The highly anticipated first third of Stranger Things’ final season has arrived, and it brings plenty of excitement—especially with the unexpected return of a familiar character that fans may have thought lost to the Upside Down.
Meet Kali Prasad, also known as Eight. Portrayed by Linnea Berthelsen, Kali first made waves during a standalone episode in Season Two. With her ability to create mental hallucinations and turn invisible, she captured the audience’s imagination. After being mostly absent from the narrative since her introduction, fans are excited to see her again in the Volume One episode titled “Sorcerer,” where Eleven and Hopper discover her captured by Dr. Kay.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, co-creator Matt Duffer revealed that Kali’s inclusion is crucial to how this season unfolds. He noted, “none of [this season] would play out the way it would if she wasn’t involved again.” Instead of opting to resurrect fan-favorite characters like Eddie or Barb, the Duffers highlighted Kali as a loose end they felt was important to tie up. He expressed that while they had considered bringing her back in the past, there was never a narrative reason until now.
Co-creator Ross Duffer added that maintaining the secrecy around Berthelsen’s return was a challenge. He commended the entire team, including Linnea, for keeping it under wraps, saying, “It was a lot of work to keep this under wraps.”
Berthelsen, too, was eager to return, telling EW how intrigued she was to explore the character’s journey further. She assured fans that they will gain a deeper understanding of who Kali truly is in this season, potentially winning over those who were not fond of her initial arc.
Moreover, Kali is slated to play a significant role in the remaining episodes of Stranger Things. As Matt Duffer stated, she’ll be “very important” not only to Eleven’s story but also in the broader battle against Vecna. Fans are eagerly awaiting her contributions when the series returns with Volume Two on December 25.
What are the main themes in Stranger Things Season Five? The themes revolve around friendship, bravery, and confronting one’s past, all while entwined in a supernatural horror backdrop.
How does Kali’s power impact the storyline of Stranger Things? Kali’s abilities to create illusions and become invisible can significantly influence the dynamics among characters, particularly as they face common enemies.
What can fans expect from the show’s finale? Fans should brace themselves for intense emotional moments, unexpected character developments, and thrilling confrontations as the series reaches its climax.
How has the reception to Kali’s character evolved over the seasons? Initially polarizing, Kali’s character now has a second chance to resonate with audiences, particularly given the evolving narrative that emphasizes her role.
Looking to dive deeper into the world of Stranger Things? Stay informed on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases to keep your fandom alive, and don’t forget to explore more at Moyens I/O.