Released in late December after a three-year-long hiatus, it is apparent that the writers for the fifth season of “Stranger Things” had a lot to prove to please its audience. With growing impatience from a fanbase that has awaited the newest installment of the hit show, the last season carried very high expectations.

The fifth and final season starts strong, immediately pulling viewers back into Hawkins with intense episodes, high stakes, and promises of a satisfying conclusion to the series. Early on, the pacing is sharp, and the character’s emotions feel meaningful, reminding audiences why they loved the show so much to begin with.

Early in the season, the writing is focused and to the point. Character interactions feel natural, the threat of the Upside Down is clear, and the story moves forward with purpose. There is a noticeable effort to bring long-running characters like Eleven, Steve, Dustin, and Will back into the story, and the season appears to be building toward a strong and meaningful ending. 

As the season continues, however, its quality gradually declines. Episodes become increasingly long without adding much to the story, and several plotlines feel stretched out rather than developed. The pacing slows significantly, causing the tension to fade where it should have intensified. Instead of moving toward the conclusion, the season begins to feel unfocused, relying on familiar ideas rather than pushing the story in new, exciting directions.

This decline is especially noticeable in the handling of characters. Some are pushed back and not infused into the story, while others repeat emotional struggles that were already explored in earlier seasons. The main protagonist, Eleven, initially introduced as a serious and threatening presence, becomes less effective as the season goes on, making the conflict feel less urgent. As a result, later episodes lack the impact and suspense that defined the show at its best.

By the finale, “Stranger Things” season five gives the audience moments that are visually impressive though emotionally uneven. While the ending provides closure, it lacks the power expected from a series of this scale and influence. Ultimately, the season starts strong but weakens over time, leaving viewers with questions and concerns about the characters and how it ended.