The highly-anticipated volume five of “Stranger Things” came out on November 26. The first four episodes were released at the same time. This season is set a year after the fourth one, resulting in a time skip from the last episode of season four to the first episode of season five.
The characters are older, and their personalities have changed quite a bit from the previous season. Because of this, the dynamic between people has shifted, causing a feeling of tension and awkwardness to radiate from each interaction. This is strange because one of the show’s greatest attributes is its relationships between characters. Everyone feels like a family because of what they have gone through together.
This change is most evident in the dynamic between characters Steve Harrington and Dustin Henderson. While they used to be a fan-favorite duo, they now fight and seem like they were never friends. This is one of the main gripes I have with the new episodes, and I hope everything gets resolved between each character.
Another problem I have with season five is the fact that it feels disconnected from the original premise of “Stranger Things.” While each season has been straying further from the first, this one is the least similar. Earlier episodes of the show have an eerie, unsettling tone to them that makes each monster and the Upside Down terrifying and enticing at the same time. Now, however, the characters are easily able to defeat monsters like the Demogorgons and travel to the Upside Down whenever they want.
There are less jumpscares and horror elements in this season as well. Instead, the shock factor comes from gorier, action-packed scenes that make the show seem like a superhero movie. I think that this change over time has caused the show to be much different than it used to be, which disappoints me.
Despite this, I do really enjoy each of the new episodes. I think that the story’s plot has been carried from season four to season five very well, and it has been set up for a wild ending. The episodes provide an introduction to the new atmosphere of volume five, while still allowing the rest of the series to be the most ambitious of the entire show.
The last four episodes came out on December 25 and 31. I will be reviewing those as well, as they wrap up the entire series and provide an ending to the show.