Critic Rating: 10/10
What started as a small town mystery in Hawkins, Indiana, has now grown into a scheme far greater than anyone could’ve imagined. After nearly a decade, Stranger Things, written and produced by The Duffer Brothers, is coming to a close. Just when we thought we’d seen it all, from Demogorgons and summer jobs in ice cream shops to secret Russian spies, there’s more left to experience. With the first part of the final season released, fans are more excited than ever for what’s to come next.
For a quick recap of events, at the end of Season 4, our heroes are able to temporarily stop Vecna, but the Upside Down begins to merge with Hawkins, creating a massive rift within the town. Max is left in a coma due to Vecna’s onslaught, Eddie Munson sacrificed himself for the sake of Hawkins and the world, and Hopper is able to reunite with Joyce. The final scene of Season 4 showcases the main group reunited within Hawkins, witnessing the world turn gray as the invasion begins.
However, this gloomy ending to Season 4 is abruptly contrasted with a cheerful beginning to Season 5 as radio host Robin speaks nonchalantly to the people of Hawkins about the recent events that have transpired. Even the gaping fissure in the middle of Hawkins seems to have become a tourist attraction rather than a warning. Nonetheless, the military’s advancements in learning more about the Upside Down continue. It’s described that an American military base has even been set up in the Upside Down to track updates within the strange environment and combat the dangerous creatures residing within it.
Yet, besides this, there are even greater plot twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. As the final season progresses, we’ve learned that Will is able to channel the power of the Upside Down and gain sorcerous abilities himself. Whereas, in the Upside Down, a familiar face resurfaces: Eleven’s sister, Kali, also known as Number 8, who was a prominent figure in Season Two’s episode “The Lost Sister.” Kali’s reintroduction may showcase Eleven’s further acknowledgment of her character and solidify her individuality and sense of self, something separate from her relationship with Mike. Kali and Eleven’s dynamic also further reinforces the importance of family and having people who understand, so much so that you’d be willing to do anything for them. Even if it means venturing into the most dangerous territory of an unknown dimension.
Still, Will’s new abilities and Kali’s reintroduction aren’t the only big surprises prepared for the audience by The Duffer Brothers. Vecna, played by Jamie Bower, works silently within Hawkins as he abducts innocent children to further his plans. This is also why Mike and Nancy’s family, The Wheelers, are nearly wiped out by a Demogorgon. Fortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler remain alive, although by an inch of their lives, thanks to Mrs. Wheeler’s brave actions in brutally attacking an interdimensional species with a broken wine bottle. However, poor Holly Wheeler is still kidnapped by Venca and remains in the twisted clutches of the Upside Down.
Alongside unique plot twists, the final season has introduced endearing new characters such as “Delightful Derek,” who, although a middle schooler given only the briefest of rundowns about the Upside Down, was glad to be on board, even becoming a crucial teammate in the battle against Vecna.
As always, the release of the first four episodes of the new season has resulted in fans speculating and theorizing about what’s to be revealed next. A popular theory amongst many is that Eleven was the one who caused Will’s kidnapping by the Demogorgon in Season 1, Episode 1, by opening the door to the Byer’s house with her mental abilities. Others speculate that the series will end with the entire show and its events being a Dragons and Dungeons game that the main protagonists were playing in Mike’s basement.
Regardless, Stranger Things continues to do an excellent job of maintaining its nostalgic ‘80s vibe with its throwback songs. One of which has become immensely popular on social media recently: “Upside Down” by Diana Ross, a perfect choice for the final season. The witty and lovesick charm of the song, combined with the thrilling and mysterious vibe of the season, creates a rich juxtaposition that makes viewers unable to help but be invested in the series and its upcoming events. So, look forward to the next part of the final season, which will be released on Christmas Day, and the series finale on New Year’s Eve. There’s no better way to end the year than by turning your world Upside Down one last time.
