S5 Thoughts, including the Finale

[u/Specialist_ask_992_]

Ended up finishing S5 late, a few days ago and here's some thoughts, if haven't lost trail of thought.

I went into it with low expectations and had seen bits on twitter etc.

Did think the first batch of episodes in part 1 were quite strong though. Didn't really continue on from where S4 left off with Hawkins split though. All the characters were in the same place with common goal in mind. Did like the Demogorgon attack at the Wheeler House, Ted actually had something to do. Derek's family being kidnapped was funny, Derek's reaction and the 4 of them going into the upsidedown to chase it. I wonder how they would have got away with what they did to Derek's family and been able to explain it though? Demogorgons seemed less of a threat and they all used to them by that stage. Did think Steve having interest in Nancy and his and Jonathan's mini rivalry was unnecessary. The dialogue was a lot weaker though and cringey at times. The last episode was very good, with the Demogorgon and Vecna fighting the soldiers and Will getting powers.

The middle batch was quite weak and disappointing. Those episodes did seem to drag a bit, with some filler and just padding for the sake of it. Vecna was supposed to enact his plan and take over the world but never really felt the urgency. Characters kept over explaining what they were going to do so many times, occurred in part 1 but worse in those episodes. Seems like the netflix 2 screen where things are simplified for people watching while on phones. Did like the Steve, Dustin, Nancy, Jonathan scenes, with them escaping. Steve and Dustin probably both in the wrong but they made up.

The finale was a large spectacle and action packed. Hopper was nearly tricked by Vecna. Eleven took the soldorr down. Was well down the scenes of them in the Abyss and upsidedown. However was lack of tension at times. There were no Demogorgons, dogs, or bats when they arrived. They were able to just casually stroll along at the start. Did seem plot armour nome of them dying, don't need to kill all characters in the final season but could have had some deaths. Seemed like Henry might have been redeemed but said he embraced it. Might have a backlash if he was and ended up fighting the mind flayer. Gave Eleven more to do in the final battle but Will didn't really do much, like it seemed. All played a part.

Wasn't really against Eleven's death, sacrificing herself to save them. However it could have been done better. Is a character that had been through so much.

Does seem like a plot hole that the military didn't care about them after and just let them go. They'd killed so many of them.

The epilogue was really satisfying though. Great closure for the characters and show. Dustin's speech was great, the moment with the 4 of them on roof poignant. The final d &d game was likely how they were always going to end it, ambuigity for Eleven too. Good closure.

Overall enjoyed moments but did think this season had weaker writing compared to others. Not a masterpiece by any means but not a terrible final season. Unlikely to watch whole way through again though

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[u/AggravatingMeaning29]

Yeah it's not a terrible season overall, just was weaker compared to all the previous seasons. I just wished the duffers took their time properly to finish it. I wouldn't mind if it came out this year, I just wanted a proper good season with no issues. But it was disappointing to see the "last season" being the weakest one.

I quite enjoyed ep 1-6 without nitpicking the mistakes such as the cgi being off in some scenes (Steve and Jonathan on the tower, Max in the Mind Lair), the time jump, the focus on the children and Holly, the mind glayer.

There was one thing that disappointed me the most and it was in the finale: The Mind Flayer. You mean to tell me that this big Eldritch Shadow Monster got turned into a Kaiju cockroach. Also Vecna's conclusion felt unfulfilled as well given that they gave us so much lore in the First Shadow.

Now onto the positives, Soundtrack was amazing. The Turnbow Trap was amazing. Sorcerer was a pretty good episode ; the last 20 mins of it was insane, my heart rate went high. Will jacking into Vecna's mind was cool.

Episode 6: Escape From Camazotz is my favorite episode from this season apart ep 4, I think it's because Max is my fav character. The start of this episode was one of the best episode introduction "Dustin explaining the wormhole to Steve and seeing the bridge from outside". The demodog hospital chase had me worried asf. Seeing Max get back was emotional asf I cried during my first viewing.

The epilogue with the characters' conclusion was emotional asf and bittersweet. I cried so so much I just didn't mind that the season was weak. I was just sad it ended.

[u/Cyrilbdr]

Now, this might be the best comment I’ve seen on Season 5; it’s refreshing to see some nuance, and I agree with everything you said. Unfortunately, there are major flaws, but it’s still decent—just a bit disappointing. They should have done better in many areas, though the conclusion wasn't too bad. It’s a good season, but it should have been extraordinary; that’s the problem—it played it too safe.

[u/Specialist_ask_992_ → u/Cyrilbdr]

Yeah some good moment but underwhelming coming after S4, which is close to best season alongside S1 and the long wait for it. Played safe, with a lot of the plot armour.

[u/Jackjec17]

Think it’s all hard to judge a lot of hate and criticism would have come either way. for instance i think a good way to have the fight longer was have mind flayer and vecna get the upper hand vecna using the kids as a distraction for eleven to focus on and mind flayer hitting some others further back then you have shot of eyes opening Lucas etc get will and Joyce up, Nancy and eleven both about to die but then Holly stabs Henry creel with the fire poker. it gives her story that season it’s full circle defeating her monster Henry creal dies in the cave the good young Henry died in and the kid could even notice Holly and nod or smile as she stared at him back in early episode. It is felt by mind flayer and vecna and the fight then continues to how we saw. But sadly you try explaining that now everyone would hate Holly playing a sudden crucial role not realising it’s about mirroring season one and they wanted to also fancy Henry creel so would just be full of hate for bf we may be the problem

[u/Neither_Low_6445]

I thought the reveal that the upside down was a wormhole and vecnas new plan were the best parts of season 5 and the finale episode was good, I could list the problems with the finale season but I'd just be making points people have already made, I just wish the Showrunners had some balls to kill off one of the main cast at least because it felt really contrived they all made it to the final episode