The fifth season of Stranger Things reflects everything the characters have experienced since the show began. It ties back to earlier seasons while delivering an emotional conclusion.

The finale succeeds by remembering the series’ origins. In season one, the story followed a small group of kids confronting a mysterious threat. Season five brings that feeling back. Although the stakes are bigger and more dangerous, the show maintains its focus on friendship of Eleven (Millie Bonnie Bongiovi) and her Dungeons & Dragons playing friends.

Season five reveals the full story behind the villain Vecna and his creation of the Upside Down. It revealed connections of a past trauma that caused Henry Creel (Jaime Campbell Boyer) to turn into a monster. It also ties events from the beginning of the series and provides a satisfying origin story for Vecna.

The episodes are intense and meaningful, highlighting how much the characters have grown. Performances by Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler and Joe Keery as Steve Harrington stood out to me. The finale evoked nostalgia and emotion, especially knowing it concludes a series that has followed these characters for years.

Some elements of the series finale felt rushed. The fates of Jim Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) were unclear. Despite the high stakes, no main characters die, and the finale lacked impact.

Overall, season five brings the nearly decade-long story to a close while honoring its beginnings, even if it leaves some questions unanswered.