On New Year’s Eve, “Stranger Things” wrapped up after five seasons. What began with a group of kids facing monsters ended with a two-and-a-half-hour finale that some fans loved and others were left wanting more.
Strong Points
The final battle was a highlight. The heroes faced Vecna, a formidable foe tied to the Mind Flayer. This moment brought back the intense action that fans expect. Eleven fought Vecna, while her friends armed themselves with flamethrowers and guns. Scenes with characters like Nancy wielding big firearms drew strong parallels to iconic action moments from the ’80s, evoking films like “Alien.”
Another touching moment was the Dungeons & Dragons game. It harkened back to the show’s roots, highlighting how far the characters have come and how much their friendships mean, even without a world-ending threat.
Weaknesses
However, not everything flowed smoothly. Some scenes felt too drawn out and drawn back on prior struggles. Monologues from Hopper and Eleven about sacrifice seemed repetitive. Instead of moving the action forward, they slowed things down, drawing attention away from the impending battle.
The show’s attempt to introduce Linda Hamilton’s character, Dr. Kay, fell flat. Her storyline ended with too many unanswered questions. Instead of closure, viewers were left confused, questioning why she would let the heroes go after everything that had transpired.
Final Takeaways
The ending raised eyebrows, leaving viewers uncertain about Eleven’s fate. Was she dead? Off exploring new places? The ambiguity felt more like a cop-out than an intriguing twist. Effective endings often offer clarity, allowing the audience to find satisfaction in the resolution.
In a world where shows are often praised for their complexities, a grand finale should provide not just spectacle but also emotional closure. “Stranger Things” successfully captured its audience’s hearts over the years; however, it appears that the finale may not have hit the mark for everyone.
If you want an interesting deep dive into audience reactions, social media has been buzzing with mixed reviews and discussions on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Fans continue to dissect every moment, showing just how much this show meant over the years.
For more about “Stranger Things,” you can visit NPR’s coverage.
