Does Dr. Brenner die in Stranger Things season 4 volume 2?

Another season of Stranger Things is officially in the books, and oh what a glorious season it was.

Following an extended hiatus, Stranger Things season 4 finally kicked off on May 27 with the release of volume 1’s seven episodes. These episodes packed quite the punch, having been filled with shocking returns, unexpected twists and a new threat unlike any we’ve seen before.

Among the first volume’s many surprises was the return of Matthew Modine as Dr. Brenner, who was presumed dead after the events of season 1 in which he was attacked by a Demogorgon. His return proved to be a crucial element to the season and Eleven’s journey to regaining her powers.

His return also helped to provide some context into what went down all those years ago in the Rainbow Room, which once again raised many questions about whether he could truly be trusted or not. Heading into the final two episodes of the season, it was clear Dr. Brenner would continue to play a key role and this was indeed the case.

Warning: Stranger Things season 4 volume 2 spoilers ahead. 

As we pick up in episode 8, Eleven has finally regained her powers and is ready to leave the lab to help save her friends. The only problem is that Dr. Brenner has other plans in place, once again putting him in El’s path as an obstacle in her way.

Things get quite heated between the two, but do they turn deadly?

Does papa die in Stranger Things season 4 volume 2?

Dr. Brenner aka papa indeed dies in Stranger Things season 4 volume 2 and this time it looks like his death is for real. However, it surprisingly wasn’t Eleven who brought an end to Brenner’s reign of terror.

In episode 8, Brenner makes it clear he doesn’t feel Eleven is ready to leave and threatens to kill Dr. Owens if she tries to make a move against him. Eleven is prepared to take him out if needed and makes it clear he’s not to harm a hair on Dr. Owens’s head, but before she can take any action, men from the military storm the bunker.

As Dr. Brenner and Eleven attempt to flee the bunker, men in a helicopter take fire at the pair — hitting Brenner once before firing on him again several more times. Before they’re able to take aim at her, Eleven brings the helicopter down, but the shots fired at Dr. Brenner prove to be fatal.

Our last glimpse of Brenner comes as he seems to succumb to his injuries, dying in the desert after Eleven says a tearful goodbye and leaves with Mike and company. This being Stranger Things, it is possible he could once again return in season 5 but it’s heavily implied he died as a result of the gunshot wounds.

Stranger Things season 4 is streaming now on Netflix.