Anthony’s Watch: Stranger Things 5 Part 1

It is hard to believe that nearly a decade has passed since Stranger Things first premiered on Netflix, introducing the world to the Dungeons and Dragons playing Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will, along with the horror filled adventure they were about to begin. Since its debut, Stranger Things has grown into a cultural phenomenon. This is partly due to the incredible ambiance and world building of an eighties Midwestern town filled with unimaginable horrors, but it is also thanks to the characters that viewers have watched grow and, in some cases, grown up alongside. Throughout the four preceding seasons, fans have been introduced to new characters, new concepts, and an expanding mythology that has spawned numerous spinoffs in books and comics. One thing that fans know better than anything else is that good things come to those who wait. The long gaps between seasons have become both a source of frustration and a running joke, especially when compared to typical network television. Despite this, Stranger Things has never failed to exceed expectations, and the arrival of the final season promises to tie a bow on the sprawling epic the series has become.

One of the most consistently compelling aspects of the show has been the choice of character pairings. Fans have come to expect the large cast to be divided into smaller groups, each following its own journey before everyone reunites to resolve the season’s story. Many of these pairings have created beloved duos, such as Dustin and Steve or Hopper and Eleven. Other groupings have paid off during emotional reunions that spark new relationships developed in later seasons. Regardless of the variation, the strongest element of the show’s longevity is its ability to help these characters grow together in new and meaningful ways.

In Season Five, the character pairings feel like a full circle moment. For example, Nancy and Mike are well established as siblings, yet they have rarely embarked on adventures together. This season finally gives them a sibling centered storyline that briefly separates them from the others and allows their bond to shine in a fun and dramatic way. The show also pairs the unlikely duo of Robin and Will, two characters who have barely spoken until now but share the connection of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. This common ground sparks a new relationship that, even in its early stages, feels as strong and compelling as the dynamic between Dustin and Steve. Overall, the character pairings in the first part of the final season are among its strongest elements.

The story picks up long after the events of Season Four, with Hawkins now isolated and under military control. The military has established a compound that houses a large gate to the Upside Down, where mysterious experiments are taking place. We learn that the characters have been performing covert raids into the Upside Down to locate Vecna, the series antagonist, requiring careful coordination to avoid military detection. This time jump works for several reasons. First, the actors are now older, and the biggest challenge the show has faced is convincing audiences that actors in their mid twenties are playing high school students. Moving the story forward helps bridge this gap and preserves some suspension of disbelief. Second, the jump allows the introduction of the military presence, led by Linda Hamilton’s new character, without spending unnecessary time on exposition that would slow the narrative.

While many of these developments help set up the final season, a few elements feel overly convenient. The first is the explanation that Vecna has not been seen since the end of Season Four. Although the show explores this mystery further, his sudden disappearance until now comes across as a little too convenient. The overall mentality of the town also feels unrealistic. Aside from the main characters, most townspeople act as though nothing has changed, despite living under military control and having witnessed supernatural events. One would expect far more unrest, especially with Hawkins completely disconnected from the outside world. Another convenience involves the demogorgons, who are shown with the ability to open and close gates between worlds. Without spoilers, this ability seems tied to Vecna’s greater influence, but it is still a power they have never demonstrated before and feels conveniently added to serve the narrative.

As the series has expanded, so has its cast, which makes focus on certain characters feel stronger than others. Although the character pairings are excellent, some fan favorites receive very little to do this season. Dustin and Steve in particular have limited involvement beyond their introductions. Both clearly have arcs that need resolution, yet their roles here are surface level. It is obvious that this first part is meant to set up the endgame of the series, with a stronger focus on characters like Will, who was often sidelined despite his importance. As the season continues, there is hope that the characters with smaller roles in these early episodes will be given more meaningful material and satisfying conclusions.

The writing and dialogue are among the weaker aspects of the season so far. Some of this is due to the heavy exposition required to catch viewers up, but it also shows in attempts at humor. A clear example comes from a sequence built around a joke involving male anatomy. It is a joke that is obvious from the moment it begins, yet it is repeated to the point of exhaustion. The series has always blended action, drama, and comedy well, but this season occasionally pushes the witty banter too far.

A final point of discussion is how the show addresses the larger mystery of the Upside Down and prepares for its conclusion. A major concern stems from the show’s connection to its stage play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow. This Broadway production, created by the Duffer Brothers, explores Henry Creel’s origins and features younger versions of Joyce, Hopper, and Bob investigating a mystery in late 1950s Hawkins. Several story beats in this season directly reference events from the play, emphasizing its importance to the finale. The issue is that most fans have not seen the play or may not even know it exists. With so few episodes remaining, it is unclear how the writers will communicate the necessary information to the wider audience in a satisfying way. However, the Duffer Brothers have not let fans down yet, so there is still optimism that everything will come together.