#time loop theory

So, why is that mysterious storefront next to RadioShack apparently damaged from a rift on the other side of the Mac-Z gate?

This is the mystery-storefront (next to Radioshack) that I've recently posted about. Here's the visual-tldr-version, in case you just want to see it over the course of the seasons:

So why would the building be straight-up gone if the UD is "frozen" on 11/6/83?

And I don't think it was an oversight, because they made a big point to show us this was filmed in a backlot studio with a bluescreen. They could've totally put a S1-era background in there if they wanted. I think I got here because I've been paying a lot of attention to buildings, trying to find some particular skylights (I don't believe are actually in the "library basement"). And I've noticed how frequently windows and doorways are often boarded up in the downtown area (and not just due to Starcourt Mall in S3).

So, it's fasinating to me that Melvald's upper level windows don't appear boarded up in the UD, either.

Makes me wonder...

What other windows are covered or uncovered in an unexpected way in the UD?

Perhaps if this is all an illusion, it's based on the memories of someone who didn't yet learn that the UD was "frozen" in 1983?

Could this be a bigger clue into timeloops, and other time-weirdness that our characters might be experiencing?

Could places we've seen boarded/bricked up in the 80s been relevant in past loops? What about past generations (like The First Shadow-era folks)?

Okay wait...if/when did the rifts actually show up on the UD Side of things? Because that COULD explain why the building is messed up (but not Melvald's windows).

If there WERE rifts in the UD of Hawkins (like pictured below when the Abyss appears to be descending in S5E8), would the gov't baddies need to plate them over to be able to drive over them, too?

Either way, maybe the timing that we apparently see glowing rifts in the UD version of Hawkins in the first several minutes of S5E8 is significant to understanding the timeline of things.

Tiktok user, kraydenscott, posted a video yesterday talking about the first part of this "Stranger Things and Dungeons and Dragons" graphic novel. I checked out the free sample on Amazon/Kindle and by page 2 found something fascinating: Notice this alley? Does it look familiar?

It's the same alley that Jonathan and Steve fight in, in S1E6.

It's interesting that...at some point in time there was a secret bookstore behind those boarded up, double doors.

Seems time-loop-y.

Those boarded-up doors also make me think about the S5 epilogue clean-up effort:

Which also had me thinking about other bricked/boarded-up buildings. Especially this mystery one next to radioshack I've been thinking about for a long while. How could I not?!

What a mystery, eh? Coincidence that that storefront was just always empty already?

And THEN! You-know-fucking-what I found?!

I'm a sucker and bought the graphic novel. And I kept flipping through it and saw that the mystery bookstore apparently moved to that abandoned spot, beside RadioShack, at some point.

it seems that 2021 is the tipping point for the timeline so the first time around Lené corresponds the kiss and they live happily ever after until they don’t and Rann dies

the only time travel we have actually seen in the show is when Rann is also dying so that could imply that Lené dies shortly after too and also asks to save her beloved’s life

she returns to 2021 and pushes Rann away

in the present, she either feels she is safe or she knows her moment is coming so she feels its time to send the flowers to Rann knowing that maybe this time around they could be happy/it will be too late for them to see each other again so Rann is out of danger

it could be she already suspected someone around her ORRRRR hear me out: she didn't get to figure out who killed her the first time around but this time she came face to face with the killer

then as we know Rann time travels

here is where the first concepts come in: Rann can't go back and save Lené if she doesn't die and Lené can't come back and push Rann away if she doesn't die

Basically they are in this cycle:

It surprised me to see it when I was trying to slow down the scene. Maybe she's just pouting more as she's concentrating and the lights are just causing a reflection there.

Let's brighten it up a bit.

Yeah...not sure what I think. Maybe I'm only considering it because of what I remember the ST Tarot deck guide book saying about her:

"Max makes her own rules. When this card zooms into your reading, she is inviting you to do the same.

Her strength comes from confidence, independence, and knowing herself, including when to speak her mind and when to stay quiet. Although people might underestimate you, it’s crucial that you follow Max’s example: Wield your formidable influence, but don’t flaunt your power. [If Card is Upside Down] ...You may be feeling vulnerable and powerless in the wake of a setback, but you need to shake it off and reconnect with what makes you feel strong, because you are."

Do y'all see that? I promise, I'm not a vampire-fan.

Check it out (excuse the lofi recording method):

Idk if y'all are on Tiktok much, but there's an account called murraybaumanlives that I really thought was just another fan, but now I think is either a troll or "in on it" (which I'd also consider a troll).

I'd love to be wrong. Please fact check if you're interested. Here's the specific video that I could not replicate the findings of:

It’s a catchy video, right?

Too bad it’s not what i see on Netflix!

Notice how the icon on the right side of the screen shows the “Workbench 1.3” program in their screenshot below?

The version that we see on Netflix shows Suzie’s computer only having the 1.0 version.