Stranger Things S5 Vol. 2 Review: Emotions Run High As More Truth Comes To Light

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As someone who’s been hooked on Stranger Things for almost ten years, it’s wild to think we’re getting close to the finish line. Honestly, after watching the first part of season five, I felt like there was still a lot of story left to unfold. Thankfully, Volume 2 doesn’t waste any time! Where the first half jumped right into action, this second volume keeps the momentum going – and I mean really going, with some truly thrilling sequences.

At the start of Stranger Things season 5, Volume 2, the characters are still separated into different groups—some are in Hawkins, some in the Upside Down, and others are trapped inside Vecna’s mind. While Max and Holly search for a way to return to their bodies, the groups in the Upside Down are uncovering surprising new information. Meanwhile, the team in Hawkins is working to figure out Will’s abilities and how his connection to the hive mind could help them defeat Vecna.

Considering how things unfolded in the first part of Stranger Things season 5, viewers should expect anything to happen to any character. The Duffer Brothers haven’t been afraid to make shocking choices, and the stakes are even higher now that time is running out for the group in Hawkins.

Stranger Things S5 Volume 2 Runs Into Middle Movie Syndrome

Season 5, Volume 2 of Stranger Things continues the story immediately after Volume 1. While Will managed to help his friends using his new powers, the group soon realizes they didn’t succeed in protecting all the kids from Vecna. The second volume focuses on some characters coming back together and others desperately trying to find their way home.

The fifth season of Stranger Things really ramps up the tension over its three episodes, building towards a final showdown with Vecna. The second volume feels like the middle chapter of a trilogy – it focuses on explaining what’s happening and setting the stage for the ultimate battle, but doesn’t fully resolve any of the storylines. It’s all setup, with the various plots moving forward but no real conclusion in sight.

Each episode is over an hour long and keeps the story moving without unnecessary scenes. Knowing how season 5 of Stranger Things would be released, many expected it might feel drawn out like a long movie. However, after a wait of over three years, dividing the final season into parts isn’t building excitement – it’s just frustrating. It’s also ironic that Vecna constantly says, “It’s time,” while the show keeps delaying revealing his full plan.

Volume 2 Of Stranger Things Season 5 Is An Emotional Roller Coaster

Even though the latest part of Stranger Things season 5 has some typical mid-season lulls, it’s packed with powerful emotional scenes. Several actors deliver outstanding performances, showcasing how much their characters have developed over the years. Expect plenty of action, heartfelt moments, and strained relationships – and this is only the beginning of the final story arc.

A key plotline in Volume 2 follows Dustin, Steve, Nancy, and Jonathan as they venture into the Upside Down Hawkins Lab. Trapped in a perilous situation, the group experiences intense emotional conflict and confronts difficult truths, significantly altering their relationships with each other.

Similar to past seasons of Stranger Things, the large number of characters means some get less focus. Though we see some unexpected pairings and exciting reunions, it’s becoming harder to give everyone significant screen time as the show heads towards its conclusion. Even Eleven appears to have a smaller part in this volume, but that will likely change in the final episode.

Do We Already Have The Answers Ahead Of Stranger Things Series Finale?

Image via Netflix

With just over two hours left, the final part of Stranger Things aims to wrap up the story and deliver a satisfying ending. While it does answer some of the show’s biggest mysteries – including those surrounding Will, Eleven, Vecna, and the Upside Down – these answers actually raise even more questions that need to be resolved in the series finale.

Some lingering questions in Stranger Things might already be answered in the stage play, Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Because season 5 of the show will connect to the play’s events – particularly the backstory of Henry Creel – it’s best to avoid spoilers if you haven’t seen it. Since the play came out, details have spread widely within the fan community, meaning many people have likely already encountered major plot points that will be important in the show’s final season.

If the play was meant to hint at future plot points, it would have been better to release The First Shadow to a wider audience. At the very least, fans should have been warned about spoilers, but even that would have been difficult with how quickly information spreads today. Hopefully, the creators will build on what’s shown in the play and deliver a satisfying conclusion for fans.

I’m so excited – Volumes 1 and 2 of Stranger Things season 5 are finally here on Netflix! And get this – the very last episodes will be released on December 31st, 2025. It feels like a long wait, but I can’t wait to see how the story ends!

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2025-12-26 04:13