Since 2016, Netflix’s “Stranger Things” has had their audience on the edge of their seats and biting their nails from day one. The show is just quirky enough to pull a few laughs and the feeling of nostalgia, oftentimes being a comfortable throwback to the 1980s, but just scary enough to add dashes of thrill, tension, jump scares, and anticipation, keeping people grasping for more. The lovable characters, offbeat banter, illegal cliffhangers, and unforgettable plot twists keep the show fast-paced and entertaining, which is why this long-awaited season finale is that much more exciting.
“Stranger Things” has gone through some major plot changes as the show has evolved and developed. Simply comparing season one Finn Wolfhard to season four Finn Wolfhard can easily show the drastic changes. Season one featured a group of kids just trying to have fun. That ideal, however, was ripped away quickly when one of their friends went missing the first episode. This launches the show into a quick start of mystery, horror, and suspense–almost as if the producers were grabbing their audience by their collar and pulling them in closer to watch. From there, the kids grow in maturity, strength, and adaptability, even growing as people as well. They gain new friends, new lovers, new connections, new questions, new losses, and new experiences. They change in character as the challenges they face grow stronger, scarier, and more complex.
What makes this show so appealing, however, is the aspect of relatable characters. In a world where nowhere and nothing is safe, and the kids are thrust into situations no one could possibly imagine, making the characters familiar and engaging is a difficult feat conquered by “Stranger Things.” The complex problems the characters face in their day to day lives offset the impossibility they face everywhere else. May it be love troubles, school bullies, friendship rifts, or personal loss, these characters are given life through their human traits, making it almost impossible for the audience to root for them. Georgia Kuchukhidze, a current sophomore at YLHS, comments that she loves “Stranger Things” “because the characters feel real, and the 80s vibe makes it even better. It’s scary but still funny, and [she] like[s] how the group of kids always sticks together no matter what.”
Season one’s main plot was just to save Will Byers from the newly discovered Upside-Down. However, this is quickly expanded on, as season two branches out into the Upside-Down forcing a connection to Will, season three introduces an actual monster to watch rampage the town of Hawkins, and season four personifies this monster into something that terrorizes the kids. This progression shows the slow but steady antagonist rise, hinting that Hawkins is far from done with the evil influence the Upside-Down brings.
The variety of obstacles the characters face leaves season five cloaked in smoke and mirrors. Speculation is inevitable as to how this amazing show will meet its end. Will the complex plot find a satisfying resolution, or will the show be tied with loose string and unanswered questions? This is always a fear for long-running popular TV shows, giving the season five release almost as much anticipation as an episode cliffhanger would receive. Katelynn Stoughton (10) shares an interesting opinion, stating that “I am most intrigued about seeing what will happen to the wonderful town of Hawkins–if it will turn into the Upside-Down or if the main characters will be able to rescue it.”
An interesting spot this “Stranger Things” season five has found itself in. It could go so many ways. It could be the greatest ending of 2025. It could be a complete flop that ruins the whole show. Honestly, is that likely? “Stranger Things” has found so much success, and it truly deserves a great ending. And now, it has finally arrived. So start the rewatching. Grab friends and family. Because this Thanksgiving has a chance to turn us upside-down.
In a good way.
