Eleven losing her powers near the end of Stranger Things season 3 was one of the big loose ends heading into season 4. However, with it being three years since we first saw it, plenty of fans have likely forgotten why Eleven lost her powers to start with. Read on below to refresh your memory.
Why did Eleven lose her powers in Stranger Things?
Eleven lost her powers fighting the Spider Monster in Stranger Things Season 3 Episode 7, “Chapter 7: The Bite.” After discovering the Mind Flayer’s plans from visiting Billy in the Void, the monster heads toward the group to attack them. Eleven is able to fight off its initial attack, but one of its tentacles pierces her leg. Lucas cuts it off with an ax, and she manages to incapacitate the creature long enough for the group to escape.
However, by the time the group makes it to Bradley’s Big Buy, it’s obvious that the wound is taking its toll on Eleven. She’s able to make it to the mall, and one of the last uses of her powers is to throw a car at some Russian soldiers telekinetically.
In the mall, Eleven collapses, and it’s discovered that a piece of the Spider Monster remains in her wound. Jonathan tries to cut it out but can’t get it. She’s able to summon all her strength and telekinetically pull the piece out of her leg. However, Eleven realizes her powers are gone when she tries to move a car a bit later.
When Stranger Things Season 4 begins, it’s an in-universe year later. Eleven has moved to California with Joyce, Jonathan, and Will and is attending school. Unfortunately, her powers still haven’t returned at this point. Her quest to get them back is one of the major plot threads of the season, which is available now on Netflix.