Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2: A Build-Up to an Epic Finale

This review of Stranger Things season 5 is spoiler-free.

Labeling any episode of a show as “filler” feels off. Even in the days of lengthy seasons, most so-called “filler” episodes contributed to character development and explored deeper themes. However, the latest episodes of Stranger Things surprisingly start to feel like filler, merely treading water as we approach the grand finale.

Release date: December 25

Available on: Netflix

Showrunners: Matt and Ross Duffer

Episodes reviewed: 3 of 3

The issues become evident early on. After ‘Sorcerer’—an unforgettable episode packed with expertly choreographed action and unexpected twists—the series slows down. There’s a need to clarify everything: how Will’s powers function, the whereabouts of Max and Holly, and why Eleven was previously unaware of her “sister.” Unfortunately, only some of this exposition is engaging. Where the show once thrived at making complex sci-fi concepts accessible, these new episodes have characters reiterating information, ensuring we’re all caught up, just in case you were distracted for a moment.

The show struggles most during the planning scenes. In the season opener, ‘The Crawl,’ we learn about the gang’s “crawls” through the Upside Down to locate Vecna. This setup, led from the Squawk Radio Tower, was energetic and informative, bringing us up to speed on the gang’s activities over the past year in quarantined Hawkins.

However, in episodes 5-7, two new plans are laid out in the same location, creating a sense of déjà vu. It’s acceptable to establish plans at the season’s start, but by the halfway mark, shouldn’t we be past that? The writers seem to be resetting the stage, positioning their pieces for a climactic finale, which unfortunately detracts from the present action.

One could argue that these scenes build anticipation for the finale and are part of the show’s essence, especially with familiar banter sprinkled throughout (though it would be more engaging if characters were interacting rather than explaining things to each other). But considering each episode runs over an hour and this is the last of Stranger Things, it feels like Eleven could have used this time to take action.

Fortunately, there are some intriguing new concepts that require exposition, and the discovery of a diary containing answers to long-standing questions leads to characters exclaiming, “I just learned this really cool fact!”

When characters are actively engaged, the series delivers on moments it has been building toward for years. While there are no major surprises—nothing akin to the first volume—emotional reunions and personal revelations abound, with some character arcs reaching satisfying conclusions. Some scenes may lean toward the sentimental, but that’s part of Stranger Things’ charm, and these episodes embrace that fully. As a result, there’s less action, but what’s present is thrilling.

The episodes also showcase some striking, horror-infused visuals that create a sense of dread. One particularly unsettling scene features an illusion conjured by Kali during one of the more intriguing exposition moments, while delving deeper into Vecna’s realm is exciting (the final shot of the three episodes is especially haunting). It’s a shame we only spend a short time in a new location, as the writers seem to be holding back for the finale.

Speaking of which, there’s a lingering concern I have, though I’ve been hopeful the show would address it. Vecna/Henry/One’s backstory has been explored in the play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which provides some context for his character. While it’s been suggested that the play enhances the main series, it doesn’t feel essential for this season. However, after these episodes, that notion feels only partially true. Given how much the show explicitly explains, it would make sense to delve deeper into Henry’s backstory. Yet, we’re only given glimpses, and what we do see is some of the show’s most compelling material. Henry’s story may be on Broadway, but I’m hoping for more in the finale.

The writers seem to be resetting the stage, positioning their pieces for a climactic finale, which unfortunately detracts from the present action.

Of course, including more of Henry could have risked overcrowding this season. There are already numerous main characters. Will receives the most screen time, placing significant pressure on Noah Schnapp—sometimes too much, though he handles his biggest moment well. Finn Wolfhard’s Mike takes a backseat, as does Maya Hawke’s Rockin’ Robin, while Winona Ryder’s Joyce is mostly there to look concerned. Gaten Matarazzo remains engaging as Dustin, and Natalia Dyer continues to shine as Nancy, who has one of the more intriguing arcs this season. Nell Fisher’s Holly is a surprising yet well-earned addition to the main cast, unlike a few familiar faces who are given oddly significant moments but still feel like extras.

Reflecting on those lengthy 22-hour seasons from the past, each episode attempting to tell its own story, Volume Two feels incomplete—merely a setup for a finale that has a lot to deliver. Detractors of the show likely won’t be swayed, but fans of Stranger Things will find these episodes enjoyable, if somewhat repetitive. Now, we just have to wait to see how it all wraps up…