The long-awaited return of Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 has finally landed on Netflix, and for the most part, it's a triumphant comeback. After a three-year hiatus, fans have been gifted a batch of episodes that deliver the same high-stakes action, emotional depth, and cinematic quality we've come to expect.
A Masterclass in Storytelling and Character
From the opening scenes, it's clear that the Duffer Brothers have lost none of their magic. The sprawling ensemble cast each gets their moment to shine, proving that no character is ever left behind. Erica Sinclair, played by Priah Ferguson, showcases her tactical genius, while Brett Gelman's Murray Bauman provides crucial support with his inventive supply drops.
Newer additions to the cast, such as Nell Fisher's Holly Wheeler and Jake Connolly's Derek Turnbow, are seamlessly integrated, making audiences care for them instantly. The show's signature tonal shifts are also executed perfectly, flipping from a tender moment between Robin Buckley and Will Byers to a heart-pounding chase from a horde of demogorgons in a matter of seconds.
The Unnecessary Love Triangle
Despite the near-perfect execution, one storyline feels like a relic from a bygone era: the rekindled love triangle between Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer), Steve Harrington (Joe Keery), and Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton).
While this dynamic was central to the show's first season and instrumental in Steve's beloved redemption arc, its persistence into the final season feels jarring. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, the constant bickering and competition between Steve and Jonathan for Nancy's affection comes across as superfluous.
An early race up the WSQK 'The Squawk' radio tower in episode one offered some light-hearted comedy. However, subsequent arguments, such as Jonathan labelling Steve a "chauvinistic pig" for wanting to bring flowers to a hospitalised Nancy, feel out of place and cringeworthy. In a season packed with epic reveals, like the exploration of Vecna's mind prison, this subplot detracts from the main narrative thrust.
Looking Ahead to Volume Two
The critique of this one storyline does little to dampen the overall excitement for the series' conclusion. The ending of volume one has left viewers on a cliffhanger, desperate for answers. Thankfully, the wait is almost over.
Stranger Things season 5, volume 2 is scheduled for release on Netflix UK and Ireland on Boxing Day, December 26, at 1am. Until then, many fans will likely be re-watching the entire series, soaking up every detail before the final chapter begins.
