I binged-watched Stranger Things S5 over the weekend, then watched it 2 more times, but, after all that, I had one thought: Are the theories low-key ruining the show?!

SPOILERS AHEAD - don’t read if you’re still watching, this is a big flashy warning. 

The wait is finally over, and it’s all come down to this! 10 years later, and we’re finally getting the final chapter of a very emotional, creative, scary, tumultuous ride. 

Let’s dive deeper into the 'Stranger Things' lore, shall we? And why the theories, even though INCREDIBLE, could be low-key annoying fans' final moments with their beloved series. 

When Stranger Things first aired, we had very little to base it on, as it is truly a one-of-a-kind TV show, dare I say top 5 best TV shows ever created. I mean, guys, it broke Netflix on launch day! 

The Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross - the writers and primary directors of the show - are notorious for dropping mysterious easter eggs and connections throughout the show, and while there are too many to list, some of season five's biggest and best are slowly beginning to appear for some avid fans. 

For example, the 12 kids representing 12 numbers on the clock, the wormhole that appears mirroring the mind flayer, and the pamphlet that showcases the school production tying in and confirming the theories from the 'Stranger Things' stage production ‘The First Shadow'. 

Fans like me are starting to realise their disappointment isn’t coming from the fact that the show is ending (but don’t get it twisted, that's still a major reason), it’s coming from the extremely detailed theories being posted online. 

One that is getting a lot of attention is the fact that Will, played by Noah Schnapp, now has powers. This was a major fan theory that sparked A LOT of conversations online, and once it appeared on our screens, it was more of a 'F*CK YEAH' moment and not a ‘WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?' moment.

Another fan theory that had ME particularly very annoyed in my reaction was the Holly Wheeler storyline, played by Kiwi actress, Nell Fisher. Fans flocked to the internet to share their theory that she would be the next victim and become part of the bigger storyline. So when this was confirmed during the first two episodes, I found myself thinking 'oh, I already knew that, but I DIDN’T.. It just felt like I did because of all the theories about it. 

Don’t get me wrong, I think we all get it from a fan perspective - spending a decade immersed in this world is surely going to create a few experts, and there's only so long we can stay offline for, before it's just constantly in our faces. Even the cast members are now being asked what theories they like best. 

I just can't help but feel like it's all being spoiled for me, and I sort of feel like I'm cheating on the series when I engage in these theories. 

My mate Cal Payne from The Edge agrees:  “I’ve always been somebody who loves diving into theories, and I’m trying to savour this experience, since it will be the last time that we CAN theorise before the show ends, but… I’m getting worried that the theories are right and we’re spoiling it for ourselves.

"I know that the show will throw us some curve balls and we still have surprises to come, but God damn,I hope we haven’t ruined it already.”

Don’t even get me started on how much sense the final battle and monster make after seeing five theories back to back, with so much evidence. 

It's a weird mix of feeling slightly disappointed in the moment, but also really excited because of the way the Duffer Brothers managed to portray it so well.

It’s like someone saying to you, 'You’re getting apples today,' so you’re expecting the apples, but not sure how they're coming. Will it be an apple crumble? A bag of Granny Smiths? 

And when a bottle of apple juice arrives at your door, you’ll be stoked with how delicious it is, but the excitement and surprise of receiving the apples is long gone. 

Okay, enough about apples, back to the Upside Down. 

Volume 2 is set to be released on Christmas Day, and you know what, I’m not the Grinch, so I’m not gonna be that person that posts even MORE theories for us to get worked up over. 

Instead,  I'll leave you with a quote from Matt Duffer:

“I’ve said this before: The show is not 'Game of Thrones'.

"I’m hoping it surprises people. But there’s no Red Wedding, if that’s what you’re asking. That would be depressing.”

To keep that void filled while we wait for Volume 2, you can catch up on the podcast here, or listen to the sounds of Hawkins on our very own Stranger Things music playlist here.