Stranger Things fans have embraced a popular theory that suggests time travel could play a significant role in the series, despite the potential risks involved. Since its debut in 2016, the show has generated extensive fan theories, particularly concerning the enigmatic Upside Down, a crucial element of the narrative. Even after the dramatic conclusion of season 4, many questions still linger about the Upside Down, its ties to the town of Hawkins, Indiana, and the fate of this alternate realm leading into the anticipated final season.
The prolonged three-year hiatus before the release of Stranger Things season 5 has fueled speculation not only about the Upside Down but also about the destinies of key characters like Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), and Jim Hopper (David Harbour). While some fan theories seem plausible, others venture into the realm of the extraordinary, particularly one involving the introduction of time travel in season 5.
The Long-Standing Time Travel Theory in Stranger Things
Could Time Travel Fit with the Show’s Themes?
The concept of integrating time travel into Stranger Things has been around for a while. Given the show’s existing themes of alternate dimensions, psychic abilities, and monstrous creatures like the Demogorgon, many fans speculate that time travel could naturally fit into the evolving storyline. As season 5 marks the conclusion of this beloved Netflix series, it represents a crucial moment for the incorporation of this long-discussed theory.
While time travel may not currently exist in Hawkins, it could potentially be harnessed within the Upside Down, which might possess energy that challenges the conventional boundaries of time and space. Speculative theories suggest that Eleven’s anticipated disappearance in season 5 could be linked to such a phenomenon. Some enthusiasts even propose that Linda Hamilton, whose role remains unconfirmed, might portray a future incarnation of Eleven, thus exploring the characters’ lives at different stages before the series wraps up.
Could Season 5 Be Too Late for Time Travel?
Has This Twist Been Earned?
Though the final season offers a unique chance to incorporate time travel, some argue that it may already be too late to introduce such a transformative plot device. The fantastical elements of the Upside Down and psychic abilities have been intricately woven into the fabric of the story since season one, allowing for gradual development. While those elements feel earned through careful storytelling, the advent of time travel could seem abrupt and disorienting for both the characters and viewers alike.
Unlike Lost, which began planting the seeds for time travel early on and effectively integrated it into its storyline by season 5, Stranger Things has not laid the necessary groundwork to make time travel a seamless addition.
The Potential Risks of Time Travel in Stranger Things
Could It Undermine Important Events?
Introducing time travel carries significant risks, particularly if it leads to alterations in the timeline or the resurrection of characters who previously met their demise. The memorable deaths of beloved characters such as Barb Holland (Shannon Purser), Bob Newby (Sean Astin), Dr. Alexei (Alec Utgoff), Billy Hargrove (Dacre Montgomery), and Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) have left lasting emotional impacts, shaping the arcs of those who remain. If time travel were to revert these pivotal moments, it could undermine their importance significantly.
| Character | Season of Death |
|---|---|
| Barb Holland | Season 1 |
| Bob Newby | Season 2 |
| Dr. Alexei | Season 3 |
| Billy Hargrove | Season 3 |
| Eddie Munson | Season 4 |
The intricate timeline crafted throughout Stranger Things, from the backstory of Henry Creel (Raphael Luce) to Will Byers’ disappearance, has been integral for its narrative. Time travel could jeopardize this meticulous design and unravel previous character developments. Beyond the resurrection of characters, time travel could lead to the erasure of key events, potentially frustrating viewers during season 5 and diminishing the enjoyment of the entirety of past seasons.
How Time Travel Could Be Successfully Incorporated into Season 5
Could Back to the Future Provide a Blueprint?
Despite the challenges, incorporating time travel into Stranger Things could be an exciting development, especially within a narrative that already embraces alternate realities, psychic powers, and creatures from the Upside Down. Characters such as Will, Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Mike (Finn Wolfhard) could play pivotal roles in navigating the complexities of this new concept.
Furthermore, with the series’ notable references to classic 1980s sci-fi films, introducing time travel as a homage to Back to the Future could resonate well with audiences. The original movie is depicted in season 3 at the Starcourt Mall, establishing a foundation for the characters’ familiarity with its rules, which could theoretically be adapted into the show’s narrative. Notably, only the first film had been released in the timeline of Stranger Things, as the sequel came out later in 1989.
The show has also alluded to the Upside Down being stuck in 1983 for reasons that do not necessarily involve time travel. However, a narrative adjustment could explain how the Upside Down operates within a time-stopped framework, potentially paving the way for time travel theories to manifest. While there are viable paths to incorporate this much-discussed plot element into season 5, significant hurdles remain, and the risks outlined may ultimately outweigh the benefits.