Stranger Things: Vecna's Origins Explained

"Stranger Things" has given us another twisted villain with Vecna, who has a fascinating origin story. For this video, we’ll be looking at what we know about the latest antagonist to terrorize Hawkins. Warning: if you haven’t finished Season 4: Part I, there are major spoilers ahead! This essay will cover not only Vecna's origins, but his inspiration and some unanswered questions. What did you think of Vecna? Let us know in the comments.
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[@WatchMojo]

What did you think of Vecna? Let us know in the comments. For all the details and easter eggs you missed this season, check out this video!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGXYoqKsbJeFnLM

[@harjonotanuwira8226]

1st

[@GracefulWarrior1]

2nd

[@Reaperguy67]

@@harjonotanuwira8226 guess what. A pinned comment does not count

[@Reaperguy67]

@@GracefulWarrior1 it doesn't matter if you are

[@lebonk8081]

not as trashy as you guys

[@Tdaimond]

I was skeptical about the new villain but they really tied it in well ..that episode with Max gave me chills

[@marvdatboi]

I had faith that they’d make an awesome villian

[@zacharyberridge7239]

I have enjoyed this season so far. Pleasantly surprised. 1 is still the best, 2 is the worst, and 3 was fun.

[@NitwitNick1302]

And tears

[@joeyweinstock2272]

I teared up

[@bobcatbix]

That episode made me say MAX! DONT EVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT AGAIN DAMNIT! 😆

[@joshuamohlman]

The moment where Max breaks free of Vecna’s control is probably my favorite moment of this season so far

[@rtotheeeeee2804]

Me too. This was the best stranger things character moment and the best action scene was seeing the demagorgon slaughter those russian prisoners

[@kakarrotchronic]

Straight plot armor

[@mguap702]

Yea I def thought she was gon die even after the music started playing cuz she was still tied

[@natelecoure9379]

11 vs 1 just hit different

[@godhallelujahgaming7947]

That's the scene that made me stop watching this season, that's where they could have given stranger things the chance to finally reach Game of thrones status, but they decided to save a protagonist 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@franciscoarballo4940]

I was so shocked to discover that Henry Creel is One who also became Vecna. All three combine into One.

[@jordon6411]

duh?

[@RadX_98]

I didn’t get it, what do you mean? Care to explain?

[@isaacharvison5323]

It was kind of obvious all the monsters were after 11 lol it was someone close to her 😅😅

[@baileighb]

I was surprised too, I knew him being her “mentor” in the rainbow room had to be something more but wasn’t expecting that. To those who caught on good for you 😅

[@426AM]

001 is the little boy who grows to become Vecna after 11 sends him to the Under

[@ChristionGirl45]

So I'll admit the first half of season 4 was a little slow in some parts, but I really enjoyed 11's story and Vecna's story, I thought they built up his character well over the 7 episodes, and I really like the actor they got to play him, I look forword to seeing more in the next few episodes of season 4! 😊

[@TreeHouse2023]

the Russia part was a nice throw back to the Demogorgon tho...

[@valhalax25]

I was a bit skeptical after watching episode 3. But the pieces started to fall into place. Great story development. Initially, I thought this was something completely new, and technically it was but I liked that knowing about El’s past was tied up with this new villain at the same time explaining how and why El opened the gate in events prior to what we saw on season 1.

[@markc8329]

"first half" bro the second part is literally only 2 episodes

[@valhalax25]

@@markc8329 2 long ass episodes. Combined is like watching the extended version of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Plus all the other episodes have been above the 1hr mark. They have done a good job, thus far.

[@nicolepershall3419]

@@valhalax25 Ya poll mb I’m B Mmm n ok lol mnlmm I’m poop

[@lopirobinson1991]

I love how they name the villains after D&D characters. He's not actually named Vecna they just named him that. So cool. It's also cool how you can tell who the villain will be in the season seeing as how they usually name them by playing D&D in the first episode.

[@RiverCrystal]

Fun fact: The Hand of Vecna is an actual artifact in DnD lore. His enlarged hand in ST wasn't an accident.

[@nakedjalen2731]

I did not see that coming. Jamie did a great job as Number 1 and Vecna.

[@Gaia_Seraphina]

I knew "young Grindelwald" wouldn't be the good guy.

[@danwarner7816]

Well I did believe it until very last episode where eleven did ask why is he helping. I started have doubts as he didn't explain that really happened to no.1

[@jellisocrazy]

When he first appear in her memories I just got a feeling he was not good lol. I just keep saying something is off and then when they kept revealing who he is I was like wow I knew something was off but they twisted it beautifully

[@danwarner7816]

@@jellisocrazy yeah same cus he did give hints towards last episode. I originally thought eleven was poessessed by vecna during massacre but never expected Henry to be son of Victor creel good twist

[@michellecate5422]

"Who knew something so small could cause so much trouble." Caught that double meaning hearing it a second time. Nicely done.

