“Stranger Things” is a fan-favorite Netflix show, starring Millie Bonnie Bongiovi (formerly known as Millie Bobby Brown), Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, and Joe Keery. The show began in 2016, and debuted its final episode on December 31, 2025. So much happened in Season Five, and while there were a lot of character-strengthening moments, there were a lot of scenes that didn’t add to the plot at all and really felt like they were just filling up time. The heartfelt moments between Will (Noah Schnapp) and Robin (Maya Hawke), or Steve (Keery) and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) written impeccably, but when it came down to characters like Eleven (Bongiovi) and Hopper (Harbour), it didn’t seem like the same thought process was used.
Episode 1: The Crawl
“The Crawl” had the best intro out of the whole season, where the cinematography and the storyline shined through. The Duffer Brothers showed us a new scene of Will, and it was riveting. The heightened music had me on the edge of my couch, wondering what I’d be feeling in the next second. Robin’s radio intro was engrossing, especially with the use of Diana Ross’ 80’s hit, ‘Upside Down.” It made me happy to see Robin and Steve still working together, like in the seasons before. The MAC-Z (the military base) was extremely intricate in its design, and I loved how all of the characters were completing their own side missions to defeat Vecna. 5/5
Episode 2: The Vanishing Of Holly Wheeler
Holly Wheeler is being spotlighted this season, and I’m glad. She has grown so much from just being Mike’s little sister, and Nell Fisher, Holly’s actor, portrays the role beyond her age. I could feel her pain while she was being dragged and I wanted to help her even though I knew it was fake. The revelations in the episode between Vecna and Mr. Whatsits were extremely compelling, and the twists and turns kept me on my toes. The problem with this episode was that there was so much empty space. It was like there was a new revelation about the Upside Down or Vecna, but for the next twenty minutes the characters started to work on something completely unrelated to what they learned. 3.5/5
Episode 3: The Turnbow Trap
Derek Turnbow is my favorite character in Stranger Things. I thought he wasn’t going to add to the show at all, but he added so much comedic relief and hilarious meme-worthy moments this season. Derek also proves to be an essential character to the plot, as he brings the group closer to Vecna, and to saving Holly. The ‘Home Alone’ scheme piqued my interest, and when the Demogorgon was in their reach, it was interesting to see the characters react. 4/5
Episode 4: Sorcerer
The cliffhanger at the end of this episode had to have been my favorite part of this season. It was so interesting to watch the characters try and save the children, and I was so fascinated by the military trying to stop Vecna. Will’s powers were the highlight of the episode, and it was exciting to see him grow into this new found confidence. 5/5
Episode 5: Shock Jock
This episode wasn’t one of my favorites, for the same reason as episode two. But even though it didn’t set off any sparks, it completely changed what Will’s story looks like, and it was compelling to see it unfold. I like how Robin told Will how she knew Vicky was the one for her, and I like how Will is finally turning into a new person from it. I also thought that the fight between Dustin and Steve was much needed, and I was elated that it brought them closer together in the end. 3.5/5
Episode 6: Escape from Camazotz
The visuals in this episode are especially strong, with several sequences feeling almost theatrical in scale. I loved how intricate the Upside Down is, and how hopeful Holly is of getting out. I think the backstory of Vecna was needed, and it made him a much more complex character than he was before. 4.5/5
Episode 7: The Bridge
‘The Bridge’ brought my attention back after a slump. The hospital scene made my heart rate go through the roof, and in a good way. This episode really brought all the characters together, and I liked how everyone now had a stake in the fight. I also thought that Will’s confession was such an important scene for his character, and I’m glad they decided to include it. 4.5/5
Episode 8: The Rightside Up
‘The Rightside Up’ was underwhelming. The entire season built up to this big fight with Vecna, but the episode’s actual fight was in no way, shape, or form how I thought it would turn out. Even though it was over two hours long, they rushed through important parts that could’ve been expanded on. I also thought that the graduation scene wasn’t the best use of time. I found Steve’s ending depressing, and I didn’t understand why Nancy and Robin both seemed like they weren’t where they wanted to be. There are so many questions that I have that will stay unanswered, which is disappointing to see for such an incredible show. 3/5
Season Five of “Stranger Things” was the end of an era as we know it. The characters had influential moments throughout the whole series, and the ending proved that they are starting a new life, away from the Upside Down. The ending cemented the show, but keeps us wondering what will happen to them in the future. As of right now, the show’s creators, The Duffer Brothers, are working on an animated series called “Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85,” which is set between Seasons Two and Three, releasing in 2026.
