The final season of “Stranger Things” begins with four exceptionally constructed episodes: “The Crawl,” “The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler,” “The Turnbow Trap” and “Sorcerer.”
A few weeks later, “Stranger Things” returned with Volume Two. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
After two years, the highly anticipated Netflix series “Stranger Things” returned with Season 5, Volume One on Nov. 26. The final season began with four exceptionally constructed episodes: “The Crawl,” “The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler,” “The Turnbow Trap” and “Sorcerer.” The episodes are darker and unapologetically cinematic.
A few weeks later, “Stranger Things” returned with Volume Two. On Christmas Day, three new episodes came out: “Shock Jock,” “Escape from Camazotz” and “The Bridge.” The finale came out on New Year’s Eve: “The Rightside Up,” tying the show together well, but not perfectly.
Regardless of the plot line’s lack of cohesivity, the show does not fail to deliver powerful, emotional moments. Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) and Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin) shared an especially emotionally compelling moment this season. Playing Robin Buckley, actor Maya Hawke stands out as one of the strongest performers with her ability to deliver comedic lines and emotion. Will Byers (Noah Schapp) brought significant sentimental and emotional weight to the final arcs.
The soundtrack, often integral to the series, once again heightened tension and emotion in ways dialogue alone could not. The use of upbeat tracks sharply and playfully compliments moments of danger, a technique the series mastered over the years. Songs like ABBA’s “Fernando” stand out for their ironic placement, pairing fast-paced melodies with unsettling scenes to create a sense of unease. Prince’s “When Doves Cry,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” David Bowie’s “Heroes” and many other songs carried the season despite occasionally weak plotline and execution. These songs enhance key moments without overwhelming them, reinforcing the emotional stakes while maintaining the show’s atmosphere. Season 5 proves that “Stranger Things” understands music not just as background noise, but as an evocative storytelling tool.
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The show bridges generations. It remains nostalgic for adults, who grew up during the ‘80s, while also staying relatable for younger viewers, who, like the characters, explore adolescence. This intergenerational appeal makes it a great family watch, although the dark themes coupled with gore and scares that Season 5 leans into makes it feel less like a “family show” compared to previous seasons.
The leading cast grew up on the show, and fans grew up with them. Beginning Stranger Things at just twelve years old, many of these actors became inseparable from their characters in the minds of viewers. Now in their twenties, the cast has moved on to a wide range of lives including new roles and successful careers. Seeing them return to their breakout roles as adults is both nostalgic and fascinating, especially as household names like Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbor bring experience and maturity they gained beyond the series back to the characters they call home.
Viewers felt growth in each of the series’s characters: relationships felt complex and motives were clearer, romantically and platonically. Yet, some continuities remained. Villains like the “Demogorgon” are still beloved, while “Vecna” is carried into the fifth.
Character Will Byers is infamously mentally tortured throughout the entirety of the series. This season spends more time honing in on his trauma and its connection to the cumulative plot. Fans were missing that psychological horror aspect of the show. A constant tension among the characters as threats like the “Upside Down” remain relevant and intense.
Going intoStranger Things Season 5, expectations were incredibly high. After nearly a decade of storytelling, fans prepared for an emotionally devastating finale that would close the door on the lives of characters they had grown up with. The cast reinforced these expectations in interviews, with Schnapp stating that there “wouldn’t be a dry eye” by the time the series ended. Many viewers predicted major character sacrifices, especially Steve, whose arc had long felt like it was building toward a heroic ending. Others hoped the final season would finally unwrap Vecna’s true relationship with the Mind Flayer and provide a clear resolution to the Upside Down that would bring satisfaction to years of trauma, loss, and survival.
After watching Volume One, those expectations felt justified. The first half of the season was engaging and carefully structured, creating tension without relying solely on shock value or insignificance. The pacing felt intentional, and the episodes did a great job of reminding viewers why Stranger Things excels when it takes its time. The stakes felt real, and the story appeared to be building toward something significant. While some of the writing and dialogue occasionally felt awkward or unnatural, those moments were easy to overlook because Volume One was otherwise compelling. Overall, it was a strong start that left fans eager and hopeful for what Volume Two would bring to the table.
When Volume Two was released, the eager await was at its peak. Unfortunately, that excitement quickly turned a corner to disappointment. Unlike the measured pacing of the first volume, Volume Two felt rushed and, at times, confusing. Major developments happened too quickly without the emotional buildup or logical explanation that earlier seasons had prioritized. Certain choices felt unearned, making it difficult to stay fully invested in moments that should have carried significant emotional weight. Instead of deepening the story, Volume Two often felt like it was racing toward the finish line, sacrificing coherence and character depth in its process. The finale, in particular, proved to be the most upsetting element for longtime fans. After following these characters for nearly ten years, the final episode carried immense responsibility. Rather than offering a sense of closure or emotional payoff, the ending felt unsatisfying and incomplete, frankly some detailing was just unnecessary.
Many of the questions fans waited years for answers to remain unresolved, and the conclusion lacked the emotional impact that had been promised. For a series built on strong character relationships and meaningful consequences, the finale failed to fully honor the journey that came before it.
Receiving an 83% on the Rotten Tomatoes, my opinion sits similarly at a 7/10.
Overall it was a good watch but for long term fans and in comparison to the seasons prior it was fairly rushed, predictable and had many plot holes. The show’s ending was bittersweet for fans who watched the 9-year-old series mature alongside its audience. While creators and producers, the Duffer brothers, use Season Five to blend their same signature mix of heart, humor, horror and the fan-favorite ’80s atmosphere, but it all feels more layered now. What once revolved around middle school innocence expanded into something more complex.
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Sophomore Riley Gunn eagerly enters her first year on the Falconer as a writer on staff after absolutely loving Beginning Journalism her freshman year. Gunn has always had a passion for writing and is very excited to express her skills in a journalistic manner. Outside her writing pursuits, Gunn enjoys spending time with her Boston Terrier, Lily, whether it’s a leisurely walk around the neighborhood or cuddling on the couch. Lily is always a source of joy. As for extracurriculars, Gunn participates in the global competition Future Problem Solving International, where she writes and competes at the international conference academically. Along with academics, Gunn hones her athletic skills on the school’s tennis team. When she has free time, she enjoys the beach and spending time with her friends. She also loves to read and is always looking for new books to add to her collection. In addition, Gunn is a dedicated student and always strives to do her best in school and is looking forward to the coming years at Falconer.