[@Therealjujueats]

That line also reminded me of Buffy the vampire slayer when willow took the bullet from Buffy

[@somerandomguy9891]

​@@Therealjujueats In my case, it reminded me of a line of Boromir in the first Lord of the rings movie.

[@Therealjujueats]

@@somerandomguy9891 I so need to watch lord of the rings I haven’t seen them

[@valhalax25]

My heart was pumping so hard and fast when Max was running from the dream world. After a few episodes I thought one of the main characters was getting the axe due to how dark the season was going.

[@ChatiseE]

still could happen

[@valhalax25]

@@ChatiseE my bet is on Steve to die anytime soon.

[@Culley91]

@@ChatiseE lmao Facts The season ain’t over till it’s over 😩😩

[@PotatoCruncher12]

Nancy is still with Vecna ☠️

[@valhalax25]

@@PotatoCruncher12 what’s your point?

[@ben-ty9jo]

I actually really enjoyed his backstory, and his arc with 11 manipulating her into helping him was quite well done, and I also sort of felt sympathetic to his ideology. If they tie it together well in the last two episodes he could be a truly great villain

[@ralliedcookies4403]

Ur comment has 11 likes

[@davewire87]

Just a little bit of D&D lore: Vecna the Archlich has many titles including the Undying King, the Lord of the Rotted Tower and the Master of the Spider Throne. He’s also known as “The Whispered One”. Vecna in Stranger Things also drew on these titles. He is resides in his rotted away home in the Upside Down upon a spidery web and he is quite literally the whispered 001.

[@FLUXXEUS]

Don't forget "Vecnards" (If you know you know) 🙃

[@PrinceoftheAbyss]

Oh-ho! That was clever. Well done!

[@ignightor8577]

I have a question,is there anymore DnD bosses that could relate or come in future Stranger Things?

[@davewire87]

@@ignightor8577 I’ve always thought the Beholder might make a good boss for Stranger Things. It’s one of the most iconic monsters from the franchise with one adorning the cover of the 5th edition monster manual. There’s also Lolth the Spider Queen, the evil goddess of the Drow; Orcus the Demon Lord of the Undead from whom it is rumored that Vecna learned the secrets of becoming a Lich. Along with the Demogorgon, Orcus and Lolth adorn the covers of the 4th edition Monster Manuals. Other popular D&D villains include the vampire Strahd von Zarovich, the death knight Lord Soth, Venger, the villain from the old D&D cartoon, Tiamat, Asmodeus, Tharazduin, and a whole host of deities demon lords and devils.

[@ignightor8577]

@@davewire87 Thank you❤

[@ericgrimes341]

I loved Crissy. I thought Eddie and Crissy could’ve been a great story line. But Sadie Sinks performance here is Emmy worthy. She really gets her moment in the sun this season so far. Stellar performance.

[@426AM]

Me too she was cool man!

[@bourne8636]

It wasn’t vecna being 1 that got me, it was him also being Henry creel. 🤯🤯

[@mowglinhazel8731]

Loved the similarities to the scene in “The Watchmen” when doctor manhattan’s origins are explained. Same song, same tone, it’s crazy! Love it.

[@ggthewhale]

Plus the clockmaker callout from steve hearkens back to the same chapter name in the watchmen graphic novel

[@RadX_98]

Good catch !!!!

[@Sparky-kn6up]

Yesss as soon as prophecies started playing in the background I got watchmen vibes. Ep 7 was peak

[@bachnguyen7411]

OH MY GOD I WAS WONDERING WHY IT SEEMED SO FAMILIAR

[@yashee3421]

vecna is the best villain in stranger things its not even close. 3 completely different characters all put into 1 absolutely insane writing from the brothers 🤌

[@uruacufutsal1]

I still like Billy controlled by the Mind Flayer more

[@yashee3421]

@@uruacufutsal1 u like a puppet over a fully developed villain Yhman makes sense bro 👌

[@michaelbarrett8141]

@@yashee3421 vecna is also a puppet he is a general for the Mind flayer. Do you really think a Lich is more powerful then a being who can control minds and overpower all other lifeforms? He is not even that great as a villain he is a Human who became trough reserach and science a supernatural monster. Then he get Banned into the upside Down. And because of that he dispise humans and want to create his own world. Im sorry but the Mindflayer is far more interesting then him.

[@pxdstudios]

@@michaelbarrett8141 well actually the actors acting upon the actualism, actually actualize the actors of the acted upon, therefore activating the actuaries. At least in my actual opinion anyway.

[@Amy-co9to]

@@michaelbarrett8141 vecna isn’t a puppet, that was just dustins theory. we won’t find out what’s really going on until the next part of season 4

[@alexlefay]

We don't talk enough about how both young and older Henry look so alike. High five casting department!

