Emily Telesco, Editor-in-Chief
After more than three years, the first volume of Stranger Things 5 finally released last Wednesday, Nov. 26th. Like so many fans, my friends and I anxiously watched the clock inch toward 8 p.m., waiting for the first four episodes to drop. Luckily, we were able to binge without any issues – we later found out that Netflix crashed for many people around the world due to the immense number of viewers watching.
Volume. 1 was an incredible introduction to the final season. I became more hooked with each episode, and the epic fourth episode finale had undoubtedly one of the most powerful scenes to come from the series. The plot was captivating and insanely shocking at times, the special effects were amazing and the soundtrack was great (as usual.) It was nice to see my favorite characters again, but I also loved being introduced to fun new faces like Holly Wheeler and “Delightful” Derek Turnbow.
Still, as I watched, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad knowing this season truly begins the final chapter. Vol. 1 wasn’t only emotional because of the plot, but because we grew up with these characters. Their stories had also matured and, unfortunately, were coming to an end along with the show itself.
When Stranger Things began in 2016, the concept was simple: kids on bikes in a small town facing a looming sense of mystery and danger. That blend of nostalgia and suspense is what immediately drew audiences in. But the reason viewers stayed wasn’t just for the plot – it was the show’s unique ability to balance fear with lovable characters and well-timed humor. We fell in love with friendships like Dustin and Steve’s and rooted for relationships like Mike and Eleven’s. These important connections made the show feel more human, and kept viewers emotionally invested.
Stranger Things also completely reshaped pop culture. There was a huge revival of 80s nostalgia, especially with the release of Season 3 in 2019. The younger generation began longing for a time they’d never even lived through, obsessing over the music, colorful fashion and mall culture.
But Stranger Things 5 feels different. It still returns to those familiar elements, but transforms them. The narrative is darker and more serious – reflective of how the characters and audience have matured. More significantly, the show has not only grown into the world it’s been building, but has expanded it.
Firstly, the characters are no longer the children we met in Season 1. They’ve all been shaped by years of loss and trauma, and now we can really see how it’s impacted them. Mike – who was once more impulsive and emotional – grew into the leader the group always needed him to be. He’s more thoughtful and empathetic this Season – making intelligent decisions – and that definitely makes him a more likeable character overall. Dustin, on the other hand, carries significant emotional weight this season. Though he’s always been the comedic heart of the group, he’s now overwhelmed with grief and loss from Season 4. It was surprising to see how instead of confiding in friends, he masks his depression and fear, which creates tension in his relationships with others.
But perhaps the biggest shift belongs to the character at the center of the story from the very beginning: Will Byers. In the past seasons Will always appeared “weaker”, withholding a quiet strength that never got a chance to shine in comparison to his friends. But, in Season 5, that changes. He understands the threat more than anyone, and steps into a more courageous and mature version of himself. He takes direct action in creating plans for the group, and is not afraid to put himself in danger when it matters. This all comes to a head at the end of episode 4, where Will uses the strength of his childhood memories and innocence to ultimately channel a power that finally lets him fight back. This was undeniably the most emotional moment in Vol. 1 for me, and it was so amazing to finally see Will reclaim his narrative from the boy who was taken to a sort of hero.
The plot reflects this shift too. Instead of introducing a brand new mystery, the story builds off of the past seasons. It pushes towards a sort of final reckoning and long-awaited confrontation, with the collapse of the boundaries between Hawkins and the Upside Down. Every storyline – from Max’s to Hopper’s – is a direct consequence of something that happened before, and it feels like a culmination of everything the show has been building towards the very first episode.
While it’s bittersweet to know that Stranger Things is nearing its end, Vol. 1 proves that it’s closing its story with the same imagination and emotional depth that made us fall in love with it in the first place. Now, all that’s left is to wait until Volume 2 releases on Christmas, leading to the series finale on New Years Eve.
Some songs from Vol. 1 to listen to while you wait for the next one…
