Stranger Things fans have seen their fair share of supernatural drama and eye-popping twists, with Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven standing front and center like the queen of Hawkins. Alongside her, a rogues’ gallery of allies and adversaries has tried to carve their place in the Upside Down spotlight. As the fifth season looms, fans are buzzing about which characters will make the cut—and one ally who split opinions is definitely stirring the pot.

Not every ally gets a welcome home party, especially when their superpower is messing with your mind and your trust.  

Kali Prasad, aka Eight, is a standout character played by Linnea Berthelsen on Stranger Things. She had been Eleven’s shadowy counterpart, gifted with the trippy power to create hallucinations potent enough to mess with your mind. Kali’s vibe? Equal parts rebellious and brooding, with a streak of vengeance big enough to rival Vecna. That said, many fans feel her storyline went nowhere after season two's divisive episode: The Lost Sister, and worry that if she does return, it will feel forced—something they do not want to see.

Kali’s character does not just sit in the background; she is the angry storm to the Millie Bobby Brown-played Eleven's calm after the chaos. Her no-holds-barred style and razor-sharp attitude offer a spicy foil, making Eleven’s journey all the more compelling. Some believe Kali could pop in to help with some mind-bending moves against the bad guys, but many online on Reddit feel her presence risks overshadowing the main story. The general hope is that if she reappears, it will be minimal and meaningful, not distracting to this Stranger Things finale.

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As the countdown to Hawkins’ final showdown begins, the question remains: will Kali crash the party or watch from the sidelines? 

Stranger Things season five has been set to drop in three bursts. First up, November 26, 2025, delivers four episodes to whet your appetite. December 25 brings the next three episodes, which are perfect for holiday thrill-seekers. The grand finale lands on December 31, wrapping up Hawkins' saga with a bang. Also, while showrunners promise a laser-focused storyline centered on Eleven, the gang, and the dark forces threatening their world, fans are vouching for a theatrical release to bid a proper goodbye. 

So, will Kali Prasad get the callback or the cold shoulder? Fans remain on the fence, craving fresh excitement but wary of forced nostalgia. Whatever happens, the final season is poised to dance the line between nostalgic thrills and epic conclusions. One thing is for sure—when Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven takes the stage, it is going to be one heck of a show.

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Do you think Kali Prasad should make her rage-filled appearance on the long-running horror's finale? Let us know in the comments below.