“Flipping” Amazing: Stranger Things 5, Vol. I Review

Aarush Vakalapudi
4 days ago
3 min read

Editor’s Note: Spoiler warning for Stranger Things Season 5!

By: Aarush Vakalapudi

Renewing a familiar mix of the 80s, science fiction, and interdimensional travel, season 5 of Netflix’s Stranger Things has officially begun. While the season finale promises to take fans by storm on New Year's Eve, Volume I moves fast and sets the stage for an epic ending in the Stranger Things universe.

The season begins with a view of Hawkins after Vecna’s attacks in season 4, and the breakthrough of the Upside Down into the real world. The government, led by the newly created Department of Energy (DOE), has quarantined the town under the guise of geological instability, turning large parts into a restricted zone.

This leads to some new developments for our characters: Eleven (El) training in secret with Hopper and Joyce, and Robin and Steve running the WSQK, a pirate radio station and the base of operations for investigating the Upside Down. On a sour note, Dustin is grieving after the death of Eddie, trying to keep his memory alive when it seems as if everyone else has forgotten or villainizes him.

However, a hidden threat emerges when demodogs begin stealing children from Hawkins. They’re summoned by an imaginary friend, Mr. Whatsit, who turns out to be Vecna in disguise, manipulating kids and bringing them to the Upside Down.

The Volume I climax is EPIC: El finds Kali (Eight), Will gains Vecna/Eleven-level powers, and Max finds Holly, explaining that she’s trapped in Vecna’s mind.

When speaking with fellow Tower Hill students, everyone’s opinions about the new season were very much positive. Junior Maya Warthen explained, “It was so good, and the three-year gap between seasons was definitely worth the wait.”

After binge-watching the first four episodes of Season Five, I think that it’s off to a strong start. On one hand, I can’t wait to see what the rest of the episodes have in store, although I also can’t help but feel dissatisfied with some of the characters right now.

First of all, what happened to Steve and Dustin’s relationship was just wrong. For the past 2 seasons, these two have basically become brothers, and currently, they’re on thin ice with each other. I don’t really understand why this had to be written in, and I’m really hoping to see them renew their friendship soon.

Next, I’m glad Max is still alive. She’s probably my favorite character in the entire show, and after all of the trauma she underwent in the past season, I’m not surprised that she hasn’t given up and is ready for the battle ahead. Sadie Sink is one of the strongest actors in the cast when it comes to range and emotional depth, so her scenes are something to look forward to in future episodes.

Finally, I’m very supportive of Byler (Will Byers + Mike Wheeler). Mike and El’s relationship feels forced, and it seems as though, over the years, their relationship has dulled. Byler, on the other hand, feels super exciting, and with the way it has been built up in Season 5, from Will’s talks with Robin to the video we see before he shows off his powers, it’s clear that this ship has a large foundation to it, explaining why the Stranger Things fandom is in favor of this development. I’m excited to see Mike and Will together in Volume II (hopefully), but this is my favorite ship.

Overall, I rate Volume I an easy 9.5/10, and I suspect that as the season goes on, my rating will only increase. If I had to give you a reason to hate Volume I, it would only be that it left us on too many cliffhangers, so if you haven’t already, GO WATCH STRANGER THINGS!

TOWER HILL'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

“Flipping” Amazing: Stranger Things 5, Vol. I Review

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