Review:Stranger Things’ frustrating finale didn’t quite stick the landing

The much-anticipated conclusion of Stranger Things has left fans grappling with a whirlwind of emotions surrounding its finale. Longtime viewers Jennifer and Beth, both ardent admirers of the series, found themselves reflecting on the fifth season and its culmination, resulting in a joint review that highlights their shared sentiments—both the triumphs and the disappointments of the series end. As the fourth season concluded, the sinister Vecna, portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower, unleashed chaos by opening a gate that allowed the Upside Down to seep into Hawkins. Fast forward 18 months into Season 5, Volume 1, and the narrative cleverly mirrors the timeline of Will’s original disappearance three years prior. The town of Hawkins is now under military control, with Vecna preying on a fresh group of children, adopting the alias 'Mr. Whatsit,' a clever reference to A Wrinkle in Time. In a gripping turn of events, Vecna abducts Holly Wheeler, portrayed by Nell Fisher, transporting her consciousness into the Abyss while her body remains trapped in another dimension. Within this perilous realm, she finds an unexpected ally in Max, played by Sadie Sink, who lies in a coma back in Hawkins but navigates Vecna's memories. Meanwhile, Dustin, brought to life by Gaten Matarazzo, grapples with the profound loss of Eddie Munson from Season 4, straining his friendship with Steve, played by Joe Keery. The remaining group is dedicated to gathering resources and aiding Eleven, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, and Hopper, played by David Harbour, in their quest to confront Vecna in the Upside Down. Their journey takes a twist when they encounter Kali, also known as Eight, played by Linnea Berthelsen, who is being held captive in a military facility. As fans dissect the finale, it’s clear that while the series delivered memorable moments, it also sparked significant discussion and critique, leaving many to wonder if it truly succeeded in delivering a satisfying conclusion to the beloved saga.