Stranger Things viewers expected a finale that would leave them thrilled and satisfied. Instead, the show’s impending conclusion has sparked frustration and debate online, with Reddit pointing out one mistake the makers committed that ruined the experience for them. The grave crime that the Netflix saga’s creators notably committed ties in with a different format of storytelling altogether.

Many viewers are feeling frustrated with Netflix and the Stranger Things creators for making the Stranger Things play canon. As one Reddit user pointed out, giving a pivotal character’s backstory through a stage interpretation available to only a limited audience alienates most of the audience.

It disrupts the experience of the season finale that people were deeply invested in. The user suggests that if the play is so important, it should have been recorded and uploaded on Netflix, and many in this post’s comments section agreed.

The Stranger Things play, for those unversed, is called The First Shadow. Set in 1959 Hawkins, it explores the early life of Henry Creel, who later becomes Vecna, and features teenage versions of characters like Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado. While the makers have nowhere mentioned that following the story of the play is essential, Stranger Things admirers still suffer from the fear of missing out, and it is not exactly rocket science to understand why.

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From expressing how they can no longer discuss Vecna without mentioning the play to opining that the play should have come after the wrap of Stranger Things, Reddit did not hold back in criticizing the stage version.

Redditors are frustrated with how the Stranger Things play has impacted discussions around season 5. One user wrote, “Yeah, the whole play situation is a mess. I hate how much it is interfering with how we are discussing and interpreting the final season.” Another user added, “Idk why they didn't just have a recording of it on Netflix.”

“In general, plays should have a recorded version,” said a third, while a different user added, “I hope the Duffers address this [the content in the play] in [Stranger Things] part 2.”

Those who have watched the play assured those asking the makers to include the play’s plotline in the upcoming volumes of Stranger Things 5, with one saying, “What is needed from the play will be in the show.” Another agreed, simply asking viewers to “have faith in the creators.” Stranger Things volume 2 is not far away, and neither is the last hurrah, volume 3. Viewers will therefore have their answer on the matter soon.

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What do you think of Reddit’s reaction to the Stranger Things play being called canon? Let us know in the comments.