Fortunately, Stranger Things 5: Volume One is still good. Its high points are also among the best in the show’s history. And its strongest storyline not only draws on the entire history of the show, it sets up the chance to pull off a truly moving finale.
Stranger Things 5‘s first batch of episodes features so many characters who matter to the equally massive plot that the seasons feels more like it takes place in Westeros than Indiana. The show already had too many characters, yet Stranger Things 5, Volume One adds important new characters, too. For instance, it elevates Holly Wheeler, who didn’t matter much before, into a vital role. It also introduces totally novel ones. That notably includes the newest human villain, an incredible Linda Hamilton as military leader Dr. Kay.
The show itself also feels a little different from previous installments after what happened in the closing moments of season four. When Vecna opened up a huge portal right through the city, he fundamentally changed the nature of the series. This is no longer an intimate story where only a few citizens know something is amiss. All of Hawkins is now under military control in Stranger Things 5, Volume One. The good news is the show combats its own upscaling by keeping almost everyone except its longtime characters in the dark. Most of Hawkins has no idea what’s really going on. The good news is the show combats its own upscaling by keeping almost everyone except its longtime characters in the dark. Most of Hawkins has no idea what’s really going on. The people secretly fighting the Upside Down are the ones who have always done so.
Predictably, with so many people, some characters feel extra important while others feel shortchanged. Natalie Dyer’s Nancy is crucial to multiple Stranger Things 5, Volume One plots as she is essentially the leader of the underground resistance. (Literally underground. Get ready for tunnels.) An amazing Noah Schnapp, the absolute MVP of these episodes, is the heart and soul of everything in the best way. Yet Lucas, Mike, and Dustin don’t feel as central as they should be in Stranger Things 5. A few characters and relationships also feel like they’re running in place, stuck in the same exact arc or development introduced seasons ago. Looking at you, Hopper and Joyce! And Steve and Dustin….and Jonathan.
No character who matters is ignored or totally undercut entirely, though, because they’re always in the mix. That’s because this season does something very smart and satisfying. It keep its many characters together as much as possible.
If you love Maya Hawke’s Robin, you’re going to love Stranger Things 5, Volume One. I didn’t keep official track, but she talks as much as all the other characters combined. That might be slightly exaggerated, but not by much. Hawke is excellent, all energy and charm, but more than anyone, Robin exemplifies both the strengths and weaknesses of Stranger Things 5‘s Volume One. She’s too much yet also part of this batch’s best storyline. This season pairs her with Will, and the payoff is extraordinary, among the most moving in the series’ entire run. It’s also very important, as the Duffers eventually weave together their plot, themes, characters, and past events into one satisfying thread.
As for the action in Stranger Things 5, you guessed it, there’s too much. This season is like Aliens crossed with Red Dawn and Poltergeist. There are lots of action sequences. One is the scariest, most gruesome, most emotional attack the show has ever done. It’s also frustrating that this season, despite being the last, also adds new, dense developments to Stranger Things‘ lore. They can seem needlessly confusing at first. A few are downright confusing, the more you dive into them. Volume One also brings with it a lot of explaining things that happened before and groundwork for new mysteries the show will deal with in Stranger Things Volumes Two and Three. The long gap between seasons also means many viewers won’t remember key plot points from previous installments. It’s frustrating at the moment, for sure. It’s not a deal breaker for enjoying the season, though. Viewers who don’t sweat the details will like these episodes more than those who do.
In the final scene of Stranger Things Season 5 (Volume 1), Will Byers finally unlocks the powers that have been hinted at since Season 1. As a swarm of Demogorgons overruns the Hawkins military base and his friends are moments from being killed, Will’s long-dormant connection to the Upside Down suddenly ignore his eyes turn white, he taps directly into the Hive Mind, and he telekinetically freezes the Demogorgons before tearing them apart with sheer psychic force. The moment is brutal, shocking, and clearly painful he collapses with a heavy nosebleed but it confirms that the “mark” Vecna left on him years ago wasn’t just trauma, but a latent power waiting to awaken. This twist instantly transforms Will from the group’s most vulnerable member into one of their most powerful, setting him up as a crucial weapon in the final fight against Vecna.
Overall, Season 5 (Volume 1) is explosive and emotional the Demogorgon attack pushes Will to awaken his long-buried psychic powers, saving his friends in a shocking display of strength. His connection to the Upside Down is finally revealed as a source of power, not just trauma. As Will collapses from the effort, the group realizes everything has changed. The final shot makes it clear the coming battle with Vecna will revolve around Will like never before.
⭐ Rating – 4.5/5 [storyline, cinematography, visuals, performance]
Beyond the Cinema's 