'Stranger Things 5' Episode 9 coming today? Makers reveal truth
What's the story
The official Instagram bio of Stranger Things has put an end to speculations about a secret ninth episode. The bio now reads, "ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING," suggesting that the entire story has been told and there won't be another episode. This comes after fans debated the show's ending, with some believing in a theory called "Conformity Gate," which claimed Netflix was hiding a secret ninth episode.
Fan speculation
'Conformity Gate' theory suggested a secret episode
The "Conformity Gate" theory gained popularity as fans scrutinized visual cues and dialogue from the finale, interpreting them as hints that Eleven's fate was unresolved. The theory gained traction because Stranger Things has often released key episodes close to major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. This led fans to believe in a possible January 7 release for a secret episode (because the streamer had hinted at a big announcement on the date).
Hidden hints
Fans found clues in the finale episode
Fans of the show have pointed out several hidden details in the finale episode to support their theory. For instance, during a graduation scene, some students were seen sitting with their hands in a position similar to Henry Creel aka Vecna's. Another fan noted that the graduation gowns resembled prisoner uniforms and suggested that these characters might still be trapped or under Vecna's control.
Additional theories
'Dimension X' theory and other speculations
Another clue supporting the "Conformity Gate" theory was the change in colors of a pointer in one scene from red to gray. Fans interpreted this as a major mistake, further fueling their belief that the ending may not be real. They also pointed out that titles on Dungeons & Dragons books in the finale spelled out "X A LIE," which some believe is a hint that "Dimension X," part of the Upside Down, is "A Lie."
Documentary release
Netflix to release 'One last adventure' documentary
While fans are still waiting for a confirmation about the existence of a ninth episode, Netflix has announced the release of a special documentary titled One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 on January 12. This documentary will provide an inside look into the making of the final season, featuring interviews with cast members and creators. Sadly, it looks like all the inconsistencies were real indeed, and there's no do-over episode coming.