By: Maya McComb
If you have not watched Season 5 yet, I recommend that you proceed with caution because there will be spoilers.
If you asked someone to hang out on November 26, they would most likely say no. Why? Because that was the long-awaited release date of “Stranger Things” Season 5, Volume 1. Since its debut almost 10 years ago, viewers have been captivated by the mysteries behind the town of Hawkins, Indiana.
The introduction of Eleven, Hawkins Lab, and the Demogorgon in Season 1 was only the beginning of the complex world that shadows the “sleepy” American town. With each season, we learn more about the Upside Down, all building toward the heart of the chaos: Vecna and the Mind Flayer.
The plot of the series is exceptional and well thought out, but it is the characters and their relationships that compel viewers to keep watching. Ahead of the release of Volume 1, fans were already spiraling with conspiracies about who would survive and who would not.
From the little middle-school kids in the AV Club to young adults saving the town, the character development has, for the most part, hit the mark.
Eleven remains one of the most undeveloped characters in the series. Much of her storyline focuses on her powers, which is understandable. She begins the story having been confined to a lab for most of her life, which has resulted in a lack of social skills. Yet I hoped that with age, she would contribute more substantive monologues because she is such an influential character.
Photo Courtesy of Netflix
Dustin, a fan favorite known for his bubbly personality, has lost some of his spark after Eddie’s death in Season 4, and it is noticeable in Season 5. The iconic Dustin-and-Steve bromance also takes a hit, a direct consequence of Dustin’s behavior. In my view, this illustrates how heavily the characters are being affected by the toll of Vecna and the Upside Down. The lovable, laughable banter of earlier seasons is not entirely gone, but now carries a more ominous tone that coats every conversation.
Even as viewers, it is difficult to fully enjoy these moments because we know danger is always looming.
Now, let’s talk about Will Byers, also known as Zombie Boy. Poor Will has always gotten the rough end of the deal. Despite his connection to the Upside Down, he was always just a host—powerless and forced only to suffer the effects of his link.
This all changed dramatically at the end of Volume 1 when Will used his connection to the Mind Flayer to tap into Vecna’s power and ultimately use it to save his friends. Will’s newfound powers sparked an immediate wave of excitement amongst fans, as they completely lost their minds. His now-iconic scene took social media by storm and instantly became the moment everyone was talking about. It felt like a long-overdue victory for a character who has endured so much.
As the series finale approaches, the Duffer Brothers are tying up loose ends from previous seasons. This includes the return of Kali (008), whom El encountered during her quest for Vecna in the Upside Down. Kali’s return is something I look forward to because her appearance in Season 2 did not do her character justice. She had significant potential, but her storyline felt rushed, and the episode involving the other criminals unfortunately damaged her character.
Even with its darker themes, the show still incorporates several romance-driven subplots. Let’s break them down.
Byler
Mike and Eleven have been the “it” couple since the moment they first locked eyes. But love does not always last, and many fans are speculating that Mike and Will may be developing something deeper than friendship. Will’s feelings have been evident since Season 4, and perhaps Season 5 will finally bring them together. Some fans do not believe this, but I—and many others—am definitely shipping Byler.
Jonathan vs. Steve
Nancy is a strong female protagonist who consistently takes charge and refuses to stop until she uncovers the truth, which makes her an inspiring character. Steve and Jonathan see this too, and they know she is one of a kind. If you have watched the show, you already understand the history behind their relationships. Currently, Nancy and Jonathan are in a rocky place, largely because Jonathan is not doing well himself. He even believes he can fix their relationship by proposing. Yes, you read that correctly. Viewers are eager to see how this storyline will unfold.
Overall, Season 5 has unquestionably lived up to the expectations and anticipation.
Volume 2 will be released on December 25, followed by the finale on December 31.
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