After almost a decade of Hawkins, monsters, and 80s nostalgia, Stranger Things is finally coming to an end. So far, season 5 has upheld expectations and is looking like the send-off the show deserves. 

This season shows how much the young actors have grown and matured, especially considering season 4 was released over 3 years ago. Viewers have watched these actors go from pre-teens to full-grown adults. Their performances this season feel much more emotional and heartfelt, and the relationships feel genuine and  real. You can tell everyone took this final season very seriously. 

This season, the visuals are exceptional. The Upside Down is more real than ever, the monsters look real, and the CGI is even better. Similar to past seasons, the 80s-themed music is perfect. It sets the tone and matches the show extremely well. 

The season starts slow, but it gets you back into things. It reminds viewers of where they left off and where they are now, but of course, it slowly heats up and gets very interesting. The last couple of episodes released were full of action and an important plot. So far, Stranger Things has been phenomenal; the tension is real. Fans can only wonder, how will this season end?

As season 5 begins, Hawkins is still dealing with the full impact of the disaster that happened in season 4. The group is still trying to figure out how to stop the Upside Down and Vecna from taking over the world. It’s more urgent than ever, with time running out, will they be able to?

As the season moves on, the team has to come together. Will has been experiencing more mental attacks, and the group uses these attacks to benefit themselves, so they can hopefully end this. A demogorgon has attacked the wheelers, and Vecna is in possession of Holly. More than ever this season, the group has shown more chemistry than ever while trying to save Hawkins. They successfully tricked the Demogorgon from taking Derek, but is their chemistry and plan going to be enough to stop Vecna? 

This season has focused a lot on what the Upside Down actually is and why Vecna created the chaos in Hawkins. His goal isn’t to destroy Hawkins; his goal is to reshape him into what he wants. Everything is starting to add up, and fans are starting to believe Vecna has been around since the beginning.

Fans have begun to wonder if Vecna will take over the world. Will the group be able to stop him? All of our questions won’t be answered until the finale, on December 31st. This is one of the most anticipated finales ever. 

Overall, Season 5 so far has been exceptional. This first half got us back into things and has been full of tension and action. The expectations for the second half are extremely high, and fans are only expecting the best. I think it’s going to be a strong and satisfying ending to a great show. From the beginning of the show to now, this season feels like a great way to send it off.