[@dreezy1270]

Amazing season tying all the seasons together. I love that we now know what lead 11 to open the gate.

[@blackflagsnroses6013]

For those still theorizing about the hierarchy, the Duffer Bros once again gave us exposition through Dustin. The Mind Flayer is an ancient primordial psychic entity that is the collective hive mind of all life in the Upside Down, a dark mirror dimension parallel to our own. Henry Creel aka 001, and Vecna was sent to the Upside Down in 1979 by 11/Jane. There he got burnt by lightning strikes. The being we call Vecna is Henry/001 becoming part of the hive of the Mind Flayer. Increasing his strength and abilities over the years, with the help of the Mind Flayer (the tentacle/spider legs coming from the MF) he healed and became this “dark wizard.” The creatures of the Upside Down, like Vecna have memories and actions of their own but they remain part of the super organism called the Mind Flayer. Vecna is his own person, but now part of the hive, and as Dustin said is the Mind Flayer’s 5-Star General. Manipulating his desire for vengeance and psychic abilities that can be used to open portals. The only weakness we’ve seen the Mind Flayer has (other than heat) is that it can’t crossover to our side fully. Which is why they’ve been able to defeat it’s vessels. Were it able to physically enter our world, not just psychically, it would be a huge world crisis and likely the plot of season 5.

[@johnsonbaroncaveler6634]

heh, ngl, i read MF as MoFo, and honestly i find that funny

[@jameshiawo2771]

I thought this was the final season?

[@DanielLopez-fj9yz]

Love this theory

[@kanishkaupadhyay6119]

There will be no season 5

[@weabae5910]

He isnt just a dark wizard he is a dark time wizard, “it is your time,____” the clock and the ticking. My theory is that vecna curses people with the dark wizard time bs from way back in the past like a hit list that will come into effect years later so you have virtually no chance to stop it. Thats why the last day in that girls diary in the upside-down was way back in s1 with the demogorgon and will. I think they basically defeat vecna not long after he was created because time flow can seperate between the worlds. For them vecnas been alive for years “dormant” and then begins attacking but in reality it is an attack from the past that they have already stopped, but not before they could figure it out and stop the inevitable deaths

[@PrinceoftheAbyss]

I just finished Vol. One, and after watching that last episode, I can say for certainty that Vecna is now one of my favorite villains. I mean, the scene with Max in episode four was fantastic, but that whole monologue in the origin story in episode seven absolutely sealed the deal. It showed him not just an homage to Freddy Kruger, but also a nihilistic psychopath worthy of joining the Villain Hall of Fame. Right up there with Joker and Thanos, baby!

[@DanielLopez-fj9yz]

Couldn’t of said it better

[@s1d3k1ckRO]

Darth Sidious sends his regards.

[@papa_ice_water]

You’re pathetic

[@johanzo88]

The season started slow but the second half was amazing. Always thought Vecna was a great villain, we never had a vocal monster villain, always just a screaming ugly looking thing😂 but Vecna you can actually have dialogue and a deep story behind him which cleaned up nicely at the end

[@ericastones1052]

He killed his mother wanting to help him because she feared not just him but his future of being outcasted from others and be bullied for being different. He killed people that cared about him and punsih them for the mistake of loving him. His sister did nothing to him and still killed her.

[@Plantbliss]

This whole part 1 is a slam dunk. The way they laid out the story and how it all came together at the end. The Duffer brothers are geniuses

[@MeredithHagan]

Vecna’s a great villain - the monster is inspired by 80s movie monsters but the man is definitely based on real life serial killers. Absolutely chilling.

[@codyosteen7878]

I love how Freddie was an inspiration on the character and Robert Englund makes an appearance. I have to wonder if he was able to help develop Vecna at all

[@janderson947]

what character?

[@codyosteen7878]

@@janderson947 vecna

[@janderson947]

@@codyosteen7878 really that's Robert Englund I thought he would play vector creel?

[@codyosteen7878]

@@janderson947 no no no Robert did play victor creel. But part of the inspiration for vecna was Freddie. So with Robert being involved, I’m curious if he got to help with character development on vecna since he obviously was Freddie.

[@janderson947]

@@codyosteen7878 ohh got it my bad...😅

[@Krishnakumar-wl7ih]

Really loved to see why 11 vs Vecna is not just most powerful things going against one another but is also personal to them. I really hope Vecna is the mind flayer in his complete form because, I don't see mind flayer can topping vecna in terms of motive.

