Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 delivers an intense viewing experience with three extended episodes, all exceeding an hour in length, that culminate in a shocking cliffhanger. The fifth episode, titled “Shock Jock,” reveals critical plot developments, particularly concerning Dr. Kay’s motives in hunting Eleven, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, and culminates in a discovery by Dustin that could alter everything about the Upside Down.
In “Shock Jock,” Dustin, played by Gaten Matarazzo, uncovers Dr. Brenner’s (Matthew Modine) old office within the 1983 version of the Upside Down’s Hawkins Research Lab. Until this pivotal moment, he confidently reassures his friends that destroying a Star Wars-like “Deflector Shield” will save their kidnapped friends held by Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). However, reading Brenner’s notes sends Dustin into a state of panic as he realizes that triggering the shield could result in catastrophic consequences, potentially destroying not just the Upside Down but also their world.
The narrative tension escalates when Dustin attempts to warn Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), who are on the roof and mistakenly believe they are set to destroy the threat. Despite Jonathan’s hesitation, Nancy proceeds to fire her shotgun at a gigantic red sphere, leading to an abrupt cut to black, leaving viewers to speculate on the outcomes—though it is noted that the group is not dead, considering there are still three episodes remaining in the season.
Meanwhile, the episode sheds light on Eleven’s origins and her powers, with Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) revealing a chilling truth about Dr. Brenner’s past experiments. The narrative flips prior assumptions about Eleven’s abilities, revealing that instead of administering drugs to her mother, Brenner injected pregnant women with the blood of Henry Creel. This horrific discovery suggests that Dr. Kay’s intentions toward Eleven are linked to her desire to create an army of psychic soldiers in collaboration with Vecna.
As the story unfolds, the tension does not relent for other characters. Max (Sadie Sink) and Holly attempt to escape Vecna through Holly’s memories but fall prey to his grasp. Meanwhile, Will (Noah Schnapp) manages to tap into Vecna’s hive mind, assisting in their escape, albeit at a great cost—by the episode’s end, Will finds himself possessed by Vecna.
With unanswered questions and heightened stakes moving into the next episode, “Escape from Camazotz” is already prompting speculation about the fate of these beloved characters and the broader implications of the Upside Down’s mysteries. As the series continues to explore dark themes intertwined with friendship and resilience, fans are left eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama.