A long-absent figure quietly returns in Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1, reviving a storyline many believed abandoned. The character’s reappearance adds a mysterious twist as the final season unfolds.

Stranger Things Season 5 Vol. 1 reveals the return of Kali Prasad/Eight

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 confirms the return of Kali Prasad, also known as Eight, in Episode 4. After eight years since her last appearance in Season 2’s “The Lost Sister,” Kali reappears when Eleven and Hopper infiltrate a secret U.S. military facility located in the Upside Down.

Eleven initially believes the military has captured Vecna, but inside the heavily secured vault, Hopper discovers Kali restrained and connected to machines. Her head is shaved, mirroring her time as a test subject under Dr. Brenner.

Dr. Kay, portrayed by Linda Hamilton, leads the military operation and is focused on locating Eleven. A newly developed military sonic weapon renders Eleven powerless, prompting her and Hopper to investigate its source.

During an interrogation of Lieutenant Akers, Eleven sees into his mind and uncovers the existence of a secure vault containing a powerful psychic being. Believing this to be Vecna, she and Hopper proceed with a risky mission to break in.

Hopper enters the lab prepared to sacrifice himself, expecting to find Vecna. Instead, he discovers Kali restrained and connected to machines. The military uses her as the likely source of a “kryptonite” weapon capable of weakening Eleven. Kali creates powerful illusions, which could directly counter Vecna’s mind-based attacks.

Kali’s return reconnects to unresolved storylines from Season 2. Her illusion-based abilities position her as a potential asset in the final fight against Vecna, who traps victims in elaborate mental prisons.

Until Season 5, viewers believed Kali and Eleven were the only surviving test subjects from Hawkins Lab. The series reintroduces Kali as part of a final effort to close out all remaining Hawkins Lab narratives.

Volume 1 is now streaming. Volume 2 releases December 25, with the finale dropping on December 31.