Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 Review: A Step Back for the Beloved Franchise
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The latest installment of Stranger Things, Season 5, Volume 1, marks a departure from the show's signature quality, as the Duffer Brothers struggle to grow with their cast. The new season, set in November 1987, finds Eleven and Hopper on the run, while the Byers, Wheelers, and Steve prepare to face Vecna in the Upside Down. Despite its good intentions, the show gets stuck in a loop of predictable plotlines, corny one-liners, and drawn-out setups. However, the Duffer Brothers' ability to create emotional moments and surprise the audience still shines through. One of the most endearing aspects of Stranger Things remains its ability to bring diverse characters together. The show beautifully crafts moments of joy, humor, and heartfelt emotion, making it relatable and grounded despite the supernatural events unfolding on screen. The absence of fan-favorite characters like Billy and Eddie is noticeable, but the makers have introduced new characters, such as Jake Connelly's Derek, who provides much-needed humor and a redemption arc. However, the show's failure to utilize its characters' chemistry and adapt to its cast's growing ages is a significant letdown. The narrative's predictability is another issue, with the show struggling to stay ahead of its audience. The long runtime of some episodes becomes arduous, and the show's reliance on familiar tropes feels like a step back from its previous seasons. While Stranger Things still remains watchable and entertaining, the bar set by previous seasons is high, and this installment fails to meet it. The show's inability to grow with its cast and adapt to its changing narrative is a concern, and fans will be hoping for a return to form in the upcoming Volume 2.
