Was Eleven Supposed to Die in Stranger Things Season 1?

Hello, fellow Stranger Things enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Upside Down to explore a question that's been on our minds since we first binged the show: Was Eleven supposed to die in Stranger Things Season 1? Spoiler alert: we're not just going to give you a yes or no answer. We're going to take you on a journey through the series, delving into theories, behind-the-scenes info, and the show's overall narrative to help you understand why this question is far more complex than it seems. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and was eleven supposed to die in season 1.

The Fate of Eleven: A Recap

First things first, let's quickly recap Eleven's journey in Stranger Things Season 1. Our beloved telekinetic heroine, played by the incredibly talented Millie Bobby Brown, was introduced as a mysterious girl with psychokinetic abilities, living in Hawkins Lab's secret facility. She befriends Mike Wheeler, and together with Dustin, Lucas, and Will, they embark on an adventure to find Will, who's been missing since the season's opening.

Eleven uses her powers to locate Will in the Upside Down, but in the process, she's severely weakened. In the season finale, she faces off against the Demogorgon to save Mike and the others. With her powers depleted, Eleven seemingly sacrifices herself to close the portal to the Upside Down, leaving her fate uncertain.

The Eleventh Hour: Was Eleven Supposed to Die?

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: Was Eleven supposed to die in Stranger Things Season 1? The answer, as you've probably guessed by now, isn't a simple yes or no. Here's why:

The Original Plan

According to the Duffer Brothers, the show's creators, Eleven was initially meant to be a one-season character. In an interview with Vulture, they revealed that they wanted her arc to mirror that of Eleven's namesake, the character from the movie "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." In the film, E.T. returns to his home planet at the end, leaving behind his human friend Elliott. Similarly, Eleven was supposed to close the portal and return to her own world, leaving the kids behind.

So, in a way, yes, Eleven was supposed to die – not by being killed, but by leaving our world behind. However, the Duffer Brothers also mentioned that they hadn't decided on her fate until the very end of Season 1. They left the door open for her return, realizing that fans had grown attached to the character and that her story could be further explored.

The Power of Fan Love

Millie Bobby Brown's portrayal of Eleven captivated audiences worldwide. Fans fell in love with her, and the outpouring of support for the character was overwhelming. The Duffer Brothers admitted that they couldn't ignore the impact Eleven had on viewers. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, they said, "We didn't want to kill her off. We wanted to keep her in our universe and keep her in our story."

The Upside Down's Influence

Stranger Things is known for its nods to '80s pop culture, and one of the most significant influences is the Stephen King multiverse. In King's works, no character is truly gone until we see their body – a rule the Duffer Brothers followed. By not showing Eleven's body, they hinted that she might still be alive, leaving room for her return.

The Mind Flayer's Tease

In Season 2, we learn that Eleven is indeed alive, hiding out with Jim Hopper. The Mind Flayer's attempt to communicate with her through the Upside Down's portal also suggests that she's still connected to that world, further implying that her story isn't over.

Eleven's Return: A New Chapter

With Eleven's return in Season 2, the question of her fate became moot. However, her journey took a dark turn. She was captured by the Mind Flayer, who used her connection to the Upside Down to strengthen itself. In the season finale, Eleven uses her powers to defeat the Mind Flayer but is left comatose, her future uncertain once again.

The Future of Eleven

As we look ahead to Stranger Things Season 4, we're left wondering what's next for Eleven. Will she wake up from her coma? Will she regain her powers? And most importantly, will she finally get to enjoy a waffle without being interrupted by the apocalypse?

Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: Eleven's story is far from over. So, was Eleven supposed to die in Stranger Things Season 1? In a way, yes. But thanks to the power of fan love and the Duffer Brothers' ability to adapt their story, Eleven's journey continues, captivating us all.

That's all, folks! Until next time, keep your Eggo waffles handy, and remember: friendship never ends.