Watching Demogorgons, children riding bikes and listening to 1980s music on my screen has been a constant for the past decade. The long awaited “Stranger Things” finale left me on the edge of my seat — still wanting more.
The seasons became markers in my life. Watching the characters grow up while growing up alongside them made the show feel personal. This season, however, felt different.
Subpar storytelling
After a three-year gap between season 4 and 5, the final installment was a letdown. I expected more suspense, stronger buildup and higher stakes. Instead, many episodes felt like filler, which was disappointing.
The scene that felt unnecessary and honestly made me uncontrollably mad was the scene where Max and Holly were talking for almost five minutes before escaping Vecna’s mind world. They needed to escape at that moment, but rather than running, they decided it was a good time to have a heart-to-heart.
Questionable styling
For the past 10 years, “Stranger Things” has been one of television’s most talked-about series. Each new season created cultural buzz. I still remember hearing “The NeverEnding Story” theme song during season 3 and watching the show spark trends, from slushies to fashion moments. For example, Nancy has big hair and wears denim jackets and cable knit sweaters, while Eleven’s training outfit from season 5 looked like something I could buy at T.J. Maxx.
It feels like the actors felt done with the story, which was seen through interviews. Watching the show, Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal leaned more toward her real-life persona rather than Eleven. It was a mix of acting and the styling choices. I am not saying she needed to shave her head again, but her character lacked the 1980s authenticity. Knowing that an actor is done with the storyline, you make an assumption that they aren’t giving it their all during filming.
I feel like the characters were well aged besides Eleven. Dustin, Mike, Will, Max and Lucas look like they are seniors in high school. Holly wears a toy necklace that helps show her younger age. Again, what builds a character is their styling choices; it can make or break the illusion of a character’s age.
Character deaths
The Duffer Brothers created high expectations during promotion for the final season. There were supposed to be five major deaths, but only two significant ones occurred: Vecna and Eleven’s sister Kali. As wrong as it feels to say it, I wish more main characters died. I was expecting a devastating loss.
Kali’s death was surprising, particularly because it seemed like she might become the villain and join Vecna. That plot twist could have added the tension the show needed.
Lack of surprise
A PLOT TWIST is exactly what the show needed. The previous seasons delivered multiple plot twists, but this one felt dull. I spent the whole season waiting for a major turn that never came.
Why did everyone need a happy ending? It felt unrealistic that all the characters had a happy ending. It is difficult to believe Eleven is truly dead. Throughout the season, she struggled due to the army’s sound-based weapons, yet those limitations disappeared in the final episode. Either she survived, or the inconsistency was overlooked. Even if she did die, why did she also need a happy ending?
The conformity gate and Jan. 7 theory shows how fans were waiting for more. As much as I knew we were not getting another episode, I hoped it was true.
I wanted a clear death rather than allowing the fans to create their own ending. I think she is still alive because they gave everyone else a happy ending, so assuming they would do the same for her. While the closure was necessary, the finale lacked the jaw-dropping moment the series deserved.
Some fans have talked about a reboot. A reboot never does the original show justice, and I think it’s best to put the camera down and let it be the end of an era.
“Stranger Things” will always hold a special place in my heart, but only through its fourth season. For now, the final chapter falls short of the legacy the Duffer Brothers built.
