
Like many online theories, this is a deep rabbit hole, but here are the basics. Some fans believe that the clues in the final episode and beyond point to the entire episode being a grand illusion staged by Vecna to convince everyone that he has been defeated, when in fact he has not been defeated yet. A new finale called “Conformity Gate” will then be released, which will magically make everyone watching it extremely happy with all the options. Some of these clues range from the time on a clock in a social media post, everyone’s joining hands at graduation, the length of a YouTube clip, and more. (Those are just a few examples, but a quick search of the hashtag “#ConformityGate” on any social media platform is a good place to continue if you want.)
And while some guess clues share similarities, such as references to the numbers “1” and “7” (the estimated date of release), logic should really take over here. Why would Netflix spend millions of dollars promoting a series finale to be released on New Year’s Eve, put it in theaters, send its cast and crew out to talk about it, tout viewership numbers, and release a behind-the-scenes documentary, only to undercut all of this by releasing an unpublicized secret episode that can only be discovered by watching a TikTok clip? It literally means no sign.
Now, isn’t it fun to think about a secret version of something we love getting released out of nowhere? Sure. We love a good surprise ending as much as the next person. And, as mentioned before, in some instances, fans have asked for alternate, unreleased versions of things – such as the Snyder Cut – to be released, and this has worked.
However, in reality, like the story Mike tells his friends about Eleven in the show’s closing moments, it’s all just a coping mechanism. A way to hide reality stranger things How it ended, and everyone has to deal with it. All the clues and coincidences are exactly the same.
However, to be 100% certain, io9 contacted Netflix about this theory, and we were directed to stranger things Social bios, both currently read “All Episodes” stranger things Now playing.” Gate closed.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
<a href