This review contains spoilers.
The wait is over: “Stranger Things” stormed back to Netflix on Nov. 26 with four electric episodes that reignite the nostalgia, fear and wonder that defined its early seasons. The Duffer Brothers return to form, kicking off the Season 5 finale with some of the show’s strongest storytelling in years.
After an initial three spectacular seasons, “Stranger Things” Season 4 was a bit of a lull in my opinion. That season had most of the characters split up, with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Will (Noah Schnapp) moving to California and Hopper (David Harbour) trapped in Russia. The introduction of these new locations made the show feel a bit overwhelming as it lost touch with its small-town, underdog roots.
The season ended with the entire crew reuniting in a doomsday-like Hawkins, which has been physically split into a portal between the real world and the Upside Down, the alternate reality around which the series centers. Season 5 resumes six months later, and every single character is forced to remain in Hawkins amid a military police state. Season 5 instantly has a more cohesive and compelling start, as everyone is working together again.
It is extremely satisfying to see the entire cast that has grown up alongside its viewers in big group scenes, crafting plans and working as a dynamic unit. It reminds me of why I fell in love with “Stranger Things” in the first place. There is something so special about seeing this group of unlikely heroes come together to pull off the impossible in miraculous ways.
Another thing I’m a big fan of in Season 5 is that they aren’t holding back on the horror and gore. Season 5 is significantly scarier than last season. The fourth episode, “Chapter Four: Sorcerer,” solidified that Vecna has become a hall-of-fame villain, up there with the likes of Voldemort and Thanos.
Also, to see the arcs of each of the characters individually makes me shockingly emotional. There is a true attachment formed to these fictional people when it’s been a decade of watching their lives.
I cannot bring up character arcs without dedicating time to Will. So far this season, Will has begun to draw on the lingering effects of the curse Vecna placed on him originally in Season 1. By episode 4, that connection has evolved into abilities of his own, allowing Will to control Vecna’s influence to take down multiple demogorgons at once that were targeting his loved ones.
Not only have Will’s powers developed, but they’ve also aligned with his coming of age. His budding friendship with Robin (Maya Hawke) is a highlight of this season. The two openly have conversations about sexuality and same-sex attraction that are refreshing to see in such a mainstream show.
It is only after these moments with Robin that Will can harness his power, reflect on moments with his best friend and likely love interest, Mike (Finn Wolfhard), and not let Vecna control him. It was heartfelt and empowering. By the time Will was killing those monsters on my screen, I think I was shamelessly crying and cheering.
That’s what “Stranger Things” has always been about for me. I can remember moments from each of the previous seasons where I’ve gotten full-body chills, cried and screamed alongside the characters. We’ve only got a few weeks left of this show, and I plan to soak in every moment of getting to binge this in real time.
What’s going to happen next, you may be wondering. My guess is as good as yours. My theories: Max (Sadie Sink) will wake up from a coma soon, either Steve (Joe Keery) or Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) will sacrifice himself for Nancy (Natalia Dyer), and I’ve got a strong feeling that Eleven and her newfound sister are about to take down this army base. It’s safe to say, we are in for a riveting, action-packed conclusion.
I’m ready to indulge in all the wild theories about the final episodes and TikTok edits that play through the entire series in a matter of minutes. This month is officially about being a “Stranger Things” fan, and Season 5 so far has given me every reason to utterly own it. The rest of this season, releasing Dec. 25 and 31, cannot come fast enough.
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