[@Father_Daniel]

Vecna is a really awesome villain! Terrifying but also a really great backstory. This has been a really great season so far and I can't wait for the rest of it

[@Briqnvr2]

What i find even more creepy is that vecna looks like 001 and he is but you only know until the last minute and you realize that the person who seemed so kind to help EL escape killed his family and just two random kids not to mention the fact that he still has his tattoo on his wrist makes me think that vecna is what a human would look like if they were born/lived in the upside down

[@Culley91]

Right makes me wonder can Vecna Change himself to human form passing through the upside down portal

[@Briqnvr2]

Yeah and if you think about it isnt he a prime example of what humans would look like in the upside down

[@maria-melek]

@@Culley91Holy sh!t what if he can? 😳

[@i9incher]

While Vecna is interesting, we all know the real villain is Angela.

[@Marguerite21]

Well, both Vecna and Angela are villains. What makes Henry Creel the villain is that he killed his family members. He also killed all the kids in Hawkens Lab, and he tried to kill El. Now he's terrorizing Hawkens and has already killed some people. El's friends are in grave danger, and she'll have to face Vecna in Vol 2. What's interesting about Vecna/Henry Creel is that he's some kind of psychopath. The new Stranger Things Season 4 should tell us more on why he chose the path of evil. It's not just because he was drawn to the spiders. It has to be something else. Something very bad must have happened to him before his family moved him into a brand new home. There has to be another screwed up reason on why he hates humanity. It is very sad for someone who was born a psychopath. But I'm not forgetting that a psychopath does have a choice. To try to be good, or to be harmful. Henry did have a loving family, and he chose to turn on them. He chose the path of evil at a very young age.

[@goeasy8916]

@@Marguerite21 uhm, ur too serious lmfao

[@goeasy8916]

@@Marguerite21 uhm, ur too serious lmfao

[@estebangutierrez160]

(Spoilers so do not read until you have finished part 1 of season 4) Even though El did take it too far with Angela, Angela did had it coming after all the harassment she did to El.

[@RiverCrystal]

@@estebangutierrez160 Yeah I agree, she was all "surprised Pikachu" when El finally lashed out, but like, what did she expect?

[@johnnygrandomstuff5882]

The soundtrack when 001 is explaining to eleven reminds me a lot the soundtrack of whatchmen

[@bentallman4828]

It’s funny you said that, both songs are by Phillip Glass off of the same album

[@johnnygrandomstuff5882]

@@bentallman4828 wow didn’t know that, it just sounded so similar, anyways I love it 😁

[@poorwhitepeoplearefailures2396]

Funny, I literally just came to that realization a few moments before seeing your comment. Same music of when Dr Manhattan talks about his origin

[@HemiJB91]

I love how they finally gave us the unanswered to the secret lab and all the number kids. I was always curious to who was #1. I had a feeling since season 2 he/her was being saved for later.

[@novenzef]

I still have some questions about the mastermind of the lab - What kind of doctor dr. Brenner is, like how tf did he know something unusual with Henry Creel? What is his origin story? - He survived the lab massacre and he survived the Demogorgon attack in season 1. He must be a superhuman too, right? Right? - Where are all the Demogorgons and Demodogs when Steve, Nancy, Eddie, and Robin were in Upside Down? All we see are Demobirds - How tf does a Demogorgon end up in Russia if the gate were closed in previous seasons?

[@HemiJB91]

@@novenzef he's mom figured it out at he's young age he was behind the attacks on them. That's how Dr Brenner met and took him in as #1. They couldn't control him so they made clones of #1 DNA and that's how the other #s came along including EL. We don't know how Henry got he's powers but they still give us enough details about what the lab was all about. The Russia part, they can make a whole season explaining that side of the story but it doesn't seem important to care about Russia.

[@sammyofficial1]

@@novenzef that last question i was wondering also. and the third question i also wondered. for the third question i think demodogs transformed into demogorgons and the demogorgons transformed into demobats

[@ironboyjunior8509]

@@novenzef to answer the second question, vecna was controlling the demogorgon through the mind flayer's hivemind so the demogorgon didn't kill him and spared doctor brenner in the end

[@JTanis]

Thanks for mentioning Gellert Grindelwald. His and Vecna's character are super super similar. You can literally switch their dialogues and it still fits

[@DubABattery]

I was shocked at Vecna's true identity. In episode 1, the ending was very very terrifying. I was glad that he wasn't working for the mind flayer as we had that as the villain for 2 seasons. Though his Back story and his abilities are Freddy Krueger related but also unique kind of

[@baldbeardcombo]

I loved the reveal, the last episode was awesome cant wait for part 2. Super sad origin, left me with my jaw dropped

[@NuggyPoundy1]

dont u mean broken?

[@rustecohle591]

How is no one talking about Papa?… he’s been attacked multiple times with very little damage or injuries…I’d say he has some powers of his own…

[@weirdlyevolvedcreature4828]

Or just plot convenience

[@AceFotinos]

you make a keen observation I give you that, but chances are is Weird is right, likely plot convenience. Would be a nice twist if you're right!

[@chris220293]

I feel like Vecna is one of the greatest villains of all, he uses peoples fears and psychologically plays with you and kills you when he wants.

