‘Stranger Things’ returns for its fifth and final season, three-and-a-half years after a fourth run that already felt like a curtain call. That season closed the book on childhood: the bikes, the basements, the bubblegum-fuelled battle plans. The kids are grown up, learned their lessons, tamed their inner demons—but Vecna still lurks in the shadows and our protagonists know it.

As mentioned; the kids now return as adults (the actors, not the characters), and that could be a problem for some, especially when the series’ original charm depended on 12-year-olds out-pedalling wacky cosmic horror and ignoring dinner because being brave enough to save Hawkins comes first.

Season 5’s first four episodes (three more drop at Christmas, plus a final-final one at New Year) solve this age dilemma by shrinking the entire ‘Stranger Things’ universe. We almost never leave Hawkins—only the Upside Down version of it, or Vecna’s mind prison of traumatic memories. Considering how season 4 ended, you’d be wondering how everyone would deal with Hawkins being practically split in half… and well, it sort of gets brushed over. Suddenly the colossal chasms created by the Upside Down in the real world are sealed with kids sliding down its new metal covers as if nothing ever happened. Meanwhile, the town itself is practically absent. No teachers or skeptical parents—not even crowds demanding answers as to why a government lab and an army of armed guards quarantines the town. As per the reason: an Earthquake. I guess its a pass because… small town?

Meanwhile, our main gang plots a last-ditch plan to destroy Vecna once and for all. Jobs, homework, dating? No such time. Hawkins is in apocalypse mode, with zero time for the classic suburban ‘Stranger Things’ magic we’re used to seeing. After all, characters get older and the show needs to evolve. And it does.

The characters themselves feel fossilized into their essential traits: Dustin is still the smartest yet boldest one in the room; Robin is still the caffeinated motormouth of reason; Eleven remains the brooding telekinetic weapon; Mike still radiates earnest, nerdy devotion; Lucas and Jonathan maintain their status as guys who are just there to help; Nancy uses her journalistic skills to help craft up plans; Will is still troubled by his past, present, and future; Joyce and Hopper bring grown-up energy and a “we’ve-seen-too-much” weariness that’s oddly appropriate; and Steve, of course, is the douchey-good-intentioned-know-it-all (or so he thinks).

Structurally, it’s less a TV season and more a five-hour action-comedy-horror mega-movie spread across episodes. The first chapter sets the rhythm while the fourth goes full CGI blockbuster with insane shootouts and Michael Bay-esc explosions. All of it ends with a satisfying final scene that’ll make even non-die-hards leap off their seats.

As always, the Duffers sprinkle references like confetti. You’ll catch nods to ‘Home Alone,’ ‘The Great Escape,’ ‘Back to the Future,’ and surprisingly ‘Little Red Riding Hood.’ But the creators are well aware of ‘Stranger Things’’ global phenomenon status for the past 9 years. The series has accrued its own cinematic grammar—enough that it can remix its own legacy and still feel fresh.

And despite all the monster-chasing and nostalgia, the show still finds room for character arcs that matter. More importantly, the season pivots around Will. Once Vecna’s very first victim and long trapped in the role of traumatized bystander, he finally becomes the series’ emotional center. His quiet journey—closely tied to his identity, and long-buried fears—gets treated with a level of care and nuance that’s rare for a show built on boomboxes, bikes, D&D, portals, and pulsing synths.

In the end, season 5 feels like the show gently acknowledging its legacy while being more than ready to say that final goodbye. Season 5 is earned, and the showrunners have handled their passion project with grace and care.

Our score: ★★★★☆

‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 is out now.

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