The Hawkins crew is nearing their final showdown. Curious about the penultimate episode of Season 5, setting the stage for the series’ epic conclusion? Check out our video above to brace yourself for the ultimate clash with Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower).

In “Chapter Seven: The Bridge,” Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) steps into his destined role as the group’s leader. Before he can confront the dangers of the Upside Down and save Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) and her classmates, he makes a crucial confession. Gathering his friends, Will reveals that Vecna tried to control him through terrifying visions, threatening dire consequences if he shared his secret. Will comes out, admitting he’s gay and revealing his feelings for Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard). His friends respond with love and support, empowering him to continue their mission.

Meanwhile, in the depths of Vecna’s realm — where he had previously deceived every child except Holly into seeing him as the benevolent Mr. Whatsit — he conducts a mock séance. His aim is to collapse the wormhole and merge the abyss with the real world. Despite Holly’s attempts to flee, she and the other children succumb to his influence, posing a grave threat to Hawkins.

Elsewhere, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) grapples with the possibility of an unhappy ending. Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) proposes they remain in the abyss after defeating Vecna. With the bridge’s destruction, they would pass into eternity, avoiding further pursuit by sinister forces intent on exploiting their powers. Kali, used as a test subject, envisions no better future. Will Eleven choose self-sacrifice, or will she find a way to survive?

Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), meanwhile, is grappling with the knowledge that there might not be a happy ending lying in wait for her. Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) suggests to her that they stay in the abyss after Vecna is defeated. When the bridge blows up, the two of them will go up with it, staying on the opposite side of the wormhole and peacefully entering eternity. It would end a lifetime of being pursued by wicked authority figures and being used for their genetic materials to create yet another generation of psychic child soldiers. Kali — who has been used as a guinea pig, her blood being injected into a variety of pregnant victims — sees no possible better ending for them both. Will El sacrifice herself? Or will she survive?

Elsewhere, Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) and Nancy (Natalia Dyer) finally split up as a couple and — after their best-broship suffered some major wear and tear — Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Steve (Joe Keery) make up and vow that if one of them dies, the other will follow. Can Will Byers’ newfound powers change everything – enough to save the world? Who will live and who will become a memory thanks to the wrath of Vecna? Watch the video above and prepare to find out when the final episode of “Stranger Things” hits Netflix on New Year’s Eve 2025.