Stars: 4/5

Written and directed by the Duffer brothers, “Stranger Things” is a famous sci-fi series that incorporates supernatural elements while also evoking 1980s nostalgia and staying true to its core of thrill, mystery and friendship. From the show’s debut in 2016, it has distinguished itself from the average science-fiction thriller series. With a two-year gap in between the final and previous season, many loyal viewers, such as myself, looked forward to watching the eight-episode fifth season.

The finale, airing late last year, carried the pressure from years of expectations from both casual viewers and super fans. Unfortunately, the final episode elicited mixed opinions from within the “Stranger Things” community.

“Although the finale did not exactly meet my standards, it was an amazing way to end the show,” one “Stranger Things” fan, Izzy C. (‘28) said.

Another fan, Erin H. (‘28), commented, “In terms of the ties from the finale to the overall arc of the entire story, I felt like that could have been done better.”

Some examples of critiques people had for the finale included its anti-climactic ending and uneven pacing, with the wrapping up of storylines being ultimately unsatisfying.

Despite this, fans still applauded the end of the 10-year series. This season brought new jokes and iconic moments for the “Stranger Things” fandom, such as Will finding out he has powers or more Mileven moments. Although the ending didn’t embody the expected, monumental conclusion, it wasn’t a failure, but an imperfect goodbye that left a lasting impression on us all.