Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
After the first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5, it becomes clear that the series functions entirely on the Duffer Brothers’ internal logic. Whatever that is. While those initial episodes are quite entertaining, things get unhinged in the final chapters (episodes 5 to 8), with the writers simply cooking up whatever they want and generously garnishing it with emotional moments between the primary characters. Some of which feel straight out of ’90s Bollywood movies.
The final four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 continue to follow Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and her friends as they venture deeper into the Upside Down on their perilous mission to rescue the children taken by Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and finally put an end to him. Meanwhile, Max (Sadie Sink) tries to find a way out of Vecna’s dimension with Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher).
In the review for the first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5, I wrote how those episodes offered a rollercoaster ride of laugh-out-loud moments and edge-of-your-seat tension. Yet, despite “Vecna might end the world as we know it”-level stakes, the season finale lacks truly memorable or chilling moments. The lone exception is perhaps a childhood flashback featuring young Henry Creel, which is visceral and violent, but still falls short of the effect its extended build-up seemed to promise.
The writers set expectations too high by ending Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 4 with the wicked twist of Will Byers sharing villain Vecna’s powers, tapping into the hive mind and vanquishing the Demogorgons. It may not have shocked everyone, but it was still a pretty cool story turn. Finally, the team has someone apart from Eleven who can do supernatural tricks. Unfortunately, Will’s new powers don’t necessarily get enough spotlight, even if they’re limiting, and not as potent as Eleven’s abilities.
Honestly, as a fan of the show, I just had fun watching the finale of Stranger Things Season 5, even though several moments felt contrived. Especially some of the characters bickering in life-and-death situations, when they should be focusing on the battles at hand. Given the expanded scope of the multiple dimensions opening up within the Upside Down, the makers don’t fully utilize their special effects team. There’s ample opportunity to deliver jaw-dropping horror or fantasy imagery, but beyond some slimy, melting walls and a new monster that inspires little fear, Stranger Things Season 5 leaves its visual potential largely untapped. We largely get the same red palette, and a rickety Vecna.
That said, there’s little to fault with the primary cast, they’re well-established fan favorites, and their performances remain consistently solid. The issue lies with the script, which doesn’t quite deliver the thrilling, high-stakes finale expected from Stranger Things Season 5. While the final episode, The Rightside Up, offers an emotionally satisfying epilogue that neatly ties up the characters’ journeys, the lead-up to it feels less impactful than it should.
That said, even with its shortcomings and a somewhat underwhelming finale, this remains a farewell fans of the series will want to see.
Watch ‘Stranger Things’ on Netflix.
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