The Wait Is Over: Is 'Stranger Things' Final Season Worth the Three-Year Delay?

After a three-year wait, the first four episodes of Stranger Things' final fifth season have finally dropped on Netflix. The Duffer Brothers warned early on that saying goodbye to Hawkins would be painful, and judging by the opening episodes, they weren't kidding.

The first part of the season serves as extensive exposition, returning viewers to a familiar world but presenting it in a completely new, adult light.

Without revealing any spoilers, we will discuss how the first part of the final season of Stranger Things turned out.

What Is 'Stranger Things' Season 5 Volume 1 About?

Hawkins has become an exclusion zone surrounded by military fences and checkpoints. Now, a military base looms over the main portal near the Creel house.

From there, Hopper's squad ventures into the parallel dimension to search for the wounded but still dangerous Vecna.

While the adults and teenagers plan their raids, ordinary life struggles to overcome anxiety. Mike, Lucas, and Will attend school, Dustin mourns Eddie's death, and Lucas keeps constant vigil at Max's bedside.

Although Volume 1 Only Sets the Stage for the Grand Finale, It Will Keep You Glued to Your Screen

The first four episodes serve as massive setups, setting traps and placing guns on the walls. However, this is far from dull exposition. The creators have crafted a tense and gripping narrative that seamlessly immerses viewers in Hawkins' new, grim reality.

The visual effects and monster design elevate Stranger Things to the level of major Hollywood blockbusters. The action scenes with the Demogorgons finally realize their potential and are the best in the show's history.

'Stranger Things' Season 5 Is the Most Serious and Emotional Chapter Yet

What was once a nostalgic adventure with horror elements has become a full-fledged drama about trauma and coming of age.

The characters we remember as giggly teenagers have grown up and are now wounded and burdened by their experiences. The creators masterfully focus on each character, rekindling our affection through touching everyday scenes, silent glances, and poignant dialogue.

Viewers witness the touching relationship between Mike and Eleven, the tension between Nancy and Jonathan, the unexpected bond between Will and Robin, and the comedic duo of Dustin and Steve, now tinged with genuine grief.

Vecna Is More Dangerous and Creepy Than Ever

This season, Vecna finally sheds the last vestiges of humanity. While he occasionally evoked unwitting sympathy in Season 4, he is now the embodiment of pure terror.

The creators have crafted his arc to ensure his return is truly memorable and terrifying. He is no longer just a powerful adversary – he has become the very embodiment of evil, which makes the upcoming final battle even more tense and unpredictable.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Stranger Things' Season 5 Volume 1?

• Stranger Things Season 5 has 92% from critics and 90% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.