After a long wait, Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 has arrived on Netflix, and the first reviews are offering a glimpse into whether the final season delivers a satisfying conclusion or leaves viewers with more questions than answers. The initial four episodes of the season are now available, with the remaining episodes to be released in two parts on December 25 and December 31.
The Duffer brothers, creators of the series, have stated that Season 5 aims to bring the story "full circle," addressing key questions raised since Season 1. These include the true nature of the Upside Down and the reason for Will Byers' initial abduction. Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, has teased that the season will tie up loose ends and answer long-awaited questions.
Set in the fall of 1987, approximately a year and a half after the events of Season 4, Hawkins is now a town scarred by the opening of the Rifts and under military quarantine. The core group is reunited, driven by the singular goal of finding and defeating Vecna. However, Vecna's location and plans remain unknown, complicating their mission. Eleven continues training to hone her powers in preparation for the ultimate showdown.
Critics are giving mixed, but generally positive, reviews. Many praise the season's fresh yet nostalgic storytelling and satisfying buildup. IGN notes that after a clunky, exposition-heavy first episode, the show quickly finds its groove, delivering a welcome return to Hawkins and its characters. Screen Rant commends the Duffer Brothers for taking risks instead of playing it safe as the series nears its end.
However, some reviews point out issues. The large scope of Stranger Things, with its added world-building and lore, makes the split narratives feel convoluted. The long episode runtimes can also be a drawback, with enticing moments not revisited for extended periods as the story shifts between groups. Some critics also note an over-reliance on expository dialogue and 80s nostalgia.
Several plotlines demand closure in this final season. Will's connection to the Upside Down remains a central mystery. Max's fate after becoming a victim of Vecna's curse also needs to be addressed. The return of Kali (Eight) and her role in the fight for Hawkins is another storyline to watch.
One of the biggest surprises in Volume 1 is the reveal that Will can replicate Vecna's powers. After displaying this ability, Will wipes blood from his nose, which is a common side effect of power exertion, as seen with Eleven.
As the final season unfolds, fans are actively theorizing about potential deaths and how the villains might be defeated. The stakes are high, and the darkness the characters face is more powerful and deadly than anything they've encountered before. To end the nightmare, the full party will need to stand together one last time.
