The highly anticipated final season of Netflix's Stranger Things has brought back a character many thought was forgotten: Kali, also known as 008. Her dramatic reappearance and subsequent actions have sparked a major debate among fans, leaving many to question her true allegiance to Eleven.
Kali's Return and a Sinister Revelation
First introduced in the divisive season 2 episode 'The Lost Sister', Kali is another of Dr. Brenner's gifted test subjects. After Eleven sought her out in Chicago, Kali tried to convince her to stay, but El chose to return to her friends in Hawkins.
In Stranger Things 5 Volume 1, set three years later, Eleven discovers Kali being held captive in Dr. Kay's secret military base within the Upside Down. After a daring escape with El and Hopper, Kali seems poised to join the final fight against Vecna. However, her motives quickly become murky.
Shortly after their escape, Kali reveals a horrifying truth to Eleven. She explains that Dr. Kay had been taking her blood to transfuse into pregnant women, hoping to create a new generation of children with powers. More shockingly, Kali tells El that her own powers originated from a similar transfusion Brenner gave to her mother, Terry, using Henry Creel's (Vecna's) blood.
"There are no happy endings Jane, not for us," Kali ominously warns, suggesting a bleak future if Eleven is captured.
Growing Suspicion and a Drastic Proposal
Kali's pessimistic worldview immediately puts her at odds with the group, particularly Jim Hopper. The former police chief grows deeply suspicious, telling Joyce Byers he is sure Kali is "up to something" and doesn't trust her. He even threatens violent action if she makes one false move.
The tension escalates when Kali privately communicates with Eleven through the Void. She uses manipulative tactics, warning that running is not an option and that the military will "kill Mike" if they are found. Instead, she proposes a radical 'endgame' plan.
Kali tries to persuade Eleven that when the group blows up the bridge to the Upside Down, they should both stay on it, ensuring their own deaths. "When the Upside Down vanishes, so will we. It's the only way Jane," she insists, framing this mutual sacrifice as the only solution to stop the cycle of exploitation.
As the final mission begins and the group enters the Upside Down, Eleven gives Kali a subtle nod, suggesting she may be considering this fatal pact.
Fan Theories and the Duffer Brothers' Intent
Kali's shocking proposal has not sat well with the show's audience. Online forums are alight with theories that she has ulterior motives. Many fans are convinced she is the season's traitor, potentially working with Dr. Kay to trap Eleven or even being under the influence of Vecna himself. Some point to her odd habit of referring to Henry Creel as "brother" as evidence of a deeper, more sinister connection.
One viral fan post stated, "I'm concerned that Kali will cross El last minute or kill her and try to save herself." This suspicion was further fuelled by a misinterpreted clip of actor Caleb McLaughlin teasing a "traitor", though this was actually from a season 4 interview.
In an interview with Variety, series creators the Duffer Brothers explained the narrative purpose of Kali's return. Ross Duffer said they needed her to represent a "more pessimistic, but perhaps realistic" viewpoint compared to Mike Wheeler's optimistic outlook. Her role is to challenge Eleven's hope for a normal life, making her final choice—between hope and sacrifice—a central tension of the season.
The ultimate question of whether Kali will betray Eleven at the final hurdle is set to be answered when Stranger Things 5 Volume 2 releases on 31 December 2025.
