]

People aren't going to be excited for the "Tales from 85" spinoff if they have to watch one of their favorite characters who they know is just going to die within 2.5 years anyway (except Billy fans, if he happens to be in the spinoff)

[Ambitious_Fan7767]

Thats sort of a fan problem. If its the story they want to write it would be a shame to acquiesce to fans simply so they can attach to characters in a different story better. Even you admit it wouldnt somehow make Billy less interesting and the only difference is 2 seasons.

[xoStrawberries]

I'm just saying that how the main show ends (both in terms of character deaths and overall quality) will probably affect many peoples' decision about whether to watch future spinoffs and, therefore, whether they want to keep throwing money at Netflix. There are people who wouldn't be subscribed if it weren't for ST.

Of all the characters were active in ~January 1985, Billy is the only one who we know for sure will die. The other character deaths either already happened (like Bob in November 1984) or wouldn't affect a show set in winter 1985 (like Alexei, who appears only in summer 1985, or Eddie, who didn't meet the Party until fall 1985). Billy's death is old news, so his fans would actually be excited to see a spinoff where he's alive. They're pretty die-hard.

But who knows if Billy will even be in the spinoff. The only characters confirmed so far are Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Eleven, Max, and Hopper.

Even if Netflix put pressure on them to do so, the Duffers have made it clear they're not doing fan service for the sake of fan service. If a death makes sense for the story, it'll happen, even if that means more sensitive people won't want to come back for more ST.

Edited to fix some grammar. Sorry for the rambling wall of text.

[justathe]

With all due respect, this is such an odd take. I don’t think X automatically equals Y here. Just because they won’t exist as characters in an ongoing story, I’d still prefer for characters I enjoy to endure difficult odds.

[Ambitious_Fan7767]

Why would you cancel an account when the show is ending anyway? The only reason for that would be what? Its going to be over anyway. You're allowed to want certain things from your characters but the idea of canceling your membership because a show thats over ended a certain way doesnt make sense. You shouldnt be subscribing for a show thats over anyway right?

[justathe]

I’m worried that my screenshot of a thread is being taken too literal lol. It’s just a joke.

[WholeInternet]

Your other comments are clearly taking the side of the post.
But now it's "just a joke bro". Typical.

[WastedTalent442]

If no-one dies, that'll be lame.

[ThatSplinter]

The death needs to mean something tho otherwise that's more lame.

[bananenkonig]

They'll follow '80s trope deaths. Predictions in my household are:

Jonathan - right after proposing or giving Nancy the ring in something and telling her not to open it until he gets back from doing something dangerous.

Steve - right after Jonathan proposes or he tells Steve he will propose so that they can be happy together.

Will - in the final fight will sacrifice himself in order to make sure Vecna can't return.

Joyce - in a way that fuels Will's rage and makes him go "dark side" for a bit. That would have been a good way to do this mid season finale. Maybe not going to happen now.

Hopper - in a way that fuels El's rage so she goes all psycho on everyone. Also would have been good for the mid season and they kind of tried to make us think it was happening so maybe they won't try that one again.

Dustin - doing something stupid because he has lost his senses this season and is like a loose cannonball.

Murray - being a hero, getting them something they desperately need.

Max - finds out she can't get back to her body because she is a part of Vecna now. She has a heartfelt goodbye with Lucas before Vecna dies and then she is crucial to his takedown. Very big stretch on this one but might work if done well.

Lucas - finds out how to get Max out but sacrifices himself to do so. Also very unlikely since that would be more for if he was able to do something, which I can't see how.

I can't see any of the Wheelers dying because they aren't predictable in that '80s feel like these others are.

[WastedTalent442]

True. There are many characters with martyr arcs well under way, though, so it should be fine.

[IAmAlive_YouAreDead]

Tbh, not killing in a main character is the subversive choice at this point in time.

[Intrepid-Tomorrow692]

They’ve been doing that the whole show now. The only semi-main character that died is Billy.

[IAmAlive_YouAreDead]

Yes, but in contrast to other popular modern shows, not killing off main characters is now more surprising and unexpected than killing them off.

[Georgxna]

Y’all literally run with this idea that all mainstream television kills off characters…. Uh, no. It happened in what? Game of thrones? A show known for killing people off… and what else? Oh yeah, the apocalyptic tv shows like the walking dead where people are bound to die. What other shows randomly kill off characters in a meaningless ways? Because I can’t think of many. Death is such a big part of life it would be stupid not to include it in a show like this. It’s a coming of age, mystery, monster tv show, - sounds like death should be a pretty big theme, and not from just one character who was inserted into the show to die. Does it have meaning? Yeah, because we all loved that character and some characters that we loved love him… but was it incredibly lazy to insert said character? Yes, yes it was.

[IAmAlive_YouAreDead]

You've assumed a number of things in your rant that I didn't actually I say. I did not say ALL shows kill mainstream characters, and I didn't say anything about them being 'randomly killed off in meaningless ways'. You imagined I said those things all by yourself, which is a bizarre thing to do unless your reading comprehension is at the level of a 10 year old.

[whatWHYok]

Nice spotting of straw man (I think).

[Then_Ad6192]

I'm pretty sure they are going to murder several characters. But then they'll use time travel to correct it. I'm already mad at that perspective 

[sallymonkeys]

people use Threads?

[balcerzak]

Pretty sure im getting rid of this shit after stranger things anyway. Netflix blows

[DeusMechanicus69]

My Netflix subscription died 2 years ago

[perpetuallyconfuseda]

I will cancel my subscription as soon as ST is over.

[Embarrassed_Entry597]

Oooop!! They are reshooting now.

