So Stranger Things is over. Finally. Not that it has been a bad series, it has actually been quite good. But it was time for it to be over and I am glad that it had a conclusive ending.
How was the final season of Stranger Things?
It was different than the previous seasons, not that this is a bad thing. The final season did not rely on the 1980s nostalgia as much as the earlier seasons. I will admit that I was drawn to the nostalgia as I graduated high school close to the same years as these kids.
It was okay that Stranger Things was no longer focused on replicating the vibe of 1980s movies. By the fifth season, it had developed its own mythology and could focus on concluding the various story lines.
Another difference is that the cast has been continually growing, despite a few major deaths. Eleven and Mike, who were the focus of the earlier seasons are still important but much of the character development happened elsewhere. This included Max and Will, as well as newcomers Holly and Derek.
Perhaps even more than that, we got a better sense of who Henry is. I firmly believe that these types of series/movies are only as good as the villain. While the ultimate bad guy was rather plain, Henry was developed and we learn a lot about him in the final season.
I found the series finale mostly satisfying. The final battle was really well done and it highlighted the change in these characters from terrified children to brave young people determined to take a stand.
The pacing was… different. The episode keeps going long after the final battle. This story has not just been about good vs evil but has been about friends. We get to follow the two generations of friends to see how they deal with their changed world. I should also mention that I appreciated the inclusion of an Iron Maiden song.
Probably the biggest problem with Stranger Things is the length of time it took to produce the entire series, especially with actors who are at an age where they physically change so much each year. It is jarring to see them in each season.
Still, Stranger Things has been a cultural phenomenon. It has been enjoyable for different groups of people from different generations for different reasons.
These type of series tend to conclude with a weak and rushed last season. I was happy with the final season and I am glad that we have been able to experience such a well written and acted fantasy series.
