Stranger Things fans have latched onto a new theory that insists “The Rightside Up” isn’t the true series finale. According to Conformity Gate, a secret ninth episode is supposedly coming on January 7 to reveal the “real ending” of Stranger Things.
It’s an interesting conspiracy and a sad example of the lengths fans will go when they hate certain episodes.
What is the Conformity Gate Theory?
Conformity gate has been spreading like wildfire as fans insist the happy ending shown in “The Rightside Up” is fake.
Supporters argue Vecna created a conformist fantasy meant to pacify the characters. They believe that just about everyone getting a happy ending spits in the face of the show’s message of going against tradition.
To support this, fans point to visual details, everyone having their hands folded like Henry Creel (Vecna) during the graduation ceremony. The orange graduation gowns are supposedly a sign that the Party is in danger, since it’s different green gowns Nancy wore for her graduation.
Other clues are the inclusion of the 80s puzzle solving game Whatzit? in the Wheeler’s and Byers’ households. Remember that Vecna created a human persona called Mr. Whatsit to trick the children throughout season 5.
There’s also inconsistencies like the absence of recurring characters like Robin’s girlfriend Vickie. Will mentioned getting milkshakes with his friends at Melvald’s General Store, where his mom Joyce used to work.
Those who embrace Conformity Gate view those two instances as confirmation the Party is trapped in an illusion. They feel the real reason Vickie isn’t around is because Vecna wouldn’t know who she is.
As for the milkshakes, some have pointed out that Will wouldn’t have been able to order milkshakes from Melvald’s due to its original operation as a diner closed down years ago. Which is something Vecna wouldn’t know about since he hasn’t been there for over thirty years.
Why is January 7 Such an Important Date?
There are two reasons why some fans think a secret episode was supposed to drop on January 7.
One, Netflix shared a cryptic promotional teaser promising new releases planned for this year. The teaser shows a young woman wandering through different hints of what’s to come, which starts with a giant Stranger Things poster behind her.
Second, during the promotion of the final season, the Duffer Brothers promised it would be a “dark Christmas” for Stranger Things fans. Vol. 2 of season 5 premiered on Christmas Day. However, Orthodox Christmas is actually celebrated on January 7, which would tie into the tradition of Stranger Things releasing episodes during important holidays.
The Character That Breaks the Conformity Gate Theory
Conformity Gate falls apart when you remember who Vecna is.
He despises conformity. He thinks humanity is broken because of the adherence to traditional social structures. His entire worldview is built on rejecting the idea of normalcy.
It doesn’t make sense for Vecna to create an illusion where the Party is happy and safe. Particularly Max after all the trouble she put him through.
Also, Vecna has telepathy! He’s been inside the Party’s minds so many times throughout the series! Creating an illusion would mean Vecna would be patched into the character’s minds.
He should know about Melvald’s because he would’ve seen the general store in Will’s memories. Hell, using Will as a spy for years should have given Vecna more than enough information to create a perfect recreation of Hawkins. We saw throughout season 5 how intricate and detailed Vecna’s illusions are. Missing characters like Vickie, Murray, Max’s mom are proof that Conformity Gate isn’t real.
If Vecna did survive getting his head chopped off by Joyce and trapped the main cast in an illusion, it wouldn’t be a typical sitcom-lite happy ending. They would be trapped in a mindscape where they’re forced to relive their worst fears or their biggest regrets for all eternity.
It’s Also Bad Business
There’s also another, practical reason that proves this theory isn’t real. Money.
The Stranger Things series finale was screened in movie theaters on New Year’s Eve. Netflix knew fans would pay to see it. They treated the ending like an event because it was one.
If a secret ninth episode really existed, Netflix could have screened it in theaters, marketed it as the true ending, and made a massive profit.
Dropping a bonus episode for almost free would devalue the finale they already sold tickets for. From a business standpoint, it makes no sense.
It’s Time to Let It Go
The Duffer Brothers have made it clear that they didn’t film multiple endings of “The Rightside Up”. There is no alternate cut waiting to be released.
Vecna’s actor Jamie Campbell Bower also denied there’s a bonus episode on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He said that the last episode was “the ending the show deserves.”
“Even as the actor that plays Vecna, like, it just… it feels right… You know, the show is so much about friendship and love and hope and joy. And of course, like, the person who is not that has to go, you know?”
On January 7, Netflix addressed the rumors by changing the bios for the official Stranger Things social media accounts to say: “ALL EPISODES OF STRANGER THINGS ARE NOW PLAYING.”
It’s okay to be disappointed with how Stranger Things ended. It’s okay to hate “The Rightside Up” or the entire fifth season if it makes you feel better.
It’s also okay to feel like the Duffer Brothers let you down. To feel like they’ve lost the plot of their own show, both figuratively and literally.
Deluding yourself into thinking some top secret episode is incoming isn’t healthy. It’s a coping mechanism unsupported by established canon and basic common sense.
Stranger Things ended the way it ended. Accepting that is healthier than waiting for an episode that doesn’t exist.
