Stranger Things season 5’s return is a thrilling adrenaline rush that doesn’t disappoint

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The fifth season of Stranger Things is off to a fantastic start, becoming the show’s most popular premiere yet. That’s saying a lot, given how memorable the very first season was! Many fans still remember being captivated by the initial episode, particularly the terrifying moment when Will Byers (Noah Schnapps) was taken by the Demogorgon – disappearing with strange sounds and a glimpse of a dark figure.

Keep that happy thought in your mind for a second… and imagine it growing, because that’s exactly what the first episode of season five, ‘The Crawl,’ does. It’s so good because it really packs a punch.

Season five immediately jumps into the action, reminding us that a dangerous enemy still needs to be stopped. There’s no sense of complacency, and it’s quickly made clear that Vecna (Jamie Campbell-Bower) isn’t truly defeated – because things are never that simple. This creates immediate tension and urgency.

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The show has grown up right along with its actors. Season five tackles more complex and serious themes, and you can tell immediately that it’s a shift in tone.

Even beyond the initial preview, the first part of the new season of Stranger Things is consistently gripping and unsettling. The suspense builds steadily, reaching a peak similar to the emotional impact of ‘Running Up That Hill,’ and often comes unexpectedly.

Season five is packed with thrilling action and an energetic soundtrack. The show consistently delivers heart-pounding excitement, and the acting is exceptional.

One supporting character deserves special recognition for a truly unforgettable moment – a scene that’s sure to be a highlight of the entire series. We won’t reveal who or what it is, though!

The final season of Stranger Things lets us see a new side of the characters we love. Their past traumas have changed them, adding new depth and complexity, and we get to know these evolved versions of themselves.

Gaten Matarazzo’s character, Dustin, and Will’s character are prime examples of this, but other characters have also changed, though sometimes in smaller ways.

The kids in Hawkins aren’t innocent anymore – they’ve been through too much. But even though things are dark, the show’s creators still remember what makes their friendships special and include moments of fun and lightness.

Thankfully, the characters haven’t lost their sense of humor. This keeps the Wheeler family dynamic fun and heartwarming, with Robin (Maya Hawke) continuing to be delightfully quirky and Erica (Priah Ferguson) staying true to her wonderfully unique self – much to everyone’s enjoyment.

Nell Fisher now plays Holly Wheeler, giving the character a bigger part in the storyline. Because Holly was only three years old when the series started, her age has always been a bit of a plot issue.

Okay, so it takes a little getting used to seeing Carrie Fisher play someone so much younger, but honestly, if you just go with it, it’s amazing. She perfectly captures that wide-eyed innocence and genuine fear a young girl would have – it’s really convincing!

Everyone is understandably focused on the original group of friends. These unlikely heroes, who bonded over shared interests, have always been the heart of the story. Despite facing challenges, it’s still heartwarming to see them come together, united by their friendship and a common goal.

Hopper and El’s relationship remains a heartwarming highlight, but it also creates a sense of anxiety knowing how fragile their happiness is given the dangerous situation they’re in.

Even though the first part of Stranger Things season five has been largely praised, it isn’t flawless. One issue is the pacing, and the fourth episode specifically feels weak. It disappointingly handles a storyline fans were really looking forward to, relying too much on telling rather than showing.

The film’s visuals sometimes become overly theatrical, potentially distracting from the story. However, this is quickly overshadowed when the plot takes a surprisingly strong and moving direction.

Okay, so the first four episodes of the final season just dropped, and honestly? If this is anything to go by, Stranger Things season five is shaping up to be the absolute best one yet! It’s a smaller batch of episodes to start, but it feels like a really promising beginning.

You can now watch seasons 1 through 5, volume 1 of Stranger Things on Netflix. Volume 2 will be released on December 26th, and the final episodes will arrive on January 1st, 2026.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available! You can purchase Ariana & Witches at newsstands or online for only £8.99.

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2025-11-27 10:20