# Stranger Things 5 - Angry Review Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfkGJ_QJmD8 Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/KfkGJ_QJmD8 Generated: 2025-12-02T03:07:19.843+00:00 --- ## 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. **Context:** This video features a review of the first four episodes (Volume 1) of Stranger Things Season 5, which follows the core group of characters after a significant time jump since Season 4, with the actors visibly older, leading to concerns about believability, such as Steve being 33 years old. The discussion centers on whether the final season is successfully navigating the massive scope it has built up over ten years, especially concerning character resolutions and the nature of the escalating conflict with Vecna, whom they feel is being retroactively justified. ## Detailed Analysis The review of Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1, yielded mixed but ultimately positive initial reactions, with ratings landing at 7/10 and 8/10. Critics argue the season suffers from bloat due to introducing too many characters and rehashing old conflicts, particularly the Nancy/Steve/Jonathan dynamic, which they feel should have been resolved seasons ago. The escalation has turned the show into a 'Marvel' spectacle, diminishing the small-scale intrigue of Season 1, with the Upside Down losing its threatening atmosphere. Specific narrative issues included the military being written as incompetent and the forced inclusion of Will's unrequited love for Mike, which one reviewer found uncomfortable and unnatural to inject so late in the series. Conversely, positive aspects noted were Will finally receiving meaningful character development and agency, Dustin maturing following Eddie's death, and the overarching mystery surrounding Vecna's motivations. However, both reviewers expressed concern that the show lacks a cohesive 10-year plan, resulting in characters regressing or spinning their wheels unnecessarily before the final confrontation, though they remain invested enough to look forward to Volume 2. ### Initial Reception and Pacing - The first episode caused mixed feelings, feeling like a parody, but the overall volume picked up, entertaining the reviewers who are eager for the resolution - The show is now on an accelerated track towards the finale, yet still feels like it is taking too long to wrap up loose ends. ### Character Arc Regression vs. Progress - Steve and Jonathan's forced fighting over Nancy is criticized as repetitive, with reviewers stating, "WE DON'T CARE" about that dynamic anymore - Hopper, Will, and Eleven are identified as the few characters showing positive progression, especially Will gaining a purpose as a potential hero. ### Narrative Scale and Stakes - The show has become overly cinematic and fantastical, abandoning the small-scale mystery of Season 1 for an 'Avengers' style confrontation - The danger is lessened because characters possess 'complete and total plot armor,' and the Upside Down is no longer treated as a credible threat. ### Controversial Plot Points - The storyline involving Will's sexuality and his connection to Mike feels forced and unearned, injected near the end without natural development - The scene implying Vecna recreating a family through disturbing imagery with kidnapped children made one reviewer feel uncomfortable enough to stop watching early on. ### Reviewer Season Rankings - Season 1 is ranked the best, followed by Season 4, then Season 2 (praised for Dustin/Steve friendship), and finally Season 3, with the hope that Season 5 avoids being the worst. ### Exposition and Planning - The dialogue is criticized for non-stop, crazy exposition, leading to 'plan fatigue' - The lack of a clear initial 10-year plan is visible through the current 'stretch marks' in the narrative structure.