Season 4 of Stranger Things introduced a grisly villain who has brought mental health to the forefront, with Max Mayfield and other characters suffering from a form of survivor's guilt. The official Volume 2 trailer includes Vecna monologuing what seems to be a victory speech. Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" plays throughout, and the trailer focuses on Max as the final lyrics can be heard. Is Max in danger of dying and reuniting with Billy Hargrove?
Seeing Billy die had a profound impact on Max; she withdrew from her friends and broke things off with her boyfriend Lucas Sinclair before the events of Season 4. Then throughout Season 4, Volume 1, Max was seen quietly listening to music on her Walkman. This was instrumental in combating Vecna's curse; the song acted as an anchor for her. While the inclusion of Kate Bush's song could be a good omen, it might also be a red flag.
When Max was almost killed by Vecna, it was revealed that her favorite song is "Running Up That Hill," which appears in a changed form during the season. Upon closer inspection of the lyrics, "Running Up That Hill" seems to describe Max's inner turmoil; it could be interpreted as she wishes she could make a deal with God in order to swap places with Billy. The song became so much a part of Season 4 that it was no surprise to hear it featured in the Volume 2 trailer, hitting a crescendo as Max leads Erica and Lucas into the old Creel estate.
Another concern is that contents of Max's letters to the people she's closest with -- written in case she died against Vecna -- were never revealed. Much like the letter Hopper gives to Eleven at the end of Season 3, could Max's letters have been a warning to prepare not only her friends and loved ones, but also the audience for her death? Letters (and accompanying voice-overs) have been used as a plot device in many shows, and could be utilized for Max's final words to be shared.
But what would killing Max accomplish? Not only would it prove that no one is truly safe from death, it would be a punch in the gut to Lucas, who just rekindled his relationship with Max. It would also make Season 4 the darkest season so far, since as none of the previous seasons have killed off any of the teenage leads. With Max dying, the contents of her letters would be explored and there would be a huge impact the other characters as they'd lose a close friend.
While other characters such as Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson and Will Byers are in danger as Volume 2 premieres, Max is who fans should worry about. The contents of her letters being unexplored and the use of her favorite song could be interpreted as signs that she might not survive. It's possible she finally loses her battle against Vecna.
Stranger Things Season 4, Vol. 2 premieres July 1 on Netflix.