STRANGER THINGS Season 5 Episode 8 SERIES FINALRE REACTION! | Netflix | Millie Bobby Brown
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The hosts found the overall ending 'nicely done' and 'tasteful,' especially the D&D campaign conclusion and Hopper's proposal.
- ❖Critiques focused on the pacing of emotional scenes, which felt 'stretched' and 'formulaic' rather than organic, especially given the high stakes.
- ❖The character arc and effectiveness of Linda Hamilton's antagonist role were deemed 'weak' and a 'missed opportunity.'
- ❖Vecna's expanded origin story was seen as 'explaining more shit' that wasn't necessary and ultimately 'upsetting' due to inconsistencies.
- ❖The show's repeated use of 'fake out' deaths for main characters (e.g., Steve, El) reduced the emotional impact and perceived stakes.
- ❖The hosts felt the show became 'second screenable' in its final season, with dialogue often explicitly stating emotions rather than conveying them subtly.
- ❖The portrayal of childhood friendships evolving and drifting apart post-graduation resonated deeply, marking 'the end of an era.'
- ❖A significant frustration was the lack of main character deaths, despite the high number of characters and the intense threats faced.
Insights
1Pacing and Emotional Scenes Felt Forced Amidst High Stakes
The hosts frequently criticized the finale's pacing, arguing that emotional dialogue and character moments felt 'stretched' and 'formulaic' at times. They felt these scenes, while individually 'beautiful,' disrupted the urgency of the world-ending threat, making the narrative feel less organic and more like 'after-school specials.'
One host stated, 'It's like, okay, guys, wrap it up. We we we have to keep moving. Like, this is some very serious shit is happening. The world is about to end. Like, I don't know if we really have time to like have a deep heart-to-heart.' () Another added, 'I could feel the manipulation for sure. And I was just like, okay, well, now it's not working.' ()
2Villain Motivations and Character Effectiveness Were Underdeveloped
The hosts expressed disappointment with the narrative surrounding the antagonists. Vecna's expanded origin story was seen as unnecessary and confusing, with one host stating, 'I lost complete sight of the plot. I don't I don't have any sense of concern for like the backstory anymore.' (1:46:42) Linda Hamilton's character was also critiqued for being 'stereotypical' and 'a lot of nothing,' with missed opportunities for a more compelling arc, especially regarding her right-hand man's loyalty.
Regarding Linda Hamilton's character, a host remarked, 'Nothing much was really done with her character. She was just like a very stereotypical... Most of her participation was walking into a room and... giving looks. Yeah. That was most of her performance.' ()
3Lack of Main Character Deaths Undermined Stakes
A significant point of contention was the show's reluctance to kill off any of its core cast members, despite numerous close calls. The hosts felt this pattern, established in previous seasons with characters like Hopper and El, made it difficult to believe any main character was truly in danger, thus lowering the emotional stakes of the finale.
One host noted, 'Complaints about the show and this season is like there is this feeling like characters should have died.' () They later added, 'None of the mains got killed at all. Like, not one.' () The near-death of Steve was cited as an example: 'There was a fear... but then there was also this like they're not going to kill Steve. They can't they can't kill Steve.' ()
4The Finale Successfully Captured the End of an Era
Despite their criticisms, the hosts deeply appreciated the finale's ability to convey the emotional transition from childhood to adulthood for the characters. The Dungeons & Dragons callbacks and the scenes depicting friends drifting apart resonated strongly, creating a 'cathartic' and 'beautiful' sense of closure for the series.
One host reflected, 'It's the end of an era, you know? Like whatever whatever issues people may have had with this season or whatever, it's like we've all been on this like long journey with them.' () They further elaborated, 'We have to say goodbye to their childhood and kind of in a way our own... And that's hard.' ()
Notable Moments
Steve's Near-Death Experience
The hosts reacted strongly to Steve's close call, expressing genuine fear and then frustration that the show continued its pattern of not killing off main characters, despite the high stakes. One host stated, 'If they did Steve like that, I wouldn't even have been able to cry. I would have been so mad.' (1:16:17)
El's Apparent Sacrifice and Return
The hosts discussed the emotional impact of El's perceived death and subsequent 'illusion' reveal. They noted the show's history of 'fake out' deaths, which made it hard to fully believe her sacrifice, but appreciated the narrative choice to keep her alive, albeit in hiding. (1:14:15)
Hopper's Proposal to Joyce
This moment was highlighted as a 'beautiful' and 'perfect' scene, praised for its concise execution and emotional resonance. The hosts felt 'invited to share in something really special' with characters they had journeyed with. (1:59:05)
Dustin's Valedictorian Speech and the D&D Game
Dustin's speech, advocating for 'good chaos' and breaking down social walls, and the final D&D game served as poignant bookends to the series. These moments underscored themes of growth, friendship, and the end of childhood, resonating deeply with the hosts. (1:01:04, 1:55:58)
Quotes
"If they did Steve like that, I wouldn't even have been able to cry. I would have been so mad."
"I could feel the manipulation for sure. And I was just like, okay, well, now it's not working."
"It's the end of an era, you know? Like whatever whatever issues people may have had with this season or whatever, it's like we've all been on this like long journey with them."
"The hardest lesson I ever had to learn was learning how to let go... It's done and you have to move forward now."
"I just want to know that Mike gets to be with her. That's all."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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