Stranger things Season 5 – What do we think!?

Season 5 of Stranger Things has been long anticipated. It’s the final chapter of one of the most popular TV shows that has ever been published on Netflix. Written and created by the Duffer Brothers, it has successfully combined the best of si-fi horror and 80’s nostalgia. 

We’ll not go into any spoilers (if I am to be honest, we’ve learned nothing new so far) but we’ll outline what we have thought of Stranger Things 5 and whether it has been worth the wait. 

Our Review 

The Narrative

So far, if feels as though very little has happened.

For one of the most anticipated final seasons of the last year, the writing has drawn all of the momentum out of the buildup. It seems as though the writers have been asked to write a final season, with no new ideas; the imagination for 2 episodes stretched to breaking the fabric of reality (and my attention span).

Why do I say this? The first 4 episodes have been slow movement and heavy exposition. Whether that’s explaining some technical details that pay off in a car chase sequence, or emotional exposition building tension that will make you feel the danger the characters are in. The reality was 4 episodes that, for absolutely no reason, characters would break into therapeutic dialogue and cry.

The technique provides the emotional drive behind the characters, but at this point, it all feels a bit like old ground (we already know the characters fairly well) – and it’s depressing. I genuinely rolled over in my seat and exclaimed, “Why is everybody crying!?”. It’s like a si-fi version of an interview with the cast from Wicked. 

Hopper’s little episode of crying in a trench is a standout example of how it broke immersion of the story – it was almost like there was no urgency at all, yet, they are rushing around in the upside-down. 

My feeling is that this is just padding for time and building up what is meant to be a dramatic final emotional battle. If the exposition were about something new, then it would work, but it’s a splurge of emotional disposition from the last 4 seasons, reminding us why we should care, that we could have done without. 

I suspect that I feel this way because it all feels like it’s been done before. Whether it’s other similar IPs (this Season is very Harry Potter) or overdone clichés, nothing about the writing feels fresh. 

Stand-out moments have been the fight in the barn and the subsequent car chase. It was nice to feel like things were picking up, for them to slow down again and end with a fairly disappointing reveal. 

The Visials & Soundtrack

As usual, Stranger Things season 5 delivers in the visual department. It is beautiful, well-designed and works perfectly. It is always a joy to watch the dark, moody atmosphere contrast with the neon colours and sunny veneer of happiness in American suburbia. 

The soundtrack, again, is superb. Whether it’s “Rockin’ Robin,”  by Michael Jackson or “Pretty In Pink,” by The Psychedelic Furr, the vibes are great. 

If there is only one thing Stranger Things should be remembered for, it’s its style and taste in music. 

That outfit. 

Of all the cast members, Millie Bobby Brown is the one who got the most out of Stranger Things. She killed it as little 11, and has gone on to star in a number of successful high-profile, mega-budget, blockbusters. 

If I were to be entirely honest, her acting hasn’t always been great, and in season 5, her acting isn’t great either. It could be her direction, but the moody, stompy, dramatic face she pulls is awkward, and the action scenes look like somebody has plugged a toddler into an action movie. Her character has become just a little bit annoying (yes, even more annoying than Vecna’s grunting and evil humming any time he is on screen). 

The main outrage from online is her outfit. What is 11 she wearing!?

It’s a great point. I have no idea. It was mentioned in our household, and it just doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. Great tracksuit and red shorts – to what end? Not a clue. She’s active and sporty? Going into battle like the sporty love interest of a B 80s rom-com? 

Otherwise, there is a big reveal in the middle of the season nobody wanted – and took us kicking and screaming back to the worst episode for the show on record. 

Overall – 6/10

Overall, 6/10 is where we’d place the show so far. It looks great and is well executed, but another example of where it feels the writing feels tired. The story is slowly limping, swollen with emotional exposition, towards a final battle we all know will be a monster-mash of predictable proportions. 

It feels stale, tired and leaves me altogether bored. 

Let is know what you think in the comments.