Grab your walkie talkies nerds and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. 

“It is time” for Temple of Geek’s review of Stranger Things Season 5: Vol. 2 and 3. You are venturing into Vecna’s Mind Lair, spoilers ahead! 

From Stranger Things themed food and fantastic cosplays on Instagram Reels to hilarious Vecna memes and TikToks begging Netflix to protect Steve Harrington, it’s no wonder why viewers found a sense of community and comfort in this TV show.

Chapter Five: Shock Jock

This episode cemented ‘Delightful Derek’ as one of the greatest new heroes introduced into a show. From his “I don’t care” mentality to his unwavering bravery against Vecna, he instantly became a crowd favourite.

The Duffer Brothers pulled off a Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated move by splitting up the team in the Upside Down into duos (Steve and Dustin; Nancy and Jonathan).

The dynamic between Steve and Dustin shifted dramatically in the middle of this episode. This was without a doubt stressful for most viewers, especially when Steve had told Dustin that “[Eddie] saved no one.” However, their fight showed a realistic side to the sibling-type of relationship that has grown since Season 2. Luckily, the conflict is resolved in Episode 7.

Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz

Jamie Campbell Bower’s acting as Mr. Whatsit was outstanding in this episode. He had such an intense stare in front of the cave while faking a sweet voice to lure Holly. In the beginning scene, he bears an almost comedic resemblance to the Hyde in Wednesday.

As the melting goo was falling on Nancy and Jonathan, it was hard not to feel all the emotions rushing in. Their individual character development has led up to this moment of confession and heartbreak.

Despite having life-altering injuries, Karen Wheeler was the MVP. Her strategy of blowing up the Demodogs to save Max, Lucas, Robin, and Vickie was brilliant. Lucas was also a key player as he carried Max and never turned off the iconic “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush.

Chapter Seven: The Bridge

When Max wakes up, it immediately raises the question of how she regains her eyesight after Vecna blinds her at the end of Season 4. Most likely, the blinding was temporary and more psychological. So, her eyesight could have recovered during her coma. But, clarification is needed from the Duffer Brothers.

Unfortunately, Steve and Dustin choose to wield the same makeshift swords that Eddie uses in Season 4. You know the ones that failed to defeat the Demobats (yes, those). Dustin even says, “You die, I die,” which is a recall to Season 3 when they get stuck in the Russian elevator. This seemed as though they were destined to fail in the final battle against Vecna. Will’s coming-out scene is a highlight of the episode. It was heartwarming when everyone, especially Joyce (his mother) and Jonathan (his brother), was supportive.

Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up

During the anticipated final battle, the team is not equipped with the proper weapons, but they somehow succeed without a scratch. This is especially true for Lucas since he used water balloons in his “wrist rocket.” Nancy is the bravest of them all, having an “I volunteer as tribute” Hunger Games moment. The CGI of the Mind Flayer in its physical form was mindblowing (no pun intended).

The quick nature of the final battle against the Mind Flayer and Vecna, alongside the premature celebration, felt as though something worse was going to happen. That feeling ends up being correct as Eleven appears to sacrifice herself to the Upside Down. Her ending becomes ambiguous and leaves the audience unconvinced of her death.

Some important details are overlooked like Karen Wheeler speaking perfectly after sustaining critical injuries to her throat and chest and a few characters are missing like Suzie and Vickie. The soundtrack for this episode surely pulled through. The smooth vibe of Landslide by Fleetwood Mac, the passion of Purple Rain by Prince, and the underrated choice of Here Comes Your Man by Pixies. With the sentimental montages accompanied by the music, it was hard not to feel all the emotions. 

Throughout the decade of the Stranger Things series, we have felt nostalgia for a time that most of us have not experienced. We are saying goodbye to the end of an era… twice, that is.

Sadly our journey to Hawkins is ending, but the fun is just beginning. 

What are your thoughts? Did they do the series justice with this finale? Who would you like to see in a Stranger Things spinoff?