[@dmin5782]

No offense, but there are countless villains in both fiction and real life who do exactly that, but better.

[@chris220293]

@@dmin5782 max’s nearly death scene had me on the edge of my seat which no villain for years has got me even sat up from my seat

[@dmin5782]

@@chris220293 Sure, it depends on your preference, but still, there are multiple villains who do this more effectively than Vecna.

[@RedLaneArts]

@@dmin5782 Yeah,There is Agent Smith but we have to Appreciate the Duffers for writing a Great villain in 7 episodes.

[@blackflagsnroses6013]

Vecna’s story reminds me of two fictional characters with similar stories. Tom Riddle/ Voldemort from Harry Potter and Amon/Noatak from Legend of Korra.

[@shawnpayne2497]

Vecna/001/Henry Creel/Peter Ballard ____________________________________ •Yeah, especially with them both starting off as normal looking humans then not looking anything like human but only having some human resemblance. •And with them always having a very different point of view then other kids and there always being something wrong with them. •And Vecna was also being referred to as a “dark wizard” and a “spell-caster..” •And both don’t even have a nose. •Also Jamie Campbell Bower who plays Peter Ballard is also a very prominent role in the Wizarding World Franchise (him playing Young Gellert Grindelwald)

[@joshuadumais6312]

Yeah, I got the voldemort vibes from him too

[@shawnpayne2497]

@@joshuadumais6312 Yeah, definitely the duffer brothers did great giving homage to very iconic movie villains like Freddy Kruger, Michael Myers, Jason Vorhees and Pennywise the Dancing Clown.

[@DiamondWoodStudios]

also getting huge Anakin/ Darth Vader vibes from him!!

[@bernadethpoths7264]

Well I'm been getting grindelwald vibes from him since the actor played the young version of grindelwald

[@nateanderson1255]

I was pleasantly surprised at how frequently I was actually scared/frightened this season. I'm a horror officianado so it usually takes quite a lot to frighten me but something about Vecna's voice and the way he kills people by contorting them really creeped me out. Never thought I'd say that about Stranger Things but I couldn't be happier for it!

[@markangeloisulat217]

looking at Vecna's character, he really is the "Anakin" of Stranger Things I could really make an essay about how they are the same

[@RiverCrystal]

He even killed the younglings!

[@tones.melodies]

Hey guys, I just realized that in Season 4: "Dear Billy" Max hit Vecna in his neck in order for her to escape his grasp. The same area that 001 had that "tracking device" in which of course limited his powers!

[@geoffreyprodapro2245]

Nice observation,I really didn’t notice that so gj

[@edwardomaino]

the tracker was on the left side when he was 001/Henry under Dr. Brenner and 11 got it out, and max ripped at the right side.

[@DubABattery]

Nice observation. But she pulled the vine or vain thing on his neck. She did not hit him but still.

[@KyleJB007]

My favorite part was when Steve got dragged through watergate and went absolute hulk mode on the bat monsters🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@valhalax25]

Another unanswered question is: “Where’s Kali in all of this?”

[@pimpXBT]

bing chilling

[@jeffbrehove2614]

We riot if she doesn't cameo in volume 2

[@tabbaldwin3165]

We need her story!

[@valhalax25]

@@jeffbrehove2614 in the many scenes El is walking through the hallways, you know how sometimes the shot points at a door or you can see the number of the doors? In those shots you never see Kali’s door number. But if 001 killed everyone and these events are what lead to the gate opening the first time and Eleven escaping, how the hell did Kali escape? Was she strong enough to make 001 see a vision of her bones snapping/diying and then she made a run for it? Too many questions! 😄

[@jeffbrehove2614]

@@valhalax25 Regardless, unless that spinoff around her and her gang is for real confirmed, she needs closure.

[@tylerrodriguez5974]

Best season so far

[@gman6862]

Giving the baddy a voice is what gives this season that little bit extra!

[@xporto6526]

Right at 7:20, the scratch on 1’s face, is the exact same shape as the lights were arranged on the board when dustin stole it from the little girl to contact Steve and Eddie and them in the upside down

[@lopirobinson1991]

I always find villains like this interesting. Their theories and philosophies aren't necessarily wrong but it's the violent way they go about teaching others them that makes them villains. The ideas he talks about have a very Buddhist flavor to them and there are valid philosophical bases to them. The Buddha taught about how all of our structures and "norms" are illusions. But in the mythology he didn't go around killing people to show them lol There are ways to teach these philosophies without hating humanity. In the end we are all victims of our cages.

[@itsnotme987]

He seems pretty messed up And he doesnt have any scene where anyone is remotely bullying or harassing(you know what i mean) And starts on animals You sure you dont need to talk to someone?

