The Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things has come to a worthwhile conclusion with its finale, wrapping up five seasons that focused on 1980s teenagers fighting supernatural powers.
The fifth season opened with the town of Hawkins, Ind., under quarantine and the group continuing to fight against Vecna despite being constantly under surveillance. Viewers also learned that Will Byers has powers mirroring Vecna, so he would be playing a crucial part in understanding the hive mind.
The writing in the last few episodes takes a more meaningful turn, taking time to explore problems in each relationship and providing the needed resolutions. These include the rift between Steve and Dustin, the love triangle between Jonathan, Nancy, and Steve; and Will’s internal turmoil.
It also dives deeper into Vecna’s plan to use the children from Hawkins as vessels to amplify his own powers. Along with many others, Holly Wheeler is captured, and Max works to save her.
Eleven continues to be tracked down by the military scientist, Dr. Kay, who deems her a future threat. Along with this, she also has plans to replicate the work from past experiments to create more people with telekinetic powers.
The series does a nice job at providing closure to the series without giving it an overly dark tone to leave fans upset or an extremely happy ending that would seem disingenuous.
However, the script is noticeably formulaic in the scenes in which the characters lay out their attack plans after having a sudden revelation. Of course, there needs to be some kind of setup to fully understand their approach because of the complex Upside Down mythology, but those scenes become repetitive at times.
The final fight scene against the Mind Flayer is satisfying because it proves to be rewarding for all of the characters. Each reminisces on their past struggles and finds comfort as the battle ends.
With a high school graduation and a look at the characters 18 months later, the ending is really bittersweet, especially for those who started the show a decade ago and grew with the characters.
Overall, the show comes to a powerful end despite its longstanding scripting issues.
