Stranger Things released its first of three parts to the season finale. This review will delve deep into the specifics of the episodes, expanding on the story, the editing, the character development, and the ending/future of the show.
First is the story, which ties in perfectly with the previous season, in which the group continues to pursue Vecna after the military puts Hawkins on lock-down due to the damage dealt to the town after the season 4 finale. The story has a lot of suspense at certain parts, with great use of irony to give the viewers a sense of dread or anticipation with certain parts like the characters not knowing something the viewer knows. It definitely keeps viewers entertained and interested the entire time, and makes people ready for the next parts of the season.
Next is the editing done, which was good at best. At certain points, the transitions were phenomenal and the editing was great, but the CGI took a big hit during the transition through seasons 1-4 and season 5. In seasons 1-3, they kept the Upside Down entities (The Mind Flayer, Demo-Dogs, Demogorgons.) in dark areas, shadowing them and keeping them scary or menacing. In season 4 they strayed away from this, and season 5 they became less scary and more lethal. One thing they did do better was the injuries inflicted, they looked very real compared to other seasons, and was definitely one of the most gruesome seasons as a result.
The character development of the show wasn’t too major, as we don’t have enough episodes in this part to really say much, but enough that it can be mentioned. Steve and Jonathan seem to have growing tensions over attention from Nancy, and Nancy feels more on-edge throughout these episodes, acting serious and not straying off of the main goal compared to the other seasons. After the events of season 4, Dustin is changed a lot, specifically in his focus on keeping Hellfire alive despite its bad reputation, and he acts a lot bolder and less of the off-to-the-side hiding type. Last but not least, Will and Robin seem to grow a relationship due to their LGBT familiarity, with Robin being a sort of teacher to Will about feelings and love, growing a stronger bond between the two and could lead to future events in the other two parts.
Finally are the predictions based on the ending of this part. Will is approached by Vecna and told he was the first and favorite of the children he’s taken before throwing him to the ground. Then the Demogorgons specifically target Mike, Robin, and Lucas, three people Will has grown a bond with. It flashes back to a quote Robin had told him earlier in the season with pictures of his past moments before Will takes control of the demogorgons hunting the three and breaking their bones? before throwing their bodies to the ground, exactly like Vecna. This brings interesting ideas as Will theoretically could control the entirety of the upside down and therefore Vecna possibly. The wall —that had been a big issue during this part— in the upside down could also be destroyed with the power Will has. Next, Vecna has every kid he needs for his plan, which means he could enact this plan and possibly destroy Hawkins, which leads to possible future parts where the main cast of good characters try to stop Vecna. The military was also holding Eight, one of the kids tested on with Eleven, which means she could help the main characters try to stop Vecna.
Overall, the first part of this season was great, and I would definitely recommend watching. I’d personally give it a 9/10 but at the end of the day this is just a review and your rating is up to you.