[@lopirobinson1991]

@@itsnotme987 his violent side is messed up. Read about Buddhism. Things he says, minus the humans are vile stuff, is founded in many philosophies. I said he was wrong in the way he acted. I wasn't sticking up for his actions. But villains can speak truth. They often do. It's the way they go about enacting that truth that make them either a villain or a hero. Many philosophies teach that time is a construct and not inherent or absolute. One of the things he spoke about was time. I don't advocate murdering people. But bad guys in stories and mythology often say things that are true, regardless if they're the bad guy.

[@dmin5782]

@@itsnotme987 He's simply saying that Henry's philosophy is not really wrong, but his actions are. Reading is not that hard.

[@sallyscrive]

Jamie Campbell Bower is a great actor. I'm suprised he doesn't get more interesting roles. I hope with this role he will be on the spotlight!

[@melaniesenf7175]

This season is so good. Better than any horror movie out there and Jamie! Gosh Jamie is so damn good at playing the bad guy. I’m just a little concerned about the gang. I really hope they all will make it to season 5

[@encognitusmaximus7598]

Also curious is when 001 first gets put in the upside down. He gets dissolved by 11 but is whole when drifting through the upside down. Also there is ground on both sides. Like the upside down is actually space between realities/dimensions. But time there changed it. I'm betting the Mindflayer came from taking over one of those sides. Meets Vecna inbetween the realities and team up to move into the next one. The one with 11. They didn't know they could breach until 11 reached the Demogorgan in the Void in season 1 which showed them the way.

[@chafertergamer4379]

vecna ended up on stranger things after vox machina sealed him behind the divine gates

[@devontaprice4175]

I love how Freddy Krueger was the inspiration and they have Robert Englund in this season

[@TheTechAdmin]

7:31 This has to be the most true monologue ever said by an antagonist.

[@ballisticoutlaw5739]

Thay sure as hell know how to name their villains, DEMOGORGAN MINDFLAYER VECNA

[@EmphasisOnJ]

Episode 4 this season was magnificent that’s all

[@junki9718]

And 7

[@TheTechAdmin]

4:33 When Vecna sat down next to Eleven and said, "001 Learned sitting right here", I was so proud of myself for figuring it out before the reveal. Unfortunately, it made the reveal a lot less shocking when it did happen.

[@colinmcallister3038]

I read that Soteria is the Greek goddess of safety and preservation from harm. So the device that suppressed One’s abilities was given the perfect name so that he couldn’t harm anyone.

[@shansamuel1271]

JUST WATCHED HIS ORIGIN EPISODE YESYERDAY , I WAS BLOWN AWAY

[@rajdutta2407]

What a twist & what an actor 001 is 👏👏 This scene kinda reminded me of Tom Riddle(Voldemort) Duffer Brothers r doing what D&D (GameOfThrones) couldn't do 🔥🔥

[@hopebirnbaum9496]

I just finished Part 1 tonight and it was CRAZY!!! My mind was 🤯🤯!! They left us with a cliffhanger and they left us with information that was so important to the story line!!!

[@14AllanD]

Cool glad to see the thumbnail giving away the main antagonist right away. Havent had the chance to watch cause im catching up on other things and been busy at other times. Thanks WatchMojo

[@ambereyedbabygirl]

Right what assholes

[@MariaGuerrero-dn4wk]

Since it's considered an homage to Nightmare on Elm Street, you should have mentioned that Robert Englund is actually IN this season!

[@janderson947]

what character?

[@captainatom7632]

@@janderson947 Victor Creel. Father of Vecna(Henry Creel).

[@janderson947]

@@captainatom7632 ik that was an awesome twist it all made sense....

[@jlecampana]

You have failed to mention an important aspect of the Eleven v. One showdown, when One asks eleven to join him it's a reference to Star Wars when Vader asks Luke to "join him to rule the Galaxy as father and son". This is even more clear given that One/Vecna's powers are fueled by negative emotions (Dark side of the Force) and Eleven's are fueled by positive emotions (Light side).

[@cesargomes2378]

i think this is a bit of a reach, but good observation

[@PotatoCruncher12]

@@cesargomes2378 he’s right . Eleven couldn’t use her powers when she was thinking of bad things

[@cesargomes2378]

@@PotatoCruncher12 yeah but that doesn’t make it a reference to star wars in my opinion

[@williamthomas3359]

the vena vs max confrontation was my pick for the best moment of this season. The only way the Duffers could have made it better is by fading to black and then the credits before Max makes it out. That would be a fantastic cliffhanger to end the first half of the fourth season on.

[@mahlitheorist2396]

The wait was so worth it

[@carveraugustus3840]

That was one hell of a monologue, I overall liked the season but I did have some issues with the writing. This is a lot of exposition at one go but this actor ,Jamie, crushed it gave it 110% no doubt.

