‘Stranger Things’: 10 Burning Questions Season 3 Left Unanswered

This article contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 3, read our season review here. 

Stranger Things Season 3 was more than worth the long wait we had to withstand for such an epic season. It was a literal explosion of ’80s nostalgia, teenage drama, monster terrors, and everything good about Stranger Things. And it gave us quite the memorable scenes that’ll go down the books like Hopper’s gruff and awkward parenting, Robin and Steve’s high moment, and Dustin and Suzie’s rendition of “Never Ending Story.” However, it also left us with a slew of unanswered questions. Just when we thought Season 3 would leave us at peace though a little bit emotional (thanks a lot Hopper), here comes this mid-credits scene that messes it all up. Now, everyone’s probably wishing that Season 4 would arrive a lot sooner. Until then, we can all simmer wondering these questions:

1. Is Hopper still alive?

One of the biggest questions the Stranger Things finale left is the status of Jim Hopper. He was last seen standing right beside the Russian’s machine before Joyce turned the keys and blew it all up. And then, we got this very emotional moment when El read the speech he wrote down for their heart to heart. But, we never really got to see a body. Nor did we see Hopper incinerated like the other Russians who were near the machine. And then there’s the mid-credits scene where some Russians refer to an ‘American’ in one of their cages.  Add all that and there’s sure to be speculations that El’s dad survived. Honestly, who wouldn’t want him back? El still needs her old man. Joyce needs him. We all need him. Could he be a crucial part for Season 4? Or is he really dead? We’ll never really know until we see or don’t see him next season.

Netflix

2. How did a Demogorgon get to Russia?

Another mind-boggling thing the mid-credits scene left is the Demogorgon in the Russian’s possession. How the hell did it get there oceans away from Hawkins? El defeated the Demogorgon. And it seemed that we wouldn’t be seeing a scrap of it ever since. But, then the Russians got a hold of one. Could it be that they have been involved in whatever’s happening in Hawkins since the very beginning? They could’ve also managed to partially open the gate to the Upside Down in one of the failed experiments that Alexei (bless his soul) mentioned.  If you’ve also noticed, Dustin and Erica actually came across a Demogorgon sized cage in the Russian lab at Hawkins. We also have no idea what they were doing with it or planning to do with it. If they’ve built a facility for it and have been feeding it regularly, there’s bound to be a plan for it. So, anything’s possible.

3. What was the Russian’s end game?

When Stranger Things Season 3 was released, it was strange to suddenly see Russians in the scene. There were no previous mentions of them in the past seasons except perhaps for some offhand remarks from Murray.  And now, they’re one of the villains of the show. What’s even more mystifying is that it wasn’t revealed what their endgame really was. Why were they opening the portal? And how did they even know about it in the first place? It’s a big possibility they were keen on weaponizing whatever they found. Or they could have also been set on finding a portal to move easily between one place to another. Whatever it is, it’s sure to play a big part on Stranger Things’ next season.

Netflix

4. What is the Russian Demogorgon’s connection to the Mind Flayer?

As we’ve seen in the previous seasons, the Mind Flayer controls the Demogorgons. And in Season 2, when Eleven closed the portal shutting the Mind Flayer out, all Demodogs fell dead to the ground. But, what is this one Demogorgon doing still standing even after the portal has been shut again? Could the Russians have succeeded in one of their experiments and gained control over it, allowing the creature to survive in the human world? Or could it be a creation of their own? No one knows. But, featuring it in the next season would surely allow Stranger Things to nicely come full circle to where it all began.

5. Where did Eleven’s powers go?

Last we saw, Eleven used her powers to get a piece of the Mind Flayer out of her leg after it bit her. Then, she couldn’t use it anymore. Even after three months from the accident, she still couldn’t use them even at the bare minimum. They just seemed to vanish as if the Mind Flayer has taken it with him. Though it seemingly will give Eleven the normal life she deserves, it might serve as a huge problem in the next season. It will be interesting to see how the narrative will go with it by then.

Netflix

6. Where are Eleven and the Byers headed to?

After Hopper’s alleged death, Joyce really had no more reason to stay in Hawkins. And she goes through with the plan of moving out whilst taking Eleven under her wing. Unfortunately, it wasn’t revealed where they’re moving to exactly. It wasn’t also revealed how life will go on for them. How will Joyce raise three kids now? And will El be attending school? Nevertheless, it sets up Stranger Things to go beyond Hawkins. As Mike mentioned, they will still be meeting each other through the course of the holidays. And this might be the setting of next season. Contrary to the first season, Stranger Things might be ending with going out to the world.

7. Who really is the American prisoner?

Though there’s a strong possibility that Hopper is the American prisoner, it’s not a 100%. And until it is, we can’t rely on it. There are also other possibilities of who might’ve been inside that cell. Aside from Hopper, it could also be Dr. Brenner or Papa, Eleven’s foster dad. Just like Hopper, we didn’t exactly see his corpse back in Season 1. And in Season 2, he was confirmed to be out there, alive. And now that there’s a Demogorgon in Russia, it’s hard not to connect some dots to him. Who knows? The Russians might’ve turned on him right after he served them.

Netflix

8. Where was Dr. Brenner all this time?

Dr. Brenner is one chapter we haven’t closed on in Stranger Things. Ever since the reveal that he’s alive, he already spelled trouble. Though he’s a candidate for the “American,” he could very well be another thing. He could’ve continued his mad research and experiments after he survived the Demogorgon attack. In fact, he might’ve defected to the Russians after his identity was compromised in Hawkins.  It would be hard for the Russians to reject the kind of offer he had after all. And if the show would really be going full circle next season, he’ll be one good last villain.

9. Why did Dr. Owens return?

Another surprising reappearance in the Stranger Things Season 3 finale is Dr. Owens. He was the director of operations at the Hawkins Lab and he was Will’s doctor. After the Mind Flayer’s defeat, he and a crew of soldiers arrived at the Starcourt Mall. And it can be noted that the camera lingered on him quite a while as he stared in horror at the remains of the portal.  If you can remember, he was also injured by the Demodogs in Season 2. And he was never really revealed to be on the good side or the bad side. His reappearance could perhaps answer that question. And his experience with the Upside Down could determine his role in the next season. We wouldn’t be seeing him if he wasn’t vital to what happens next after all.

Netflix

10. Will we be seeing other psychic kids in Stranger Things’ next season?

Now that old characters are resurfacing, it’s worth taking into consideration El’s “siblings.” The episode featuring El’s meet with Kali is regarded to be one of Stranger Things most disliked episodes. But, it could’ve also been an opener to the wider scope that season 4 might take up. It’s a possibility now that El’s powers are gone and that Dr. Brenner might be back in the picture. Plus, if the Russians know about the Upside Down, they might also know about the kid who closed it and the other kids like her. Now, it’s all up to Season 4 to answer these questions and finally ease our minds once and for all.