‘Stranger Things’ has captivated global audiences for nearly 10 years with its nostalgic charm, escalating story, and engaging characters. The magic of the series created by Matt and Ross Duffer is undeniable—even through its recent faults. Now, the series finale has just landed on Netflix and the story of what happened in Hawkins, Indiana has come to an end… and it’s pretty insane.

The enormous 2-hour finale episode of ‘Stranger Things’ takes little time getting to the action after three prior episodes of set-up, and kicks into gear when the gang arrives at the Upside Down to enact their plan to defeat Vecna. The gang is divided up; mainly from Hopper, Eleven, and Kali attempting to infiltrate Vecna’s mind, while Will, Dustin, Lucas, Mike, Nancy (etc.) are on a quest to free the captured children (including Nancy and Mike’s sister Holly).

Here’s the thing; most fans have speculated and theorized for many days and weeks leading up to the finale, and the Duffers were right: all the theories were wrong. Though most theories turned out to be more intensely provoking than the actual finale, the Duffers managed to craft a compelling first half with rapid pace and action upon action. At some points, you’d be convinced you’re witnessing a lost 80s B-movie—the green screen is evident. There’s just enough happening in-frame to keep distracted.

Somehow, even with all the CGI action set-pieces and elevated stakes, it all feels awkwardly bland. It seems that as the Duffers have propped the series up in scale, the quality has suffered for it (though not to the extent some might have you believe). There is a tremendous amount of love and care that goes into creating these episodes, and it’s something to appreciate, but it’s further proof that if the writing feels cheap, the entire thing becomes forfeit.

On that note, the characters don’t engage with their environment. If they go somewhere new or unknown, there isn’t an immediate sense of danger nor wonder, but instead, going along with the gang as if its a walk through the local Hawkins park. This takes away fear, which then removes stakes. The characters feel near invincible at times, and for a lack of better ways to put it; “plot armor.” Few characters are utilized but never to their full potential, most characters are wasted, and we never really receive a gratifying moment within the action.

Then comes the next half of the episode, which focuses on a lengthy conclusion for the characters we’ve come to know and love throughout the past 10 years. Each of them is going through something unique, while collectively embracing their changing (and aging) lives. This is the section that saves the entire final season from collapse. The interactions between characters feel organic, and at times, it feels like the cameras were rolling continuously for a genuine emotional reaction from the actors — knowing this was their final scene ever in ‘Stranger Things.’ It’s a time for mourning and acceptance, while reminding us (the audience) on how to remain hopeful through challenging times, and not losing a sense of youth—something in which most adults have lost. The themes here are elevated not just by conversation, but by the score softly playing the “Kids” theme we’ve come to know and adore. It’s fittingly rearranged in a piano ballad, which sways us through the final moments of the series. Once the credits roll, what better but David Bowie’s “Heroes” to carry us out after experiencing one last adventure? Then the nostalgia kicks in.

All in all, the Duffers have created something truly special, and the series finale is certainly a tearjerker in its final quarter. The finale is simple, effective where it needs to be, and concludes in a way that will be satisfying for most… and it feels like the only possible conclusion to keep fans on-board.

What a wondrous journey this has been. The Duffers should be applauded for bringing their vision to life over the course of 5 seasons. One thing’s for sure: there will never be another series nor global phenomenon quite like “Stranger Things.”

‘Stranger Things’ finale score: ★★★☆☆

Season score: ★★★☆☆

Entire series score: ★★★★☆

‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 is out now.

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