Episode 9 of Stranger Things Season 4, titled “The Piggyback,” witnesses the culmination of the season’s intertwined storylines as the Hawkins crew and their Californian allies wage a desperate, multi-pronged assault against Vecna, the ultimate villain revealed to be Henry Creel/One. The episode ends with Vecna seemingly defeated, but Hawkins is ravaged by a cataclysmic event, tearing a rift between the Upside Down and the real world, foreshadowing a devastating future conflict.
The Three-Pronged Attack
The core of “The Piggyback” hinges on a complex strategy to weaken and ultimately defeat Vecna. This plan involves three distinct teams, each playing a vital role in its success (or failure).
Project Nina: Eleven’s Power Surge
Eleven, aided by Dr. Owens and Brenner (until his tragic demise), continues her Project Nina training in the desert bunker. This process allows her to regain her powers and, crucially, project her consciousness into Vecna’s mind. Her goal: to confront him directly in his psychic lair and provide an opening for the physical attacks. The psychic battles are visually stunning, depicting a struggle for control of the Mind Flayer’s power and Vecna’s memories. We see glimpses into his traumatic past and his growing resentment towards humanity. Eleven’s escalating power, fueled by her memories and unwavering determination, becomes the key weapon against Vecna’s control.
The Creel House Assault: Nancy, Steve, and Robin’s Fight for Survival
Nancy, Steve, and Robin, armed with their knowledge of the Upside Down’s geography (gleaned from Vecna’s victims’ visions) and homemade molotov cocktails, infiltrate the Creel House, the nexus point connecting Vecna to the real world. They navigate the treacherous Upside Down version of the house, encountering Demobats and booby traps. Their mission is to find and destroy Vecna’s physical body while he is psychically engaged with Eleven. Eddie and Dustin, acting as backup and a distraction, defend the Creel House attic from attacking Demobats.
Operation Maim Vecna: Hopper, Joyce, and Murray’s Russian Gambit
Hopper, Joyce, and Murray, having escaped the Russian prison, finally confront the Demogorgon and Demodogs housed within the facility. Their objective is to kill these creatures to weaken the hive mind connection that sustains Vecna. This seemingly disparate storyline is crucial because it directly impacts Vecna’s power in Hawkins. The intense fight culminates in a fiery explosion, eliminating the Upside Down threats and creating a window of opportunity for the Hawkins crew.
The Aftermath: A Town Torn Apart
While Vecna is seemingly vanquished by the combined efforts of Eleven and the others, the victory comes at a terrible cost. The episode ends with a devastating earthquake ripping through Hawkins, opening massive fissures in the earth and poisoning the landscape. The Upside Down has breached the barrier, and the atmosphere is beginning to mirror that of the alternate dimension. The final shot shows the desolate landscape, ominously filled with ash-like particles, foreshadowing the impending war. Hawkins is irrevocably changed, becoming a gateway to the Upside Down.
The Human Cost: Heartbreak and Heroism
Beyond the supernatural battles and scientific experiments, “The Piggyback” is driven by the human connections and sacrifices made by the characters. Eddie Munson’s heroic self-sacrifice, defending Dustin from the Demobats, is particularly poignant. Max, though saved by Eleven at the last moment, remains in a coma, her fate uncertain. The emotional toll on the characters, especially Lucas holding Max’s lifeless body, highlights the devastating impact of the Upside Down’s invasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly was Vecna’s plan with the four killings?
Vecna’s plan was to weaken the barrier between the real world and the Upside Down. Each murder created a psychic opening, making it easier for him to establish a permanent connection and ultimately merge the two dimensions. He was essentially opening gates, mirroring the events of Season 1, but on a much larger and more destructive scale.
2. Why was Max specifically targeted by Vecna?
Max’s past trauma and feelings of guilt following Billy’s death made her particularly vulnerable to Vecna’s psychic manipulation. He feeds on the negative emotions and vulnerabilities of his victims, making them easier to control and ultimately kill. Her history with the Upside Down and her near-death experience in Season 3 also made her a target.
3. How did Eleven ultimately defeat Vecna?
Eleven didn’t defeat Vecna entirely. She managed to weaken him significantly, allowing Nancy, Steve, and Robin to inflict physical damage on his body in the Upside Down. However, the final shots suggest Vecna is still alive, albeit severely wounded. Eleven’s power and unwavering belief in her friends allowed her to break through Vecna’s control and inflict critical damage.
4. What happens to Eddie Munson in the episode?
Eddie Munson dies a hero’s death, sacrificing himself to buy Dustin time to escape the Demobats attacking the Creel House attic. He chose to fight, proving his bravery and clearing his name in the eyes of Dustin. His death is a tragic loss for the group, especially for Dustin, who formed a close bond with him.
5. Is Max dead at the end of the episode?
Max is technically clinically dead for a brief period but is resurrected by Eleven using her powers. However, she remains in a coma, and her future is uncertain. It is unclear what lasting effects Vecna’s attack will have on her physically and mentally.
6. What is the significance of the earthquake in Hawkins at the end?
The earthquake signifies the complete breakdown of the barrier between the real world and the Upside Down. It is a direct result of Vecna’s actions and Eleven’s weakening of his connection. The opening of rifts and the spread of the Upside Down’s influence indicate a full-scale invasion is imminent.
7. How does the Russian storyline connect to Vecna and the events in Hawkins?
The creatures in the Russian prison (Demogorgon, Demodogs) were connected to the hive mind controlled by Vecna. By eliminating these creatures, Hopper, Joyce, and Murray weakened Vecna’s power and focus in Hawkins, giving Eleven and the others a better chance of succeeding in their fight. This connection highlights the interconnectedness of the Upside Down and its influence across the globe.
8. What role does Dr. Owens play in this episode?
Dr. Owens is crucial in helping Eleven regain her powers through Project Nina. He provides scientific expertise and support, believing that Eleven is the only one who can stop Vecna. He is ultimately betrayed by Brenner, who has his own agenda.
9. What is Brenner’s ultimate motivation in this episode?
Brenner is primarily driven by a desire for redemption and to protect Eleven. He sees her as his creation and believes he is the only one who can truly understand and control her power. However, his methods are often manipulative and unethical.
10. How does the episode set up the final season of Stranger Things?
“The Piggyback” sets up the final season by establishing Vecna as the ultimate antagonist, the Upside Down’s imminent invasion, and the devastating consequences for Hawkins and the world. The episode leaves several unresolved storylines, including Max’s fate, the extent of the damage to Hawkins, and the characters’ emotional scars. The final season will undoubtedly focus on the final battle against Vecna and the fight to save the world from the Upside Down.
11. What is “piggybacking” in the context of the episode?
“Piggybacking” refers to the strategic approach of the characters, with each team supporting the others in a coordinated attack. Eleven “piggybacks” into Vecna’s mind, Hopper’s team weakens Vecna’s connection, and Nancy’s team physically attacks his body. This coordinated effort is essential to their (partial) success.
12. What are the lingering questions left unanswered by Episode 9?
Several questions remain unanswered: Will Max recover? What is the full extent of the damage to Hawkins? How will the world react to the opening of the Upside Down gates? Will Brenner’s actions have long-term consequences? And most importantly, how will the Stranger Things gang finally defeat Vecna and close the gate to the Upside Down for good? These unanswered questions will fuel the anticipation for the final season.