How Max Really Escaped Vecna (It Wasn’t Just The Music)

The belief that music would be able to save Max was based upon an astute connection made by Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke) and Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) after one of Vecna’s first victims, Victor Creel (Robert Englund), appeared to be saved by hearing “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” by Ella Fitzgerald. However, as Henry Creel/Vecna revealed at the conclusion of Stranger Things season 4, volume 1, music wasn’t the reason his father, Victor, survived. Instead, it was simply that he, Henry, overstepped the limits of his powers, which caused him to go into a coma before he could finish his father off.

This should not downplay how important the Kate Bush song was to Max’s survival. Nancy described it as “a lifeline back to reality” and there should be little doubt that she was right. Music evokes strong memories that are both good and bad, so it makes sense that it could open a doorway out of the oppressive alienation of trauma, despair, and guilt that Max found herself in. Even so, it also made sense to assume that if Max had not had such positive memories and the love of her friends to return to, there would have been no escape from Vecna’s curse.

Throughout Stranger Things season 4, volume 1, trauma and memories have been key and constant themes. These have had a powerful influence on the characters and yet they have also illustrated one of Stranger Things‘ key dynamics, which has been in place since the beginning. Over Stranger Things’ 4 seasons, friendship and love have been shown to be something akin to superpowers. That has been why so many of the beloved residents of Hawkins, Indiana have survived the worst that the Upside Down and even the Soviet Union have thrown at them. Despite the return of Eleven’s more literal superpowers, it seems likely that positive memories, friendship, love, and maybe a little music will all be needed if Max and her friends are going to survive Vecna in Stranger Things season 4, volume 2.

Want more Stranger Things season 4 articles? Check out our essential content below…

• Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 1 Ending Explained (In Detail)
• Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 2 Release Date (& How Many Episodes Are Left?
• Why Eleven Doesn’t Have Her Powers In Stranger Things Season 4
• Stranger Things Season 4 Cast & Character Guide
• Stranger Things’ Vecna Identity, Powers & Origin Fully Explained
• How Hopper Survived Stranger Things Season 3’s Ending
• How Many Kids Were In Hawkins’ Lab (& How Many Are Dead)
• What The Grandfather Clock Means In Stranger Things Season 4
• Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 1 Easter Eggs & References