The first half of Stranger Things’ final season has finally arrived, and fans are buzzing. Some critics have praised it, while others feel it might be losing its charm.
Reviewers have mixed feelings. Ed Potton from The Times called the new episodes “richly entertaining stuff with proper jeopardy and bags of emotion.” Over at The Guardian, Jack Seale echoed similar sentiments, saying viewers would likely be standing on their chairs cheering. But not everyone agrees. Kelly Lawler from USA Today described it as “seesawing between thrilling and annoying,” while Sophie Gilbert from The Atlantic felt it was mostly “joyless and grim.”
The new episodes dropped on a Wednesday, causing Netflix to briefly crash as eager fans flooded in. By Thursday morning, many fans were awake early, like 25-year-old Eve Edmunds, who said she couldn’t take her eyes off the screen. Despite the wait, she found the episodes “incredible.”
People are noticing how the show balances nostalgia with evolving storylines. Vicky Jessop from The Standard appreciated the classic 80s adventure vibe, praising the humor and heart. The Times added that while it didn’t reinvent the wheel, there was no reason to want that.
The anticipation for the final episodes is high, with three more set for a Christmas release and the finale arriving at the New Year. As the plot unfolds, the group of friends from Hawkins, Indiana, faces their biggest threats yet, notably the evil Vecna.
However, there are concerns about the characters growing up and whether the show can keep pace. Critics have pointed out that the older characters might leave the show’s essence behind. Alison Herman from Variety noted that as the characters age, the show remains somewhat static, which could limit its charm.
Fans and critics alike are excited for the grand finale but are cautious about how it will all conclude. The show currently holds an 86% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, but sentiments are divided. Some argue that the series might benefit from allowing its characters to evolve and exit their childhood roles.
In conclusion, while the new season remains engaging for many, the challenge will be balancing nostalgia with meaningful character development as it approaches its end.
For more details on the upcoming episodes and latest updates, check out The Times and USA Today.