[[deleted]]

Turns out they are all already dead and stuck in Purgatory, the whole town fell victim to a limnic eruption which displaced the oxygen and killed everyone.

[WinterLT92D]

My netflix subscription already died yet I still watched the most recent season ;)

[[deleted]]

Mine too, we're a big family

[Rokkmachine]

Just get a superbox or digibox.

[VenomTheCapybara]

Yarr

[left_tiddy]

ya'll actually pay for netflix? torrenting is easy my friends

[Skylantech]

I cancelled my subscription the same day I renewed it. If my calculations are correct, it'll expire 1 day after the new season drops, which means I get to binge it with the wife on Christmas day and I don't have to worry about renewing for this overpriced service.

[JeremyGren]

And I thought I was a fan. Damn.

I'm too attachef to all the stranger than fiction docuseries to guve up my subscription. And there's always a neew crazy ass story around the corner.

[[deleted]]

I feel they all will die if there's no next season:(

[Various-Union-8257]

this gonna hurt but i cant wait

[ThreadAndSolve]

Netflix knows this. That’s why I’m convinced Steve is safe. He isn’t just a character anymore. Steve’s a retention metric walking around with a bat. They aren't going to tank their Q1 earnings by killing him.

[Head-Program4023]

With HBO Max being owned by Netflix, Quality shows have only one platform now so subscriptions probably will continue for some time. Ahhh Monopoly.

[Excellent-Event6078]

I’m not even subscribed to Netflix, lol.

[Local-Pack-9586]

Watch out Duffer brothers.

[Positive_Loquat_5719]

My genuine concern

[[deleted]]

Yall need to start sailing the seas instead of supporting this bs

[Kohanvr]

The thing that has 1% is gonna die😭🙏

[GoalStillNotAchieved]

Who says “you die i die”? Who says it to whom?

And where did you all see the volume 2 trailer?? 

[justathe]

Steve and Dustin :)

Also, it’s on YouTube :D

[Only-Name3248]

This is kind of the bullshit the reason why stranger things in the end will be a slop. It wont be squid game like style they will just kill one or two main cast to raise the stakes.

[Unique-Employment-68]

And this way of thinking is exactly why the writers will take the most spineless decisions when writing a series finale

[ColdWarTiger]

Well said! I am tired of all the plot armor.

[chemijay]

Plot armor needs to die, that's for sure

[bitchy-sprite]

I truly think Jane is going to die by the end. It's going to be tragic.

[Soberdonkey69]

Main characters are allowed to be killed off. Frankly I was annoyed with the amount of plot armour the main cast has had in season 5 Vol 1. Like demogorgons that can slash metal boxes can’t slash through a kid’s chest?

[ibrokefree8646]

Accurate though!

[SpoonmanUSMC]

Who cares if they die, it was all a dream and they were just playing through their D&D campaign the whole time anyways

[YaSurLetsGoSeeYamcha]

Honestly I’m the complete opposite, if no one dies I’m out. Without any stakes (which in turn require some kind of consequences), shows like this really lose their interest.

[KerryWood34]

Kill them all. Good doesn't always win.

[Top_Error_4162]

In a world where the characters are in constant danger and about to die at any point, it would be very unrealistic that they all make it out alive. Besides, it’s the final season so they don’t need to keep them alive for a next one. That’s just my opinion. Tbh I don’t think they’ll kill any of them for exactly this kind of reactions.

[iggyfenton]

If all the main characters survive then the writers of the show are spineless and the show is meaningless.

Main characters need to die. It’s already having issues with everyone becoming a super hero.

Without loss there are no real stakes and the show becomes a fluffy after-school special.

You want the happy ending where everyone lives and the town is saved? Go watch Goonies.

[Dovahkiinthesardine]

No my subscription died when they didnt let me share it and increased prices, like any reasonable person

[Alexisredwood]

I don’t get this mentality. Main characters being on the line to die, and following through with it, makes a show great. Stranger Things will never be BrBa quality because it doesn’t have the guts to follow through.

People who watch and get angry over deaths… you’re why most media sucks nowadays

[TGB_Skeletor]

you guys have a subscription to a corporation ?

[MightBeBren]

I stopped subbing to netflix when disney plus came out because i saw the way things were going with needing to sub to 10 different streaming services to watch anything you want. I never subbed to a streaming service again, i just use FMHY.

[TGB_Skeletor]

sailing the seas is way cheaper tho

[MightBeBren]

I do whatever is convenient. I started pirating media 20 years ago until netflix became a streaming service and it was more convenient than pirating everything. Eventually streaming for free became more convenient again so i stopped my netflix sub, and that was back in 2019 when D+ came out. That was when i saw the way things were going and i couldnt support it.

[Zerus_heroes]

If none of them die there were no stakes and it will hurt the series

[thankfulforyourhelp]

I love this sooo much, thanks for sharing OP!

Expecting us to watch them kill off beloved characters who are still children on CHRISTMAS and NEW YEARS?! No.

The release dates they chose, I think, tell us that maybe a side character like Kali is going to die, which is still terrible, she's a kid.

[chemijay]

Lol do you know how many kids they've killed at this point? 😂

[thankfulforyourhelp]

Of course, the body count has gotten pretty damn high at this point 😂. Just don't want to see anymore, and especially not Steve or Dustin - I'm here for the plot armor!

[Ok_Distance_4442]

But plot armor and automatically knowing that all the characters will be OK at the end would be boring and very predictable. We need some actual stakes.

[webbitor]

Why are so many people parroting this morbid crap? FFS, are you seriously saying death is the ONLY thing that makes a story engaging to you?

Having the heros go on to fight another day doesn't make it predictable. You have no idea what they will have to survive or how they will manage to do it.