If there is one episode most Stranger Things fans prefer to hit the skip button on during a rewatch, it is The Lost Sister from season 2. Over four seasons, many supporting actors have stepped up and helped move the story along. While most of them got the closure they deserved and found a place in the bigger picture, it was Kali, Eleven's sister, whose story felt unexplored and largely disconnected from the main plot. 

While fans have long labeled Kali's episode as ‘filler,’ it looks like Stranger Things might finally bring the character into the main storyline. 

Netflix has recently revealed the episode titles for the eight-episode fifth season of Stranger Things, while also confirming it will be released in 2025. One episode title, Sorcerer, particularly teased the possibility of two things- either a new addition to the cast or the return of someone with sorcerer-like powers. And when it comes to the latter, there is really only one name that comes to mind- Kali. Although not a traditional sorcerer, Kali is the only supporting character in the show- apart from Eleven and One- who has psychic powers.

Among all the behind-the-scenes peeks Stranger Things has shared so far, there has been a glimpse of the infamous Rainbow Room. And it is the return to the Rainbow Room in the upcoming season that may finally shed light on Kali’s backstory. It could not only dig deeper into her bond with Eleven but also reveal how she landed in Hawkins Lab and, most importantly, whether she had any connection with Henry Creel. That said, bringing Kali back- about which even Noah Schnapp might have shared a subtle hint- comes with its own risks.

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Kali’s return in season 5 may risk derailing the final season, and potentially ruining the finale a bit given her continued status as a controversial character in the show. 

As is well known, Kali’s big introduction did not sit well with fans. It sparked some very mixed reactions, and some even questioned the representation of her character in the show. Therefore, mishandling her arc in the upcoming season of Stranger Things could risk spoiling the finale for many fans and create some serious plot holes as well. That said, there is still a chance Kali could elevate the final season.

The Hawkins gang is in desperate need of some reinforcement to take on Vecna, and clearly, just Eleven will not cut it for the fight. Another super-powered ally like Kali could be a game-changer for the protagonist. And if the makers want to take a little darker route with the character, Kali could switch sides with Vecna and bring the most badass twist to Stranger Things. 

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What do you think about Kali’s potential return to Stranger Things? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!