STRANGER THINGS – SEASON 5 (2025) – A Nostalgic Farewell That Misses Its Mark
Rating: ⭐⭐ 1/2
At long last, the anticipation is over. After more than three years since viewers were left hanging on a nail-biting cliffhanger, Stranger Things returns for its fifth and final season. Season 4’s ominous ending cast a shadow over Hawkins, with the threat of Vecna’s retaliation looming large. When the new season opens, it’s 1987—eighteen months since the events of last season—and the townspeople are living under the watchful gaze of the military. The main characters, ever resourceful, reunite in one last bid to hunt down Vecna, who appears to be biding his time in hibernation. Strange happenings begin to surface, and it soon becomes clear that Vecna is orchestrating his comeback by abducting select children to use as “vessels.”
As a dedicated fan since Stranger Things first captured the world’s imagination in 2016, I was immediately enchanted by the vivid fantasy realm crafted by the Duffer Brothers. The 1980s setting provided the perfect canvas for nostalgia, with countless loving nods to the pop culture of the era—think Spielberg, Lucas, and King. For four seasons, the show managed to sustain both its intrigue and its retro appeal, leaving audiences yearning for a worthy conclusion in Season 5.
Unfortunately, the final chapter falls short of the exceptionally high expectations set by the previous seasons. Season 5 struggles to introduce new and compelling ideas, instead relying heavily on familiar plotlines and themes that have already been thoroughly explored. While the return of beloved characters initially sparks excitement, their roles often feel shoehorned into the narrative, resulting in interactions and developments that lack authenticity and organic growth.
The writing, once lauded for its sharpness and originality under the direction of the Duffer Brothers, seems to lose its edge in this concluding season. Much of the dialogue is formulaic, lacking the creative spark that previously set the series apart. Attempts to break tension with humour are frequent, but these moments often feel forced and misplaced—drawing uncomfortable comparisons to the overused comedic relief found in many Marvel superhero films. As a result, the narrative flow becomes disjointed, undermining the gravity of key moments.
In addition, the season relies on a series of improbable rescues and narrow escapes, with characters seemingly appearing out of nowhere to save the day. These predictable plot devices diminish suspense and make crucial scenes feel less impactful and more contrived. There are also several instances where characters pause to share their inner thoughts and emotions, even in the midst of life-threatening situations. While emotional depth can enhance storytelling, these repeated and poorly timed confessions often come across as artificial rather than genuinely moving.
One particularly cringe worthy sequence that stands out is Will Byers’ coming out scene, which is presented in a prolonged and heavy-handed manner. Instead of offering a nuanced and heartfelt exploration of his journey, the scene feels overly drawn out and lacks the subtlety required to make it truly resonate with viewers. Ultimately, these narrative choices detract from the overall impact of the final season, leaving it feeling more like a rehash of past successes than a fitting conclusion to a beloved series.
One of the show’s longstanding strengths has been its memorable supporting cast, who often step into the spotlight to drive the plot forward. This time, however, the pursuit of giving everyone their moment slows the narrative pace. Characters like Erica, the quick-witted younger sister of Lucas; Mr. Clarke, the steadfast schoolteacher; and Murray, the eccentric PI, all see their roles expanded. The effort to give each a pivotal contribution, usually via a sudden, brilliant solution, ends up diluting the story’s focus and momentum.
Still, there are silver linings. Watching the cast mature over the years evokes a potent nostalgia, and the high production values remain a feast for the senses—visually and sonically, few series can compete. The actors deliver commendable performances despite the shortcomings of the script. Ultimately, Season 5 offers a long-awaited sense of closure for a beloved series, but does so with a whimper rather than a bang. Stranger Things bids farewell not with the explosive energy of its peak, but with a gentle nod to what once made it extraordinary.
