The highly anticipated fifth and final season of “Stranger Things” is finally here after a three and a half year wait. The season kicks off in the fall of 1987, 18 months after the events of Season 4, which left fans on edge with the rupture of the border between our reality and the Upside Down by archvillain Vecna. The show, created by the Duffer twins, has evolved from a surprise breakout to a blockbuster franchise, facing delays due to Hollywood strikes and the increasing production value.
The real-life gap between seasons of “Stranger Things” is now dangerously close to the entire canonical span of the show. This highlights the challenge faced by the creators as they navigate the show’s home stretch. The cast has grown up over the years, with stars like Millie Bobby Brown now married and a mother, adding a layer of complexity to the series.
Season 5 opens with Hawkins, Indiana under military quarantine, controlled by the deep state and occupied by Dr. Kay, a scientist who commands a base within the Upside Down. The return to Hawkins brings a sense of familiarity as the beloved characters split up to tackle new challenges before reuniting later in the season. The Upside Down is explored on a larger scale, showcasing the production’s technical abilities, but not adding much to our understanding of the realm.
The emotional growth of the characters, especially Will Byers, who comes to terms with his homosexuality, is a central theme in Season 5. New characters like Holly Wheeler and Derek Turnbow add a fresh dynamic to the story, reminiscent of the original gang when the show first premiered in 2016.
As “Stranger Things” heads towards its final showdown with Vecna, it finds itself resetting the clock rather than building on its momentum. The show’s reliance on nostalgia and pastiche, while paying homage to influences like Spielberg and King, has limited its ability to deepen its characters as they age.
In conclusion, “Stranger Things” remains a captivating and nostalgic journey, but its reluctance to evolve beyond its initial archetypes and references may leave some viewers wanting more. As the show comes to a close, it’s clear that going bigger without going deeper can leave a series feeling stretched thin.
