[Review] A Period at the End of a 10-Year Journey. Thoughts on the <Stranger Things> Season 5 Finale

Hello, this is Jihoon, who analyzes and records the narratives of content.

On the morning of New Year's Day, 2026, I wrapped up the past 10 years alongside the children of Hawkins. The final episode of Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 8. Although the runtime was a massive 2 hours, the narrative unfolded without a dull moment, serving as a sufficient finale to the series.

It feels like more than just an ending; it feels like the closing of an era that grew along with us. I have organized my thoughts while watching the final episode.


1. A Battle Without Excess, Choosing the Direct Path Over Tricks

The battle between Vecna (Henry) and the Hawkins family, which lasted over an hour in the first half, had an excellent balance. The struggle against the Mind Flayer, and the one-on-one confrontation between Eleven and Henry, captured not only the visual spectacle but also the emotional clash built up over the past narratives.

Looking at the remaining time after the battle, I anticipated, "Will there be a forced twist?" However, the creators chose the direct approach of calmly tying up each character's narrative instead. For fans who wanted to see a sincere conclusion for the characters rather than flashy tricks, this seems to have been the greatest courtesy.


2. Restoration of Relationships, and the Villain's Narrative

Disaster, in the end, seems to make people grow. The deep bond felt in the conversation between Hop and Eleven, and the sincere apologies exchanged between Steve and Jonathan, demonstrated a 'restoration of humanity' that was more important than defeating monsters.

In particular, the sequence showing why Henry (Vecna) became such a monster and the origin of his powers was quite interesting. Beyond a simple villain's backstory, it was a segment that made me spin a hopeful theory that perhaps a spin-off could emerge in the future. The courageous moments shown during Holly and Max's reunion were also satisfying in terms of resolving plot threads.


3. 18 Months Later, The Greatness of Normality

18 months after the duel ended, the peace that came to Hawkins gives a heavy resonance. Hop proposing to Joyce at the restaurant looked like a symbol of the 'ordinary happiness' they had desired so much. The concerns about the future shared by the young adult generation, including Steve, Jonathan, and Nancy, were also incredibly realistic, allowing for deeper empathy.


4. D&D, Closing the Door and Saying Goodbye

The ending sequence was a classic example of coming full circle.

The scene where Mike, Will, Dustin, Max, and Lucas gather in the basement after graduation to play their final game of 'Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)', and Mike, as the Dungeon Master, narrating their future, was enough to move the heart of someone like me who has been with them for the past 10 years.

In the following scene, Mike's gaze turns to the next generation. It is the sight of Holly and her friends inheriting that basement and starting a new game of D&D. Watching this and quietly closing the door, Mike's demeanor felt like a perfect generational shift and a farewell to our childhood.

Jihoon's Final Thoughts

Over the past 10 years, the actors, and I as a viewer, have changed a lot. It is natural that my feelings now are different from when I watched Season 1. However, I am glad to confirm that the essence of growth, adventure, and friendship has not changed.

With the deduction that Mike and Eleven are living happily somewhere, I intend to slowly enjoy this lingering feeling. I look forward to meeting Hawkins again in another story someday.