Stranger Things 5 - Angry Review

Quick Overview

The reviewers generally enjoyed Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 (the first four episodes), rating it a 7/10 and an 8/10 respectively, despite significant criticisms regarding plot bloat, regression of established character arcs like the Nancy/Steve/Jonathan love triangle, and a perceived lack of stakes, concluding that Will has finally been given a meaningful purpose.

Key Points: One reviewer gave the first four episodes a 7 out of 10, noting that while they are entertained, many established plot points are being rehashed, requiring the writers to chip away at the bloat to reach the main conclusion. The second reviewer rated Volume 1 an 8 out of 10, stating they are more lenient because the writers are now implementing a plan after years of development, and they appreciate the D&D parallel where characters like Will are taking on new roles like a potential hero. Reviewers criticized the forced drama, specifically the ongoing love triangle involving Nancy, Steve, and Jonathan, stating, "We don't care. We cared maybe in, I don't know, season one or two, but not anymore. We're in five." A major complaint is that the Upside Down no longer feels like a threat, as characters walk around casually, and the military is portrayed as incompetent buffoons, leading to a systematic shift to a Marvel-style superpower fight. Will is cited as the character receiving the best development in this volume, finally gaining agency and purpose, moving past being on autopilot, with Robin providing key advice. The pacing feels simultaneously rushed towards the conclusion while taking too long to resolve existing issues, exemplified by the immediate return to normal life after the world opens up to hell in the first scene, where soldiers are ineffective against Demogorgons. The reviewers expressed discomfort with the heavy implication of queer themes involving Will and Vecna in the first episode, feeling the storyline involving Will's unrequited love for Mike felt forced and unnatural, rather than organically part of the long-term plan.