full spoilers follow for Stranger Things: Season 5, Vol.2, which consists of three of Season 5’s eight episodes. Vol. 2 premieres December 25 on Netflix and the series finale debuts December 31. Read our review of Vol. 1 here.
Fear not, watchers who are nervous creators Matt and Ross Duffer can’t possibly answer all of their unsolved mysteries – Season 5, Vol. 2 is an answer-palooza for many of the mythology mysteries that have plagued the residents of Hawkins going back to Season 1. There’s so much going on in this trifecta of episodes, it’s a little overwhelming to process just how much is revealed about the mythology – and between characters – in the three-and-a-half hours that span this volume.
More From Hawkins
And that’s not to mention that you might want to dig out your Texas Instruments scientific calculators, because Mr. Clark (Randy Havens), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Erica (Priah Ferguson) and even Murray (Brett Gelman) will be taking us all to school – in a very entertaining way – as we get the real 411 about the Upside Down, the Rightside Up and something called the exotic matter holding it all together.
“Chapter Five: Shock Jock” is the second episode this season directed by Frank Darabont (the Shawshank Redemption, The Mist) and picks up from the cliffhanger where Noah Schnapp’s Will the Sorcerer went all eleven on the Demogorgons. In the wake of his destruction, the heroes of Hawkins take stock of their losses… and realize that all 12 kids have been kidnapped into the Upside Down by Mr. Whatsit/Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). He’s plugged all of them into his hive,but thay just think they’re being protected in his faux-perfect Creel house. Having learned from Holly Wheeler’s (Nell Fisher) wandering, he’s got them locked down for safe-keeping until he needs to use his “perfect vessels” for his endgame plan.
In the Rightside Up, Will and company figure out that he’s able to siphon power from Vecna because of their connection. So, unlike Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) powers, proximity is required for Will to get juiced up to fight Vecna. And Lucas’ (Caleb McLaughlin) theory that November 6 will be the day that Vecna’s plans will become known triggers an implied countdown clock that fuels these episodes, and which unspool over one day. Darabont has a deft hand in keeping “Chapter Five” light on its feet, shifting between multiple settings, some high-concept quantum physics chatter, and several much-needed character moments – hello, Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton).
Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2: A Promising setup for the Final Chapter
Table of Contents
Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2 delivers crucial answers to long-standing questions, propelling the narrative forward as the series heads towards its conclusion. While some character arcs feel underdeveloped in this penultimate installment, the season successfully raises the stakes and sets the stage for a potentially explosive finale. The review highlights both the strengths of the latest episodes and areas where the writing falls short, particularly concerning the development of key characters.
Character Dynamics and Missed Opportunities
The review points to a mixed bag when it comes to character development. While acknowledging Winona Ryder’s continued strength as Joyce, it notes her role is largely confined to “mom mode,” limiting the scope for a character who has previously demonstrated significant growth. The romantic connection between Joyce and Hopper, a central element of Season 4, appears to have been dialed back to a platonic friendship, leaving viewers wanting more emotional depth.
Similarly, the introduction of Dr. kay, played by Patricia Arquette, feels underwhelming. The review criticizes the character as a pale imitation of Dr. Brenner, lacking sufficient backstory or motivation for her dedication to reviving the Number Program. The author expresses a desire for more nuanced material for Arquette, comparable to Paul reiser’s performance in previous seasons.
Plot Progression and Lingering Questions
Despite these character concerns, Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2 excels in providing answers to the core mysteries surrounding the series. The episodes effectively address the “who, what, where, and when” of the overarching narrative, leaving audiences eager to discover the final piece of the puzzle: “why?”
The review emphasizes the importance of Max’s reminder that Vecna was once human, suggesting this could be the key to his defeat. The question remains whether understanding Vecna’s origins will allow the characters to redeem him and save Hawkins from destruction.
Looking Ahead to the Finale
The season successfully builds anticipation for the final episodes, leaving viewers with a compelling cliffhanger and a renewed sense of urgency. The focus on Vecna’s humanity introduces a moral complexity that could shape the ultimate resolution of the series.
Key Takeaways:
* Strong Plot Progression: The season delivers answers to key questions, moving the overarching narrative forward.
* Character Development Concerns: Some characters, like Joyce and Dr. kay, feel underdeveloped or lack sufficient motivation.
* Emotional Depth: The review suggests a missed opportunity to explore the emotional connection between Hopper and Joyce.
* Vecna’s Origins: The revelation of Vecna’s human past offers a potential path to his defeat and the salvation of Hawkins.