# Stranger Things 5 Finale - A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT! - Angry Review Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74g4QNWCs-s Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/74g4QNWCs-s Generated: 2026-01-02T19:05:31.827+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The reviewers ultimately gave the Stranger Things Season 5 finale a 6/10, citing that while it was servicable and had good moments, it felt rushed, especially concerning character arcs like Eleven's, and the writers made narrative choices—like Vecna being alive and the military acting cartoonishly—that detracted from the overall experience, leading to disappointment despite the massive budget and time invested in the series. **Key Points:** - The final verdict for the Stranger Things Season 5 finale was a 6/10, considered average by the reviewers. - The main criticism centered on the pacing, with the finale feeling rushed, particularly in resolving character arcs like Eleven's. - Reviewers felt the writers made questionable choices, such as Vecna surviving and the military's portrayal seeming cartoonish. - The finale failed to deliver a truly satisfying conclusion, especially compared to the massive budget and nine years of character investment. - A specific plot point criticized was the lack of tension when Eleven's powers were seemingly removed, as she was still able to project across vast distances. - The reviewers noted that while the show is ending, they anticipate a spin-off series focusing on the younger characters, which they hope will be better. - A positive aspect mentioned was the satisfying conclusion for characters like Hopper, despite overall narrative shortcomings. ![Screenshot at 04:04: The main reviewer expresses strong disappointment with the finale, using animated hand gestures while discussing the narrative choices made by the writers.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/74g4QNWCs-s/00-04-04.jpg) **Context:** This video is a reaction and review of the finale episode of Stranger Things Season 5 by three content creators, two of whom are visible in the main reaction panel (Angry Joe and another co-host, with a third visible briefly). They discuss their overall feelings about the conclusion of the series, focusing heavily on perceived narrative flaws, pacing issues, and character resolutions, contrasting it with previous seasons and other major franchises like Game of Thrones. ## Detailed Analysis The review concludes that the Stranger Things Season 5 finale earned a 6/10, which the reviewers deemed an average score. The primary issue was the pacing; the finale felt rushed, especially regarding character resolutions. The reviewer expressed disappointment considering the massive budget and nine years spent developing the characters. Specific criticisms included the writers' handling of Vecna's survival and the military's portrayal, which one host called 'cartoonish.' The final battle resolution, where the Upside Down was seemingly closed, was considered by one host to be less compelling than desired, particularly because of how easily the characters seemed to overcome the threat compared to previous seasons. They also pointed out continuity issues, such as Eleven's powers being seemingly negated only to be used effectively later, and the military's poor tactical response. Despite the flaws, the episode had some strong emotional moments, like Mike's arc and the final moments for characters like Hopper. The reviewers also mentioned that the final episode was quite long (2 hours and 45 minutes) and that the writers seemed to be trying too hard to force twists that didn't land well. They ended by giving the entire fifth season a collective rating of 5/10, concluding that while the overall series is loved, this final season did not stick the landing. ### Overall Verdict - The finale received a 6/10 overall rating, considered average - It was criticized for feeling rushed, especially the ending and character resolutions - The primary disagreement was over whether Eleven's survival and Mike's storyline were satisfying. ### Criticisms of Narrative Choices - The writers were accused of 'cowardly cop-outs' and 'sequel baiting' by not killing key characters like Eleven or Hopper - The military's portrayal was deemed cartoonish and illogical, failing to pose a real threat to the main characters. ### Character Arcs & Emotional Moments - The reviewer felt Mike's arc was the strongest, showing his growth, but was disappointed that Eleven's power-down felt unearned - The reviewers enjoyed the emotional payoff of certain character pairings and resolutions, despite the overall flaws. ### Production & Pacing - The finale's excessive length (2 hours 45 minutes) contributed to pacing issues, with some parts feeling rushed and others unnecessarily slow - The visual effects for the final battle, particularly the massive creature, were praised as looking cool, but the action felt anticlimactic. ### Future of the Franchise - The reviewers expressed hope for the announced spin-off series focusing on the younger characters, believing it has potential if the writers avoid the mistakes made in the finale. ![Screenshot at 00:04: The 'Streaming Turbo' title screen fades as 'The Angry Joe Show - Streaming Reviews' title card appears with 80s retro aesthetic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/74g4QNWCs-s/00-00-04.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:11: The three reviewers \(left to right: a man with tattoos, a man in a grey shirt, and Angry Joe\) are seated in front of a dark, blue-toned forest background, reviewing the episode.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/74g4QNWCs-s/00-00-11.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:40: A rapidly moving black screen with the word 'ONE' in red neon lights, indicating the start of a major section or episode.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/74g4QNWCs-s/00-00-40.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:55: A split-screen montage showing various intense moments from the finale, including characters running from explosions and a close-up of Eleven.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/74g4QNWCs-s/00-01-55.jpg) ![Screenshot at 04:09: A meme overlay appears showing the Squidward comparison to Eleven's reaction to Vecna destroying Earth, eliciting laughter from the hosts.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/74g4QNWCs-s/00-04-09.jpg)