After nearly 10 years of Dungeons and Dragons, demogorgons, and government experiments, the fifth and final season of Stranger Things is out.
The first four episodes of the fifth season of Stranger Things were released on Wednesday, November 26 at 8 p.m.. Season five takes place over a year after the end of season four, when Hawkins finally fell victim to the Upside Down.
The season opens with Max still in a coma, with all of the gates closed over and the military quarantining Hawkins citizens in town while trying to investigate what truly happened with the Upside Down. Robin is running her own radio station, with Steve helping, and the kids are still going to school.
I thought the strongest thing about the newest season was the characterization. Watching the characters — especially the kids — grow over time is wild, and Will and Mike especially have really come into their own this season. Mike is becoming more like Nancy every season, and it was really nice seeing him step up as a leader. I loved seeing Will happy overall. His relationship with Robin this season was also great to see.
I would be remiss to talk about good characters without mentioning the two new main characters we see: Derek and Holly. Derek is a great comedic character — he really does embody a nine-year-old boy: immature, rude, obnoxious? Yes, but he’s also hilarious. Holly isn’t new this season, but the focus on her increased a lot and I loved seeing her character. Her bond with Mike was great, but I also thought as a whole her character was very realistic as a 9-year-old girl. She has her head up in the clouds, but she got down to business when she needed to.
The plot was also quality this season. The show jumped straight into the action, and the overall plot was very easy to follow, and interesting — I was always ready to click ‘watch next episode.’ I also appreciate that all of the characters are all in the same place, working towards a common goal. Last season became difficult keeping everything straight between the different plotlines in Russia, California, Utah, and Hawkins.
Another highlight for me was the soundtrack this season. As the show grew in popularity, it was able to get more popular music, like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” last season, but I really loved the picks this season. Diana Ross’s “Upside Down” made a big cameo, which was a great choice for the show, and Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” made it in, which was also a good pick for a typical young girl’s favorite song in that era.
Overall, these four episodes kept me on the edge of my seat, and I’m excited to see how the rest of the season pans out. I will be in the theater for a midnight premiere of the finale!
