Emily Kemper | The Chronicle
Trying to conclude a series as vast in content and popularity as Stranger Things is no small feat. The hit Netflix series has been beloved since 2016, so it is no surprise that fans would still want more content, regardless of how successful or disappointing the finale may be.
Enter: Conformity-Gate. The fan theory developed across social media platforms following the release of the eighth and final episode of Stranger Things Season Five, which rumored a secret ninth episode would be airing on Jan 7, 2026. In summary, fans believed that the final episode was a trick from the main antagonist, Vecna, who they believed was “manipulating” the audience’s minds. Avid fans spent the first few days of 2026 dissecting background set details and throw-away lines, myself included.
It is a wild stretch, but still, my fan-girl heart desperately wanted to believe that I could see my favorite characters on my TV screen one last time. So, when I logged into my Netflix account at 8:00 p.m. on January 7 and found that there was not another second of footage in sight, I was wildly disappointed. But if I had to make the choice again and again, I would always take the disappointment of being wrong over missing out on the fun I had with fellow fans.
For the vast majority of my life, I have been a pessimist. While the title comes with some built-in perks – being critical, realistic, and objective. Over time, it became less of a blessing and more of a burden. Being skeptical seemed like a shield to deflect disappointment and stop my hopes from getting high. In reality, pessimism stopped me from having hopes in the first place.
This mindset becomes problematic in all aspects of life, swapping enthusiasm for indifference. All motivation to study for a test disappears, excitement to apply for a new job or position fades and even the magic in rooting for a snow day against the better judgment of the forecast gets lost.
The best and most relevant example of this is New Year’s resolutions. The story goes as follows: a well-intentioned, motivated person wakes up early on January 1, writes down a bullet-point list of goals on a new, pristine planner, and proclaims “new year, new me!” By February, said planner is collecting dust and a “new me” seems like a good goal for next year. After a few years of never following through on my own resolutions, I stopped writing resolutions altogether.
If there is no way it will happen, why try anyway?
Because enthusiasm is better than indifference.
Sticking to a workout plan for one month before giving up is better than having no workout plan at all. Having fun theorizing about a “secret series finale” is better than immediately dismissing it, even if there is no chance the theory is true. Working hard to prepare for a competition, even if you get last place, is better than never entering at all. Getting your hopes up is better than not allowing yourself to care.
I have decided to make this my New Year’s resolution: to get excited, be unrealistic and not be the first one to knock my hopes down. It is probably delusional to think that I will win first place at any of my dance competitions this year, but I am going to work as hard as I would if that win were within my reach. Working hard and being disappointed still make for a more interesting season than giving up before I even get on stage. It might be unlikely that I get all five’s on my AP exams, but I still plan to study and give it my best, not walk into the exam room already unconcerned with my score.
Essentially, I do not care what is realistic anymore. 2026 is not going to magically be a good year if I enter it already expecting the worst, and thus not trying to make it any better. While it is not as concrete a goal as a gym routine or skin care regimen, I am tired of raining on my own parade.
