This past fall and winter, the long-anticipated finale of “Stranger Things” arrived in homes across the world. It wrapped up the beloved Netflix series that spanned over a decade. For context, when “Stranger Things” debuted, Barack Obama was still president, the dab was still a thing, and Sage Hill students had not yet reached the third grade.
The finale could be best described as a “rollercoaster.” It was released in two parts. Volume one was released on Nov. 26, followed by volume two on Christmas Day.
Volume one’s strengths lie in its setup. The setting is more interesting than previous seasons, as Hawkins grapples with the quarantining and splitting of its town. Part one introduces meaningful surprises, such as Will’s transformation into a sorcerer with powers, adding a twist that completely reframes his character’s dynamic in the franchise, shifting him from a passive to an active role. The introduction of new characters, including fan-favorite Delightful Derek and Mr. Whatsit, brings fresh energy without disconnecting from the original core characters.
However, the mystique surrounding the upside-down has been greatly toned. Many fans noted how exotic monsters, mysterious ash particles, and creatures that previously inhabited the dimension were nonexistent. Overuse of plot protection is evident as well. In many cases, when Vecna or his monsters could have easily killed a character, the threat is softened by convenient escapes or last-second rescues, weakening the show’s genuine sense of danger.
Volume two, and “Stranger Things” in general, is at its best when it narrows back down to relationships and problem-solving. Dustin and Steve’s season-long conflict arc was finally resolved, as their relationship returns to the older-brother, best-friend dynamic. The emotional closure in Jonathan and Nancy’s scene finally addresses the tension that the show has been dragging across seasons in a satisfying yet emotionally profound way. The show’s closing scenes were also among its best. Jonathan, Nancy, Robin, and Steve’s heartfelt reunion provides an emotional finality that each of those characters deserved. The series’ core group packing up after a final game of Dungeons and Dragons and passing on the torch to the next generation was the perfect final shot, echoing where the series began and reminding viewers of the friendship that made this show so special. Eleven’s ambiguous ending also provided each fan with the chance to create their own goodbyes regarding the dearly beloved character.
Ultimately, the Duffer Brothers provided the show with a reasonable ending; however, weaknesses emerge when the show spends disproportionate screentime explaining the plot rather than advancing it. This flaw is especially evident in the first 3 episodes of volume 2, which focus on the final confrontation with the Mind Flayer and restate the plot multiple times, perhaps in an attempt to capture the attention span typical of Netflix Originals. The final fight against Vecna feels oddly easy and anticlimactic, leading the fanbase to speculate about a 9th secret episode. Plot holes were also present: Vecna and the Mind Flayer were consistently portrayed as enormously powerful, yet there were no monsters in the final battle, which lasted only 10 minutes. Cast size is another issue. With so many characters on screen, the audience tends to get overwhelmed, and the show loses its ability to capture the viewer’s attention and loyalty at its core.
Regardless of its flaws and imperfections, “Stranger Things” season five delivers an unforgettable finale, serving as a fitting end to an amazing saga of stories.
