It isn’t exactly a hot take to say that I enjoyed the end of one of the most successful TV shows of all time. But I loved the finale on every level, and I’d like to share why.
I’ll preclude this by saying that I like Stranger Things in general, but I have struggled over the series with several elements. Specifically, it seems like every season has the characters splitting up or becoming separated, only to result in a series of dramatic entrances and an eventual full reunion at the very end. Meanwhile, they almost constantly fight and bicker in a way that more resembles frenemies than actual friends. But I’ve gotten over those criticisms because the show is otherwise excellent and highly entertaining.
I had fairly low expectations for the final 2-hour episode, but they were a vastly exceeded for these reasons:
- The finale gave each of the primary characters (and even some secondary characters) a moment to shine. I rarely talk at the TV, but when Will had his moment in Vecna’s head, I literally yelled, “Yeah Will!”
- The finale had a few moments for flashback montages that did a great job reminding me of the character-driven, 5-season journey.
- The finale had a truly spectacular action scene that I wish I had watched on the big screen.
- The finale gave us time to say goodbye to the main characters (the main kids, the main older kids, and the main adults).
- The finale resolved Eleven’s story in a way that I found absolutely perfect. By putting the end of her story in Mike’s words, it reminds us of the power of the stories of hope we tell each other (just as I hope that the real version of the story has Eleven alive in Iceland).
- The finale ended where it started, hitting me full in the feels with the nostalgia of friends connecting over a game.
I still remember the moment I first watched Stranger Things. It was on a couch I no longer have in a condo I sold years ago. The retro music started and the logo appeared on the screen, and was 100% in. I’m truly grateful for the Duffer brothers and everyone who brought this story to life over the last 10 years.
What was your favorite part of the finale?
I’m with you! I absolutely loved season 1 (rewatching it right now, it’s still such a great storytelling), was a bit meh about season 2 and especially 3 and 4 (but they each had their great moments), and then I totally loved season 5, and especially the grand finale! And it’s not just 80s nostalgia—my 16yo daughter loves it too!
The flashbacks in the finale made me want to return to season 1 at some point–I’m glad you’re enjoying it! 🙂
The ending was ok for me but the D&D Game at the end and it taking me back to the beginning was amazing and brought a great conclusion to the series and 10 long years.
I really like that they started and ended with that.