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For much of the fifth and final season of the popular Netflix show, Holly Wheeler and Max Mayfield are held captive within a psychic prison constructed from the memories of Henry Creel. Their quest for a way out in episode 6 leads them to witness again a defining event from Henry's early years—an event that may just hold the secret to his downfall for good.

Spoiler Warning: This article reveals crucial plot points for the second part of the final season.

The Discovery in the Tunnel

After locating Max in the psychic realm dubbed Camazotz, Max reveals she is hiding out in a grotto that Henry strangely fears. A clever observation a telescope pilfered from Henry's old home helps Holly understand that the danger lies outside of the cave. By aligning her view to the cut-out, she and Max plummet into a subterranean passage.

In this place, they observe a Henry as a boy come across an man who is hurt and scared. As the boy offers aid, the man reacts violently, striking Henry in the hand. To protect himself, Henry kills the man with a rock. "Was this the turning point?" Holly asks tearfully. Essentially, yes, but the event involved more than a defensive killing.

Like many elements this season, the full story behind the encounter was first explored the stage play The First Shadow.

The Philadelphia Experiment and Secret Science

This backstory explains the legendary naval test, which reportedly teleported a warship into a realm known as the Abyss. The ship was attacked, and the only one to return was the captain, who emerged in a vegetative state with an altered blood type.

This man's son, a young Martin Brenner, wanted to repeat this dimensional breach in Nevada. But a disloyal lab worker stole research materials to hand over to the Russian agents, who were eager to begin their version of the tests. This spy in the cavern is that employee.

Unlocking the Mystery

Given what is understood of Brenner's work, the case almost certainly contained samples of Captain Brenner's infected blood. In the scene, Henry is already bleeding. Exposure likely occurred upon handling the contents, causing the origin of his telekinetic gifts—traits he would genetically impart to the children under Brenner's care.

A second theory, the container could have held dark matter that eventually found its way to the Hawkins lab, where it acts to anchor the Upside Down. The prequel shows that young Henry was transported in the Abyss, coming back after half a day with a new blood type and personality. From then on, he battles the influence of a sinister presence, much like how Will was influenced by the shadow monster in the past.

The Power of Fear

The reason Henry avoids the cave associated with the mine highlights how utterly horrifying the encounter was for him. Even as he controls the army of monsters and seeks to merge the Abyss into Hawkins, a piece of the scared boy still exists. The villain weaponizes terror, and the show is setting up a final confrontation between Vecna and Will, who has confronted his own deepest fears to fortify himself.

This journey has neutralized a key tactic of Vecna. Furthermore, Will now understands what Vecna himself fears, and this may grant a decisive edge in the endgame conflict that awaits.