“The Piggyback,” the climactic episode of Stranger Things Season 4, is a devastatingly brilliant culmination of the season’s themes and plot threads. It sees the Hawkins crew, split between the Creel House attic, a Russian prison, and the Nina Project facility, making a desperate, coordinated attempt to kill Vecna before he can fully merge the Upside Down with the real world, a plan tragically falling short of complete success despite immense sacrifice and courage.
The Endgame: Vecna’s Plan and the Race Against Time
Season 4 Episode 9 is entirely focused on preventing Vecna’s ultimate goal: to open a massive gate in Hawkins and unleash the full power of the Upside Down, effectively destroying the town and blurring the lines between the two realities. The episode cleverly intercuts between three major locations and plotlines:
- Hawkins Crew (Nancy, Steve, Robin): Attempting to weaken Vecna in the Creel House attic.
- California Crew (Eleven, Mike, Will, Jonathan, Argyle): Eleven is piggybacking into Max’s mind to fight Vecna on the psychic plane.
- Russia Crew (Hopper, Joyce, Murray, Dmitri, Yuri): Destroying the demo-bats in the Russian prison to weaken Vecna’s connection to the Upside Down.
Each group faces terrifying obstacles, but their coordinated efforts are crucial. The episode masterfully builds tension, juxtaposing moments of triumph with devastating setbacks. The pacing is relentless, driven by the ticking clock of Vecna’s ritualistic murders.
The Battle in the Creel House
Nancy, Steve, and Robin, armed with molotov cocktails and a shotgun, venture into the Creel House attic. They successfully draw Vecna’s physical form out of the Upside Down version of the house and begin their assault. While they inflict damage, Vecna proves incredibly resilient, highlighting his immense power. They buy crucial time for Eleven, but ultimately fail to deliver the killing blow themselves.
Eleven’s Psychic Showdown
Eleven, guided by Dr. Owens and using the NINA Project technology, enters Max’s mind to fight Vecna on a psychic battlefield. Here, she relives Max’s memories and tries to protect her from Vecna’s grasp. This mental battle is visually stunning and emotionally charged, showcasing Eleven’s growing powers and her unwavering commitment to her friends. Eleven manages to break Vecna’s hold on Max temporarily, but the outcome is far from decisive.
Russia’s Explosive Contribution
Hopper, Joyce, Murray, Dmitri, and Yuri execute their plan to destroy the demo-bats, unleashing a wave of fire upon the Russian prison. This action weakens Vecna’s connection to the hive mind and the Upside Down, providing a critical window of opportunity for Eleven and the Hawkins crew. The danger and sacrifice of this group are immense, reinforcing their unwavering loyalty to each other and to the fate of Hawkins.
The Aftermath: Victory? Loss? and the Looming Threat
Despite the combined efforts, the episode ends with a chilling sense of incomplete victory. While Vecna is seemingly weakened and injured, he is not dead. Max is clinically dead for over a minute before Eleven seemingly brings her back, although she is left in a coma and her fate hangs in the balance. Most significantly, Vecna succeeds in opening the fourth gate, creating massive fissures across Hawkins, unleashing ash-like snowfall, and turning the sky an ominous red. The Upside Down is seeping into Hawkins, signaling a full-scale invasion. The season concludes with a palpable sense of dread, setting the stage for a final, catastrophic confrontation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Stranger Things Season 4, Episode 9:
1. Is Max really dead?
While Max is clinically dead for a minute before Eleven intervenes, she is ultimately left in a coma. Her fate is ambiguous, and the extent of her recovery (or lack thereof) will likely be a major plot point in the final season. Eleven’s ability to seemingly bring her back is a major question mark. Is she truly alive, or simply sustained by Eleven’s powers in some way?
2. How did Vecna open the gates if he was being attacked?
Vecna’s connection to the Upside Down and the hive mind is incredibly strong. He can perform actions remotely, even while physically weakened. The combined assaults of the Hawkins and Russia crews slowed him down, but did not prevent him from completing his ritual. His connection to the hive mind allowed him to continue opening the gates even while under attack.
3. What does the ash falling on Hawkins signify?
The ash falling on Hawkins is a direct consequence of the fourth gate opening. It’s a physical manifestation of the Upside Down bleeding into the real world, contaminating the environment and foreshadowing the impending invasion. It represents the creeping corruption of the Upside Down taking root in Hawkins.
4. Why was Vecna so focused on Max?
Max’s trauma and isolation made her vulnerable to Vecna’s psychic manipulation. He preyed on her guilt and insecurities, using her negative emotions to fuel his powers and open the gates. Her vulnerability served as a conduit for Vecna’s plan.
5. What role did the song “Running Up That Hill” play in the episode?
“Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush continued to be Max’s lifeline, providing a source of hope and connection that allowed her to resist Vecna’s influence. It represented her connection to her friends and the real world, a beacon of hope in the darkness.
6. Did Hopper and Joyce finally get back together?
Yes, the episode features a heartfelt reunion between Hopper and Joyce, solidifying their romantic relationship. Their shared trauma and their unwavering dedication to each other and to Eleven brought them closer than ever. It’s a moment of genuine joy amidst the surrounding darkness.
7. What happened to the Demogorgon in Russia?
The Demogorgon in the Russian prison was killed by Hopper using a makeshift spear and his bare hands. Its death was a crucial step in securing the prison and freeing the other prisoners, paving the way for the destruction of the demo-bats. The Demogorgon’s demise served as a symbolic victory against the Upside Down’s forces.
8. How did Eleven get her powers back?
Eleven regained her powers through the NINA Project, which allowed her to relive her experiences and confront her past traumas. This process re-established her connection to the Upside Down and unlocked her latent abilities. The NINA Project was a key component in restoring Eleven’s full potential.
9. What does the future hold for Hawkins?
The future of Hawkins is bleak. With the Upside Down seeping into the real world, the town is on the brink of destruction. The final season will likely focus on the Hawkins crew’s desperate attempt to close the gates and defeat Vecna once and for all. The town faces an existential threat unlike anything they have faced before.
10. Will Eleven be able to save Max?
The question of whether Eleven can fully save Max remains unanswered. While she seemingly brought her back from clinical death, Max’s long-term condition and the extent of her brain damage are unknown. Her survival, and the form it takes, will be a major focus in the final season.
11. How will Vecna be defeated?
Defeating Vecna will require a coordinated effort from all the characters, utilizing their individual strengths and working together. The final season will likely involve a combination of physical combat, psychic abilities, and strategic planning to exploit Vecna’s weaknesses. Teamwork and sacrifice will be essential to overcoming this seemingly insurmountable threat.
12. What can we expect in Stranger Things Season 5?
Season 5 will likely focus on the final battle against Vecna, the integration of the Upside Down with the real world, and the ultimate fate of Hawkins and its inhabitants. Expect high stakes, intense action, heartbreaking sacrifices, and the resolution of long-standing mysteries. The final season promises an epic conclusion to this beloved story.