[@alexandernelson647]

I always found it convenient in horror shows and movies that evil is always slow-moving physically. I knew from the very beginning that Peter was an extremely evil entity. He even sounds evil in his first scene where he addresses Eleven. He sounds sinister in his greeting. He then tries to groom her. It's strange he never went after Brenner. Then, this obsession psychopaths have with spiders in fiction and real life has always been something so stupid. It's this obsession that proves how limited their minds really are. There are things far more lethal and scary, such as a parasites, diseases, humans, and so on. Humans do so many things that are far more terrifying, torturous and evil, than a bunch of spiders. Why eight couldn't find Brenner or why didn't one kill Brenner? Eight and El could fight Vecna and defeat him forever. Nancy was always better off with Steve, because he actually cares and loves her. And Will should have powers of Eleven and Eight, because he is the best of the group of four original characters. I think the trailer park is connected to Vecna.

[@stgeorge28]

Anyone see a correlation with the music while Henry explaining his life and his infatuation with the grandfather clock, and Dr Manhattan with the same music assembling a watch? Maybe it's just me, but these creators are definatly fans of the writer Alan Moore who wrote the Watchmen novels and Zach Snyder's live action film. Loved Watchmen and found that interesting. I'm sure someone pointed that out, but still, pretty cool.

[@SarcasmIsMySecondName]

Stranger Things is the best series I've ever watched. The cast, the emotions, constant suspence and thrill, funny characters, too. The last two episodes were mindblowing. Amazing.

[@DatBoiChris420]

Pretty wild to think that usually shows fall off and suck in season 4 but stranger things just changed the gamem

[@londongirlonthemove9458]

It was my 🧠 had all these tabs open: I was suspicious of the helpful orderly, I clocked that the young Henry only went into a coma and didn't die after the malevolent 'spirit' attacked etc..but was nicely surprised when it all tied together- nicely done👌🏾

[@angelcat2865]

As soon as I found season 4 was out I was on it faster than you could blink.

[@xDutchCat2131]

I have theory: Brenner said in the beginning: "What have you done" after El fought One Alot of people think that Brenner thinks El killed all of her brothers and sisters. But what if Brenner said that because he knew that One was going to be a dangerous threat after One manipulated El to remove the "tracker" from Ones neck. He knew they were planning an escape plan, he knew El is stronger than One. He knows how dangerous One is, what if he also tried to trap El with a device in her neck instead of getting killed by her brothers and sisters

[@erickamakeeaina1649]

That actually makes sense, hell given he would have to realize One was one and thus it would be easy to piece together things

[@louiselegrand5828]

Finally, finally someone refers to the parallels between Henry/One/Vecna and Gellert Grindelwald !! \o/ I was getting desperate. Thank you and well done WatchMojo !

[@angelrosales898]

This new villain in Stranger Things season 4 is based on Freddy Krueger,Pinhead,Pennywise,Chucky,Michael Myers,Jason Vorhees,Leatherface,and Ghostface combined with Darth Vader,Lord Voldemort,and Dr.Manhattan.

[@bernadethpoths7264]

Don't forget about grindelwald too

[@pastagod4285]

This show has made me want to play dnd

[@joshchristopher551]

such a three way twist. I just thought monster from upside down steal El's power, cause I thought that no monster has done things like going into someone's mind before, as the show progress, it hinted right in the face, this blonde guy keeps showing up, he's must be very special that impacted El, turn out, he impacted the whole town

[@lesegomotaung6151]

GOD HE PLAYED THIS PART SO WELL, SHEESH I STILL GET GOOSEBUMPS

[@N3wb123]

Vecna’s the most interesting villain we’ve had, but for me that makes him slightly less scary. He’s less of a force of nature than characters like the mindflayer and the demogorgon which is why I’m hoping he wasn’t pulling the strings the whole time

[@sack943]

When they finally revealed that 001 was vecna that was an incredible way to bring the connection of the upsidedown and 11 full circle what an incredible episode

[@andrewrienstra264]

Their house especially the entryway reminds me of the house in American Horror Story season 1.

[@ambereyedbabygirl]

Yesss

[@Lalaxbo]

Vecna is the most terrifying villain in Stranger Things and he was more eerie and scary than the Mind Flayer . Vecna really scared me .

[@Wazzu07]

At first, Vecna reminded me so much of Freddy Kruger, & so when I later found out that Kruger himself Robert Engelund played the part of Vecna's father Victor Creel, my mind was blown!!!

[@kdramamania4597]

blue and grey eyes always scared me!! this validate and enhanced my fear.

[@rexlumontad5644]

0:01 "H-harder!" "WHAT?!" "What?"

[@rexlumontad5644]

*thumbnail* "HEY KIDS WANNA SEE A DEAD BODY?!" "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

[@Alrucards]

PARTY PARTY PARTY.....

[@WhatDoIKnowJaime]

If Victor only survived because Henry passed out then does that eliminate the music thing to escape Vecna or does it just work?

