The fifth and final season of Stranger Things has commenced, culminating a decade-long journey for the series created by the Duffer brothers. In its initial episodes, the season appears to be grappling with the need for a swift resolution to ongoing narratives.
Stranger Things significantly impacted Netflix, positioning the platform as a noteworthy presence in pop culture and inspiring numerous nostalgic tributes to the 1980s. Even as the series gained traction, delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent writers’ strikes have affected the release schedule. Despite the expansion of the franchise through stage shows and an animated spinoff, keen interest in the original series’ conclusion could be challenged by these interruptions.
The early episodes of Season 5 revisit themes established in earlier seasons while also addressing external production delays. The characters exhibit noticeable aging since the last season, reflecting real-world time gaps. Instances of exposition-heavy dialogue suggest an awareness of audience recall needs. In Hawkins, while some remnants of the town’s traumatic encounters with the Upside Down remain, life seems to have resumed a semblance of normalcy, albeit under military surveillance.
Will Byers, now portrayed as an essential character, receives attention as the narrative explores significant moments from his past encounters in the Upside Down. The storytelling utilizes visual effects to delve into these flashbacks, although the techniques employed raise questions about their effectiveness.
While this final season aims to resolve multiple character arcs, its busy plot structure may dilute narrative momentum. Despite these challenges, the remaining episodes could potentially enhance the emotional depth that characterized earlier seasons. The first four episodes are available for streaming, with future releases scheduled for December.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/830518/stranger-things-5-review-part-one