The Netflix series “Stranger Things” has been a popular show for nearly a decade, but will its new season live up to expectations? After a three and a half-year wait for the show’s fifth and final season, fans have been disappointed.
Where season four left off, the ground was splitting apart on a nearly cataclysmic scale as the main villain, Vecna, opened a portal between worlds. The main characters were reunited after being separated for the entire season, and the fate of Hawkins is unknown. Season five opens in 1987, 18 months after the end of season four, and Hawkins is under a full government shutdown. Soon things start to go wrong. After a failed recon mission ends in the disappearance of Holly Wheeler, the youngest daughter in the Wheeler family, the team has to jump into action. The series continues in a blur as the main characters attempt to save Holy and discover what Vecna is doing before it’s too late.
Season four was highly-regarded for its acting, mysterious tone, and crucial backstory. This contrasts with season five, which lacks the mystery aspect that has been present in every other season. It also has a closer-knit storyline rather than separating characters through different conflicts, so specific groups are less apparent. However, the main thing the show is getting criticism for is actually the actors’ ages. The ragtag gang of 12 year old nerds that charmed the world are now being portrayed by actors in their early 20s, despite the characters still being in high school. The characters do not seem to mature as the actors do in adulthood. Though this does take away from the vivid, real life aspect of the show, for me it does not affect the enjoyment of watching the show.
Stranger Things 5 does many things well, especially its storytelling and cinematic film style. While adding in new conflict, the show goes back and builds on things from previous seasons, filling in the gaps of past mysteries. It ties everything together before finishing the show, even bringing back a controversial character from season two. All of this is paired with parallels of past events, specifically from the earlier seasons, and seamless transitions, making the show feel cohesive and complete. It is able to have huge, world threatening conflicts while also exploring character relationships. For example, right before risking his life, Jim Hopper says this to his adoptive daughter Jane: “From here on out, I want you to know how proud I am of you. I am so proud of you. I am so proud of what you’ve overcome. I’m proud of who you are. I love you, Jane.” This breaks up the action with a beautifully emotional scene, bringing tears to viewers’ eyes.
Full of spies, break-in’s, and “Home Alone” level traps, Stranger Things 5 delivers with its elaborate plans, some of which may or may not involve our main characters kidnapping children, though as Joyce Byers said, “No, no, we’re saving a child via kidnapping.” This is actually a crucial step in episode three, “The Turnbow Trap.” The plot keeps moving steadily from there and each character will have a key role to play
This season has numerous plot twists and action sequences. Whether the battle is against Demogorgons or soldiers, the stakes are always high. Vecna has gotten more powerful and more petrifying since the last season, returning in a blaze of fire at the end of episode four, “Sorcerer.” The violence that ensues from there will lead to what is arguably one of the best moments of the season, Will unlocking his powers. Will’s journey is very meaningful to longtime fans of the show. After seasons of seeing him suffer, fans can see Will is finally able to stand up for himself.
Despite all of this, some parts of the show seem downright clichéd, like Dustin’s jock bullies and the Steve/Nancy/Johnthan love triangle. While some characters get much needed character development (like Will), some seem to have not had character development at all. Jonathan’s storyline has revolved almost entirely around Nancy, and Robin, who seems like her main purpose in this season is being a punchline. Though the comedy in the new season does seem forced at times, it can still be effective and is often a refreshing break from the heavy emotion the the actors convey so well.
Throughout the decade-long run of Stranger Things, the show has remained the same nostalgic, action packed, and cinematic series that it began as. Season five, volume 1 is just as entertaining as the early episodes in seasons one through four, and if you disagree, remember that the season is only halfway complete. So though some fans are not happy with the new season so far, all we can do is wait for the story to be completed and trust that volumes two and three will finish this beloved series on a good note.