[@pranjalsaini4998]

You made a good point they showed that victor and max escaped from vecna by listening to music but after everything is revealed we know that victor survive because henry wants to frame him for all the things not because of music So how this listening to music works actually . Is this a plot hole or just we are not getting it

[@aminmohammadids]

Good point. I mean i have so many questions too. Like why 11 just didn't kill him ? and where is the origin of their powers ?? Especially 001, and how he survived in other side and became vecna ?? and many more ...

[@Maneru5978]

@@pranjalsaini4998 Maybe the song gave Henry's father enough willpower to resist his son's power long enough to the point of exhausting him. Maybe his father would've been killed if not for the resistance boost given by the song. When we see Max and Vecna's scene' the song interferes with his abilities to quickly twist and kill his victim. I suppose the same happened in the past with his dad. Henry still managed to crush his father's eyes anyway.

[@WhatDoIKnowJaime]

@@Maneru5978 this was my thinking too but victor cut out his own eyes because of what he saw

[@_Jaden_28]

Really thought and I guess everyone for some time must've thought that it was actually dr. Brenner cause the teasers and the first 8 minutes brought him into the spotlight making it clear that he's returning with a key role to play...

[@jackwatsonepic626]

Seen season 1 season 2 and season 3 can't wait to see season 4 Dustin and Max are my favourite characters

[@mariambravo5948]

Hey I called it when I saw Jamie Bower playing the creepy orderly. It's always in the eyes

[@maralipschutz6959]

OMG rebecca!!! i’ve missed you! hope you’re doing well 💕

[@dustinsimpson6775]

Amazing baddie this season. So excited to see him... I assume make it over to our side.

[@UCONN_HUSKIES]

Yes I finished season 4 part one last night 🤩

[@garrettsanders4832]

The only thing that isn't clear to me is how Joyce managed to communicate with Will via the lights in Season 1 if the up-side down never changed since Eleven touched the first demigorgon.

[@jackskellington1995]

Personally Vecna is by far one of the Best Villains of 2022.

[@looneyduck121]

So did dr. brenner essentially clone 001 in order to get the other subjects for the program? I thought I heard them mention it or Atleast that he created others through the MKUltra program

[@Punmaster9001]

The Duffers took what is usually a messy and misused trope for any story and, so far, have made it work and it doesn't feel forced.

[@WillScarlet16]

I don't know if I believe in the Devil, but C.S. Lewis' description of him makes the most sense to me, and I think it sums up Vecna and the Mind Flayer perfectly - that his ultimate goal is to have a universe where every living thing is absorbed into him, and nothing exists but him.

[@whiterice1522]

Love the thumbnail spoiler 🤙🏻

[@Culley91]

What’s crazy is the shot with Henry as a kid with his eyes closed in front of the clock…..and able to control the clocks hands without his eyes open really lookin at it 😱😱🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@encognitusmaximus7598]

I'm still wondering if Vecna/001's DNA was used to inseminate 11's mother. El's mom had some ability so adding 001 and you get 11. He's her "father" is my theory.

[@jeffbrehove2614]

So Suspicious Minds isn't canon. Thank God I didn't invest the money

[@encognitusmaximus7598]

@@jeffbrehove2614 Well hell. Didn't know that book existed lol. Reading up on it it's said to be an official prequel, but some who study it said there are holes in the timeline that make it hard to fit in the big picture. But after some light digging it sounds like El's mom was pregnant as she "treatments" and El's dad got drafted to Nam and was killed and didn't know there was a baby. Oh well lol.

[@jeffbrehove2614]

@@encognitusmaximus7598 I still remember El talking to 001 and she says "Mama died making me." And I'm like "😕? You've met your mom in season 2. She's certainly not brain active but she's certainly not dead."

[@encognitusmaximus7598]

@@jeffbrehove2614 Right lol. Bc her memory she was using to be upset was them taking her away in the hallway. Then later her happiest was being born memory. With this show it feels like anything could be a lie or partial truth. Like the book saying Andrew Rich is her dad or did Brenner do something else?

[@jeffbrehove2614]

@@encognitusmaximus7598 Hmm. I don't how to answer that but here's what I will say. Sometimes a show's creator(s) can create something amazing, but completely miss some "cracks in the dam" so to speak. Which is why as a rule I never get involved with extended lore not on screen (extended books and the like). However I do have a soft spot for Suspicious Minds because what we know about Jane's blood family back at seasons 1 and 2, I believe the Ives sisters, (and Kali) are owed/due on screen closure.

[@Wildcatevdog]

I always see the upside down hierarchy as Vecna-King Mind Flayer-General Demogorgen-Foot Soldier

[@kbilisoly9355]

Seen two videos on this from you. You talk about the tribute to Nightmare on Elm Street but don't recognize Robert England