Stranger Things (Netflix)

Season 5 - Volume 2 & Finale 

By: Dave Hughes

There is something profound about the magic and wonder of childhood, and at its core, that remains the primary focus of Stranger Things. From the beginning, the series has centered on a group of kids bonding over games of Dungeons and Dragons. Across five seasons,  characters have matured through a fusion of science fiction and horror, their shared trauma drawing them closer as they navigate identity and self-discovery. As the landmark Netflix series reaches its conclusion, it never loses sight of its central message or the emotional connection these characters share with the audience. Even when the narrative strays, it ultimately returns to the universal experience of growing up.

In the second volume and series finale, the characters move toward a climactic confrontation with Vecna and the Mind Flayer. Their bond, forged through the events of the series, remains the emotional backbone of the story. While the ensemble cast is expansive, Noah Schnapp’s portrayal of Will Byers stands out as the definitive highlight. Will reclaims his role as the narrative anchor, at times even eclipsing Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven in emotional resonance. Schnapp delivers a more self-assured and mature version of Will, positioning him as a catalyst for the events that unfold. Given that Will was the emotional center of season one, this return feels both earned and essential.

There is no denying that Stranger Things has grown into a global cultural phenomenon. One drawback of that success is the increasing intrusion of corporate interests into the narrative. This influence becomes particularly noticeable in the latter half of the season, where product placement feels overt and occasionally inorganic. At times, dialogue strains to accommodate these partnerships, briefly disrupting the immersion of the 1980s setting. While corporate involvement is inevitable, it becomes distracting as the series accelerates toward its conclusion. Fortunately, this intrusion is somewhat diminished by the finale.

Given its immense cultural footprint, the Stranger Things finale was always destined for intense scrutiny. Series like Lost (2005) and Game of Thrones (2016) remain defined by controversial conclusions despite their earlier achievements. Here, the creators choose to prioritize emotional closure, devoting meaningful time to saying goodbye to the ensemble. The show has always succeeded because of its characters, and the decision to offer definitive resolutions reflects that strength, even if some plot threads are resolved too neatly. While not all viewers will embrace the convenience of these outcomes, the emphasis on character ultimately honors what made the series resonate.

The finale also reclaims the show’s musical identity with several standout needle drops that will likely dominate playlists for years to come. Since its early use of The Clash, Stranger Things has relied on music to heighten emotional impact. While much of the final season felt lighter on these moments, the finale compensates with precision and intent. These selections do more than evoke nostalgia, they punctuate key emotional beats and reinforce the show’s enduring connection to its audience.

Target Score 8/10: Stranger Things lands the plane by delivering the heart of what made it a cultural phenomenon. Despite occasional narrative detours and intrusive product placement, the series remains grounded in its origins and stands as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring power of childhood.