Stranger Things Season 5 already jumps the shark in the first episode of the popular Netflix series’ final chapter.
Stranger Things fans are perfectly aware that the Demogorgon is not a creature that you want to mess with. Having been a part of the series since the very first season, Demogorgons are capable of killing just about anyone and everyone, thanks to their superhuman strength, razor-sharp teeth, and other abilities. Despite whatever weapon you may be equipped with, your chances of surviving a Demogorgon attack are slim to none.
Unless you’re Mrs. Wheeler, that is.
What happens in the Stranger Things Season 5 Mrs. Wheeler scene?
At the end of the first episode of Stranger Things Season 5, Vecna sends a Demogorgon to the Wheelers’ house to kidnap Holly. Mrs. Wheeler (played by Cara Buono), who has had a rough night and is pretty heavy into some wine, is home when the attack happens and wastes no time heroically trying to defend her daughter. The result sees Karen fending off a Demogorgon with nothing more than a bottle of wine. Mrs. Wheeler is seriously injured in the skirmish, and the Demogorgon is successful in kidnapping Holly; however, the scene has quickly proven to be controversial, given how dangerous Demogorgons are supposed to be.
Specifically, Stranger Things fans are saying that Mrs. Wheeler should not have been able to survive the attack since we’ve previously seen Demogorgons kill so many other, more heavily-equipped characters. People are complaining about Mrs. Wheeler having plot armor and the Demogorgons’ powers and attitude now being nerfed.
A compelling argument against most horror sequels (I am a firm believer that Stranger Things should have been a one season limited series) is the gradual demystification of the Original monster; an unstoppable force of carnage and terror becomes an unthreatening, boring goon. https://t.co/uyFKBPZd5b
— The Sietch of Sci-Fi | (@TSoS_) November 28, 2025
Killing demigororgon used to be hard in season one, now everyone attacks it
— Keerthi (@_RandomRiot_) November 29, 2025
In defense of the moment, the Demogorgon was sent to the Wheelers’ strictly to kidnap Holly, meaning it may not have intended to kill anyone while it was there. Still, Demogorgons are feral beasts, and the fact that it stops in its tracks so that Mrs. Wheeler can get some slow lines of dialogue out doesn’t totally line up with what we’ve seen in previous Stranger Things seasons.
The first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 are now available to watch on Netflix. The next three episodes arrive on December 25, while the finale will then be released on December 31.