Fans prepare to say goodbye to one of Netflix’s most beloved shows.
Stranger Things kicks off the New Year with a bittersweet farewell to our favorite characters as they go on their last adventure to confront Vecna and end the Mind Flayer’s torture once and for all. The final episode follows the gang as they attempt to rescue the 12 kidnapped children from the Upside Down and end it all in one final battle.
The series finale premiered in over 500 select theaters across the United States and Canada, with screenings from December 31st to January 1st. I attended the opening-night premiere in Hawaii at a Regal theater, with other theaters around the country hosting stars from the series, who made surprise appearances, including Brett Gelman and Cara Buono. Walking into the theater, I could feel the excitement as I grabbed snacks and made my way to my assigned seat, as more and more lovers of the franchise arrived.
Before the screening began, I had the opportunity to interview those about their favorite character, what they anticipated from the series, and their favorite moments. Many replied with different answers, such as Will, Nancy, and Henry, but when it came to what they anticipated, they wanted to be surprised.
When the finale started, many fans cheered with excitement. An anticipation rose that Steve would not survive; everyone’s panic grew with expressive sighs, and quite a few no’s. It was an emotional whirlwind and an in-theater experience I’ll never forget. The moment Jonathan caught Steve, the theaters cheered with relief as we got to see the two working together for the first time and putting old mends behind them. The excitement was memorable with the theater full of fans, sharing one final memory of our favorite shared series with those around the world.
By the end of the series, chills ran down my spine, and hope was alive. The Stranger Things series finale delivers an open-ended ending, leaving fans to draw their own conclusions about what becomes of Eleven and her friends. It was also a warm ending, as, for one last time, the gang returned to where it all began: the Wheelers’ basement, around a table for a game of DnD. It was a wholesome moment that closed the chapter of one final adventure.
However, the series finale received mixed reviews from viewers, with some stating the visuals were lower quality than in previous seasons and that the CGI was underwhelming during the climactic action sequences. There were plot holes and side characters that were once present but are no longer mentioned. Additionally, several dialogue moments leading up to the finale had fans question how the scenes were executed and whether they were necessary, such as Will’s coming-out scene and Max’s speech to Holly before escaping the Upside Down.
Despite divided responses, the Stranger Things series finale delivers an emotional ending, even if the writing is imperfect. Fans can take away and interpret the series however they like, and say one final goodbye to a series that grew up alongside them.
Rating: 8/10
Written by Samantha Ysaguirre
