STRANGER THINGS 5, Volume 2 Brings Us a LONG Awaited Reunion

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With Volume 2 of Stranger Things 5, we’re one episode closer to the end of the series. This part is packed with events – expect unexpected appearances from familiar faces, emotional scenes, and happy moments. If you haven’t seen it and want to avoid spoilers, check out our spoiler-free review instead.

Max Is Alive Again on Stranger Things 5, Volume 2

Max Mayfield is officially back in the final season of Stranger Things. The Duffer Brothers had considered killing her off in season four – she was left with broken bones and nearly blinded, trapped in Vecna’s control. However, throughout the second volume of season five, there’s a moving story showing Max returning to life, finally free from the coma and curse that held her.

We had a feeling Max would make it through the final season of Stranger Things, though there were times we weren’t so sure. After being in a coma-like state for so long and spending so much time trapped in Vecna’s world, it was possible the show could have decided her fate was sealed. Thankfully, Max didn’t die! We’re so relieved she’s still alive, and her friends need her to help them finally defeat the monster that kept them apart.

Max Manages to Escape Vecna’s Mind Prison with the Help of Holly

Max escaped Vecna’s mental prison and returned to reality thanks to a surprising turn of events: Vecna kidnapped Holly Wheeler. Because Max and Holly knew each other, they were able to connect within Vecna’s mind. In the first part of Stranger Things 5, Holly helped Max. Then, in the second part, Holly encouraged Max to fight and avoid succumbing to the mind prison, ultimately helping her escape.

Max discovered that the only way to return to the real world is through a portal located in Vecna’s actual hideout – a place resembling the ruined Creel House in the Upside Down. These portals appear within Vecna’s most painful memories, which act as a sort of prison. In Stranger Things 5, Volume 1, Max nearly escaped through one of these portals by entering her own most traumatic memory. Later, she and Holly attempt to reach the portal through Holly’s memories, but Vecna intercepts them just as they’re about to enter. Max is saved only because Will briefly takes control of Vecna’s body. They both then retreat to Vecna’s most deeply buried and avoided memory – the cave – a place Vecna himself refuses to revisit.

Holly figures they must be inside Vecna’s worst memory, so there has to be a way out to his hideout. She encourages Max to look for a portal, and they eventually succeed, letting Max escape Vecna’s mental prison—possibly for good.

Max Never Really Needed Kate Bush and “Running Up That Hill” to Escape Vecna and Return to Life; She Just Needed Lucas

Throughout Stranger Things 5, Lucas never lost faith that Max would recover. Even after she fell into a coma 18 months prior, he continued to play Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” for her, hoping it would reach her. In Volume 1, he bravely played the song for Max even while surrounded by dangers like Demogorgons. He believed with all his heart that it would bring her back, and while the music did play a role in connecting to the Upside Down, it was ultimately Lucas’s unwavering hope and connection to Max that truly saved her life in Stranger Things.

You know, as Max told Holly in the last episode of Stranger Things 5, escaping Vecna’s mental prison wasn’t about some magical song or even having a boyfriend. It was about finding something genuinely meaningful, something that truly felt like home to her. And for Max, that thing was always Lucas. He was her anchor, her safe place, and ultimately what brought her back.

Okay, so the emotional gut punch of Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, episode 7? It comes when Max finally comes to. After everything she’s been through, she doesn’t credit the music for saving her, she tells Lucas it was him. Seriously, I wasn’t prepared for that. It was a beautifully simple, and incredibly powerful moment.

Has Max Recovered Fully in Stranger Things 5, Volume? Max Isn’t Blind, But She’s Not Completely Healed Either

It’s currently unknown if Vecna’s curse caused lasting harm to Max. When she initially wakes up, Max has trouble seeing and moving. However, Vickie points out this is normal, considering Max was in a cursed, coma-like state for months. Max does regain her vision later in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, meaning she isn’t permanently blind. Despite waking up alive, she continues to use a wheelchair for the remainder of Stranger Things 5.

Max, Lucas, and the Rest of the Party Reunite in Stranger Things 5, Volume 2, as They Prepare to Defeat Vecna

While Max suffered physical consequences from Vecna’s curse, the most important thing is that she’s alive in Volume 2 of Stranger Things 5! The episode beautifully shows her reconnecting with all her friends – Eleven, Dustin, Mike, Will, and the others – and it’s incredibly emotional. (Her hugs with Will were particularly touching, each one meaning something different.) The group truly missed Max, and her return makes them feel complete again.

Now that Max is recovered, we’re confident she’ll play a key role in finally defeating Vecna in Stranger Things 5. She understands Vecna’s mind better than anyone, recognizing that beneath his monstrous exterior, he’s still fundamentally human – a sociopath, yes, but with weaknesses and fears like everyone else. Max has gained a deep understanding of these vulnerabilities, and will use that knowledge to guide Eleven as she enters Vecna’s mind, hoping to defeat him for good, with Kali and Will supporting them.

Max’s Journey From Surrendering to Death to Wanting to Be Alive Is a Beautiful One on Stranger Things

Max’s storyline in the fifth season of Stranger Things was incredibly emotional, bringing many viewers to tears. What truly stood out was her determined fight to survive and return to her friends, even when things seemed impossible.

Throughout season 4 of Stranger Things, Max was deeply withdrawn and struggling with immense pain and grief, isolating herself from everyone around her. This emotional state made her a target for Vecna. She had, in many ways, lost her will to live, and only faced the reality that she wanted to survive as she was dying. Season 5 shows us the impact of that realization. We see her journey come full circle, especially when she guides Holly on how to escape Vecna’s mental prison. Max has transformed from someone who wanted to give up to someone who passionately encourages another to fight for their life. Her strength and resilience are truly inspiring, and it’s clear Max Mayfield is determined to live and love again.

We’re not sure what the future holds for Max, but we wish her a long and happy life surrounded by Lucas and the people she considers family. We hope she finds healing and happiness after experiencing grief and guilt.

The final season of Stranger Things is now available on Netflix. Volumes 1 and 2 are streaming now, and the concluding volume, titled either Volume 3 or The Finale, will be released on December 31st at 5 PM Pacific Time / 8 PM Eastern Time.

I’m a big fan of TopMob, and Rotem Rusak is the amazing editor-in-chief. Honestly, Max’s story really got to me – I cried multiple times! It was such a powerful story, it reminded me to always keep pushing forward, no matter how hard things get.

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2025-12-26 09:34