Why Hopper Doesn’t Trust Kali in Stranger Things Season 5

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Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Stranger Things season 5, Volume 2.

In the fifth season of Stranger Things, Kali Prasad—also known as 008—returned, and it’s obvious Jim Hopper is wary of her. After the events at Hawkins Lab, only three of Dr. Brenner’s test subjects are still alive: 001 (Henry Creel/Vecna), 008 (Kali), and 011 (Eleven/Jane).

Eleven’s connection with Kali is particularly meaningful, as shown in season 2. They feel like real sisters, and despite being apart for years, that bond remains strong. Eleven instantly and fully trusts Kali.

It’s clear Hopper doesn’t feel positively about Kali, so what’s causing his strong, negative reaction when she’s around?

Hopper Makes It Clear That He Doesn’t Trust Kali In Stranger Things Season 5

At first, Hopper seemed friendly, even referencing the nicknames ‘Kali’ and ‘Eleven’ used for their hair in season two. But he quickly became guarded. He responded with typical sarcastic remarks, like calling her ‘Pollyanna,’ and, more importantly, he simply didn’t trust Kali.

Hopper is deeply distrustful of Kali, even threatening to kill her if she makes a mistake. This likely stems from her ability to create illusions and hallucinations in people, which understandably makes him cautious and perhaps even fearful of her powers.

Something feels off about Kali this season, and Hopper might be right to suspect her. It’s possible she’s hiding her true motives and isn’t who she seems.

Even if that’s not true, the ending of Stranger Things season 5 Volume 2 made it clear that Hopper and Kali disagree strongly about what should happen to Eleven.

Why Hopper & Kali Don’t See Eye To Eye When It Comes To Eleven

It’s understandable that Hopper wants Eleven to make it through their plan to beat Vecna and eventually have a happy, normal life. That’s been his main goal for her throughout the entire series.

However, a surprising revelation in season 5, episode 7, showed that Kali has a very different idea of what should happen after defeating Vecna than Hopper does. Kali thinks that she and El need to make the ultimate sacrifice – giving their lives – to ensure Dr. Kay doesn’t carry on Dr. Brenner’s experiments and continue creating children with superpowers.

Hopper and Kali have completely different ideas about what’s best, and Hopper doesn’t realize this yet. However, considering what Hopper wants for Eleven in Stranger Things, it’s obvious he’s right to be wary of Kali – he shouldn’t trust her.

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2025-12-27 20:08