Stranger Things fans, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost complete! Netflix’s blockbuster sci-fi horror series has dropped Volume 1 of its fifth and final season back in November, and with Volume 2 coming on Christmas Day (December 25) and the massive series finale on New Year’s Eve (December 31), the hype is at an all-time high. As of now, we’ve binged the first four episodes, and wow – this season is delivering an emotional, action-packed goodbye to Hawkins and our favorite characters.
Quick Recap: Where We Left Off
Season 5 picks up in fall 1987, right after the devastating events of Season 4. Hawkins is torn apart by massive rifts from the Upside Down, Vecna is stronger than ever, and our heroes – Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Will (Noah Schnapp), and the whole gang – are scattered but determined to end this nightmare once and for all.
The Duffer Brothers promised big reveals, and Volume 1 doesn’t disappoint. A shocking twist involving Will Byers (yes, it all comes back to him!) flips everything we thought we knew about the Upside Down. Powers, connections to Vecna – it’s mind-blowing!
What Works Brilliantly in Season 5 So Far
- Nostalgia Overload: The ’80s vibes are stronger than ever – synth soundtrack, bike chases, D&D references. It’s a love letter to the early seasons.
- Character Arcs: Everyone gets their moment. Eleven’s power struggles are intense, Hopper (David Harbour) is back in full dad-mode, and the older teens like Steve (Joe Keery) and Nancy (Natalia Dyer) bring the heart.
- Horror & Action: The Upside Down invasions are terrifying and visually stunning. Demogorgons, Mind Flayer tendrils – the VFX team went all out!
Minor Gripes (Spoiler-Free)
Some pacing feels rushed in building to the mid-season cliffhanger, and a few side plots could use more time. But overall, it’s epic – reportedly the most expensive season yet, and it shows!
Rating So Far: 9.5/10 – This is Stranger Things at its peak. Emotional, scary, and full of twists. Can’t wait for Volume 2 and the 2-hour+ finale!