Season 5, Volume 1 of “Stranger Things” plunges its characters into even deeper peril, revealing pivotal storylines for fan-favorites Max Mayfield and Nancy Wheeler. Max, portrayed by Sadie Sink, finds herself in a precarious state, her physical body in a coma while her mind is ensnared within Vecna’s intricate psychic world. Trapped in a 1950s rendition of Hawkins for over a year, Max is not alone; she is joined by Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher), who refers to their surreal prison as "Camazotz," a nod to "A Wrinkle in Time."

Sadie Sink shared insights into filming Max's unique predicament, expressing initial curiosity about her character's arc given the dramatic conclusion of Season 4. Sink knew that Max's survival meant she had a crucial role to play, highlighting the "foreign" environment of Vecna’s mind as a compelling challenge. While missing her usual castmates, Sink enjoyed working with Nell Fisher and Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna/Henry Creel). The dynamic between Max and Holly is set to evolve significantly throughout the remaining episodes, promising a heartwarming storyline amidst the existential threat.

The intensity of Max's struggle is underscored by scenes like her near-escape from the coma, triggered by Lucas playing "Running Up That Hill." This sequence was particularly disorienting to film, spanning the entire production year of Season 5. Despite repeated exposure, Sink remains fond of the timeless Kate Bush track, noting its enduring emotional power. Sink also revealed having seen the "Stranger Things" prequel play, "The First Shadow," both in London and New York, and appreciated the subtle "Easter eggs" that tie into Season 5, particularly the details surrounding Vecna/Henry Creel. Her experience of portraying Max in the meticulously crafted 1950s Hawkins further emphasized the show's exceptional art direction, costume, hair, and makeup teams. A significant mystery surrounding Max's storyline involves a crevice in certain rocks where she finds inexplicable safety from Vecna, a key plot point yet to be fully revealed. Sink even confessed to occasionally dozing off during the extensive coma scenes, a testament to the motionless nature of her role, and confirmed receiving clarification on Max's vision status.

Meanwhile, Nancy Wheeler, the calculated leader of the Vecna Crawl team played by Natalia Dyer, faces a deeply personal crisis born from a critical error: not informing her parents and younger sister about the supernatural threats plaguing Hawkins. This oversight leads to dire consequences, as Vecna unleashes the Upside Down directly upon the Wheeler household. Karen (Cara Buono) and Ted (Joe Chrest) are left in critical condition, and Holly has been abducted by Vecna, intended as a pawn in his grand scheme for world domination.

Natalia Dyer discussed the character’s rationale with the Duffer Brothers, explaining Nancy’s desire to protect her family by withholding the terrifying truth. However, this decision has now burdened Nancy with immense guilt, viewing the unfolding tragedy as a profound personal failure. Dyer highlighted that despite the best intentions, things can still go wrong, transforming this ordeal into a "galvanizing moment" for the Wheeler family, forcing them to confront the escalating danger together. Amidst this war for survival, Nancy also grapples with a less urgent but highly anticipated dilemma for fans: her complicated relationship dynamic with boyfriend Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) and former flame Steve Harrington (Joe Keery).

Dyer characterized Nancy and Jonathan's lack of intimacy in Volume 1 as a result of the "pressure-cooker situation" they find themselves in, shifting focus from romance to survival. Nancy is in a phase of self-discovery, questioning the very possibility of a normal future. Her primary focus remains on combating Vecna and leading the charge against the Upside Down. Dyer expressed her deep investment in Nancy's future, hoping for an outcome that feels "earned or deserved" after years of fighting monstrous threats, rather than an idealized ending. This comprehensive first volume sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion, intertwining personal struggles with the epic battle for Hawkins' survival.