On November 26, 2025, Junior Laura Ewell sat on her basement couch, alongside her sister, Alyssa Ewell, and close friend, Kailyn Flynn, eagerly in front of the TV. The three had just finished rewatching the last episode of Stranger Things Season 4, waiting for the first four episodes of Season 5, the final season, to hit Netflix. At long last, the clock strikes eight, and the words “The Crawl” illuminate the screen.
In 2016, Netflix released the original series, Stranger Things written and directed by the Duffer Brothers, following the story of a young group of outcasts – Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin), and Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) from a fictional small suburban town, Hawkins, Indiana in 1983 whose lives drastically changed after discovering the existence of a supernatural world and secret government exploits after the disappearance of 12-year-old Will and the emergence of a telekinetic girl called Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). Gradually, the story progresses as the adults and teens of Hawkins face several mysteries and battles from the supernatural dimension, whilst overcoming societal pressures, developing deep connections with one another, and coming into their own.
For three years audiences have been waiting in deep anticipation for Stranger Things 5 and as the years have gone by the skepticism has grown on if it would live up to the standards fans have built. The Guardian Newspaper rated the new episodes a 4 out of 5 stars.
“Crucially, character development is not totally absent.” The Guardian stated, “much of the action is driven by budding investigative journalist Nancy (Natalia Dyer), who is prompted to find her inner fire when an older man pats her on the shoulder, calls her “sweetheart” and tells her not to worry about difficult adult things.”
Season 4 wrapped up with a tremendous apocalyptic conclusion, as the once peaceful town of Hawkins split into four; the story finally arriving at the end of the beginning. In vast contrast, Season 5 opens on a rather underwhelming note, as the characters and the rest of Hawkins is trying to live like normal.
One of the new characters introduced this season, Derek Turnbow (Jake Connelly) was a huge addition to the cast. “I think it was good, my favorite part was when Derek was hitting the kids with the ruler.” Piper Morris. “I liked how he went from mean and not wanting to do anything to helping everyone around him.” Tarmey shared. “I like the scene where Mike sits with his sister and gives her the piece, heroic Holly, I think that was really good showing what a good sibling relationship could be.” Mrs. Buealiu stated. My favorite part, probably when I saw Max and she was helping Holly.” Tarmey “I also liked when we found out that Will has powers, that was really cool.” “I liked how he went from mean and not wanting to do anything to helping everyone.” Tarmey.
“The biggest let down of the new episodes was Billy not coming back to life.” Riley Dinsmore shared. “I didn’t like Dustin and how he changed and was so different, and I didn’t like how confident he was.” Tarmey said. “I’m sad for Dustin, he really misses his friend and everyone is really crapping on him for that and not letting him mourn his friend.” Beaulieu shared.
