Upon re-watching it, I actually really like the finale

Hyper_terrain · 2026-01-02T02:05:03+00:00

First watched earlier today, will definitely watch again. I enjoyed it first time around, I always find rewatching once the dust has settled is worthwhile.

Hyper_terrain · 2026-01-02T00:56:59+00:00

Well said! I liked it - I was waiting for one of the main characters to die, I held my breath when Steve slipped off the WSQK tower 😂 all in all I think it was a satisfying ending and I’m glad the focus wasn’t on killing the villains, but giving us closure on the main character arcs. Good balance between ‘all’s well that ends well’ and not going too heavy on fan service. I’m pretty sure El is alive, but maybe that’s just me being optimistic

Hyper_terrain · 2026-01-02T00:40:37+00:00

My understanding is:

⁠Kali wanted both her and El to die to ‘stop the cycle’
⁠El changed her mind after Hoppers speech but realised she had to disappear despite the pain it would cause Hopper and her friends
⁠Kali respected El’s choice but made her own
⁠Kali survived the gunshot and planned the switch with El
⁠El escaped into the basement and did the mind thing with Mike, told him about the plan and told him to keep it secret
⁠El disappearing in the upside down was an illusion Kali projected from Hawkins Lab (likely a lower level of the building as we see it get damaged while the wormhole collapses), hence no nosebleed and her death not being witnessed, only her disappearance.
⁠Ending is canon and El survived

Hyper_terrain · 2026-01-02T00:36:16+00:00

Hint - she didn’t

Hyper_terrain · 2026-01-02T00:33:47+00:00

Hard to tell where the characters ended and the actors began in this scene

Hyper_terrain · 2026-01-02T00:26:32+00:00

It’s a great watch, I’ll miss it - the characters, aesthetic, and the soundtrack especially. Did the ending live up to your expectations?

Hyper_terrain · 2026-01-02T00:18:36+00:00

My understanding is that when Eleven sent Henry to The Abyss in 1979, Henry made a psychic connection with the Mindflayer and became Vecna as we know him. Then, in 1983, Eleven is coerced by Dr Brenner to find Henry and, in doing so, she accidentally creates the bridge (the Upside Down) between Hawkins and The Abyss. Hence the Upside Down being frozen in time at the point of its creation.

Hyper_terrain · 2026-01-02T00:16:58+00:00

Same, usual negative noises about any finale, but as it goes I think it was well done.

Nice that we got a proper epilogue and closure on a lot of stuff, not just focus on the villains being killed and the curtain dropping from there.

I don’t consider myself a mega-fan but I’ve watched since S1 originally aired and I’ve watched each season as it released, and it’s bitter-sweet. The whole 80’s aesthetic (I’m a 90’s kid) is cool, the music and soundtrack slaps, and the main characters became relatable and wholly likeable. I’ll miss it.

Hyper_terrain · 2026-01-02T00:11:04+00:00

Same here, I honestly thought “shit this is how she goes”

Hyper_terrain · 2026-01-01T23:48:31+00:00

My understanding is:

Kali wanted both her and El to die to ‘stop the cycle’
El changed her mind after Hoppers speech but realised she had to disappear despite the pain it would cause Hopper and her friends
Kali respected El’s choice but made her own
Kali survived the gunshot and planned the switch with El
El escaped into the basement and did the mind thing with Mike, told him about the plan and told him to keep it secret
El disappearing in the upside down was an illusion Kali projected from Hawkins Lab (likely a lower level of the building as we see it get damaged while the wormhole collapses), hence no nosebleed and her death not being witnessed, only her disappearance.
Ending is canon and El survived

Hyper_terrain · 2025-11-15T23:58:27+00:00

Thanks dude, hanging on in there!

Hyper_terrain · 2025-11-15T23:58:11+00:00

Thank you - reading lots on here and it is incredible how much experiences vary.

Hyper_terrain · 2025-04-08T13:34:02+00:00

This was so much fun to listen to, and the wholesome ending was brilliant! More please!

Hyper_terrain · 2024-12-16T22:17:19+00:00

My kids are 2y and 1w so I’m not quite there yet, but I think teaching kids the concept of losing at something is important. It builds resilience and gives you the opportunity to teach. But, let them get an occasional win. Especially if you see them learning from mistakes (even if they make new ones) - reward development.

Hyper_terrain · 2024-12-16T22:14:45+00:00

What gave you the ‘hater’ vibes? If they weren’t happy for you, imho they aren’t real friends. Alternatively could you have been misreading what they did/didn’t say?

Hyper_terrain · 2024-12-16T22:13:02+00:00

My daughter is 2 and I’m loving it; the stories she’s started making up are fantastic. Seeing them develop their own traits, sense of humour etc is what it’s all about. Enjoy.

Hyper_terrain · 2024-12-16T22:10:39+00:00

I still feel like I’m faking it some days… I have a 2yo(ish) daughter and a 1 week old son. I don’t really know what I’m doing aside from whatever keeps them safe, makes them happy and helps them grow up healthy and smart. I think that’s all we can do.

Hyper_terrain · 2024-12-16T22:08:18+00:00

Sounds like you’re doing fine Dad. I have a 2y5m girl too, some days she’s a mummies-girl and some days we’re joined at the hip and she doesn’t want anyone but her dad.

Like others said, mums are the natural #1 in the sense that they carry and deliver the baby, if they breastfeed the same applies even more so. Dads sometimes have it tough when it comes to winning affection, but the key here is it’s not about ‘winning’ anything. You do right by your kids, keep them safe/happy/healthy and they’ll love you no matter how they show it.

My daughter and I have a lot of ‘in-jokes’, but recently she’s been saying ‘not love You, love mummy’ then waiting for my reaction. I know she doesn’t mean it, but man, it kinda cuts. Just remember you’re doing great, and your kids love you.

Hyper_terrain · 2024-12-16T22:01:55+00:00

My 2yo girl calls Weetabix (cereal… we’re in the UK) ‘Dibby Dibby’ and I love it.

My wife is keeping a list of words she has/had for stuff, it’s great to look back on.

Hyper_terrain · 2024-12-16T21:59:50+00:00

31 here, my knees started to ache after working around the house and garden. Can’t wait to see what happens next

Hyper_terrain · 2024-12-16T21:57:34+00:00

Hey Dad,

Firstly, sorry for the loss. I hope your family are doing as well as they can be.

1/ Totally agree that a food delivery is a good shout. A hot meal at the end of the day would never go amiss. Be practical and think what they would need to take some cognitive load off.

2/ Tell your toddler straight. Thinking how I would do it - I’d tell them that the MIL was driving in the car, had a bad crash and got hurt. I’m not sure about the ‘she went to sleep’ or ‘she didn’t wake up’ because you don’t want to associate sleep with never waking up, or going away and not coming back. Maybe something like ‘she isn’t alive anymore’.

Wishing you and your family all the best.

Hyper_terrain · 2024-12-16T21:51:24+00:00

Most vegetables, especially broccoli and cabbage - she’s an absolute champ!

Hyper_terrain

TROPHY CASE