Stranger Things Season 5, Part 1: A Review
Have you been a fan of Stranger Things since its release—the death of beloved Alexie or the TikTok reign of Eddie? On November 26, Netflix released the long-awaited part 1 of season 5, and faith has been restored. As a long-time fan, I was impressed. Let’s take a look at how the season unfolds.
The Duffer Brothers take us into the Upside Down with a multi-part season. The episodes range from an hour to an hour and a half, though the final episode is said to be two hours long.
There has been noticeable character development throughout the the fifth season, and we are drawn into the lives of the characters, indulging more of their personal thoughts and feelings. Robin and Will become closer, leaving the conspiracy side of TikTok speechless.
The first episode kicks off the season with a flashback, revisiting Will’s first encounter with Vecna. Unfortunately for Holly Wheeler (sister of Mike), she was the first one to be targeted by Vecna in the present, receiving a not-so-pleasant visit from a demogorgan. You may have left the last season wondering what happened to Max. While still in a coma, Max is evidently still entangled in Vecna’s psyche—Holly finds her there after being kidnapped and trapped there herself.
The story really picks up in the third episode with an unfolding series of events as we are introduced to Delightful Derek Turnbow. We are reintroduced to one of the best characters of the franchise, Erica, who assists in a plot to unfold Vecna’s plans.
The first part ends with Will taking control of a newfound gift, defeating three demogorgans in the same way that Vecna is known to kill his victims—telekinetically lifting them into the air and snapping them in several places—to protect his friends.
The second part of the season will be released on Christmas Day, and the finale will be released on New Year’s Day.
