Stranger Things Season 5 Vol. 2 Review: Netflix Is Running Out of Steam

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The popular Netflix series Stranger Things is back with a surprisingly short break – only one month – between its latest two volumes. This gap has given viewers and critics time to consider whether the show can recapture the energy it had in earlier seasons, particularly after it began to lose steam around season three. Many feel the show is struggling as it heads towards its conclusion. Once a powerhouse, the series now feels like Karen Wheeler in the current season: initially strong and determined, but increasingly hampered and driven forward only by intense emotional pain.

The release of Volume 2 makes it clear that the final season of Stranger Things isn’t strong enough to justify multiple release dates, especially around major holidays. Critics are being asked to cover a series that’s plagued with technical issues, while dedicated fans are more anxious about potential character deaths than enjoying the holidays. Even more concerning, many casual viewers aren’t invested enough to pause their family celebrations for predictable storylines and infrequent exciting moments. Netflix is heavily relying on Stranger Things to deliver a success, but Volume 2 feels like a major setback – its second strike.

Stranger Things Has a Character Problem

I have to admit, I think Stranger Things went on a bit too long. Everyone has a different idea of when it should have ended – for some, it was after that amazing first season, and honestly, they seem more and more right about that. Others felt a couple more seasons were okay, but it feels like a lot of the characters are just… still there, hanging on without a clear purpose, just like the show itself sometimes felt.

The show’s popularity exploded thanks to its memorable characters, so it’s surprising to hear they’re now considered a problem. They’ve become so iconic that ‘Eleven’ isn’t just a number anymore – it’s a recognizable symbol and name. However, this creates a tricky situation: Netflix and the show’s creators want to capitalize on all the characters with merchandise, but there aren’t enough unique images or symbols to feature on everything.

Okay, let’s talk about Volume 2. It jumps right into the action after the first part, and it’s pretty clear the story really focuses on Will, Eleven, and, to a degree, Max. Honestly, the rest of the characters felt a bit…flat, like caricatures, and their development suffered. I think the season would have been much stronger if they’d trimmed the supporting cast and given these core three a bit more time to shine and develop these crucial plot points. It felt rushed, and those other characters really paid the price.

Stranger Things Makes Space for Everyone in Season 5, Vol. 2

Characters like Mr. Clarke, Murray, and Vickie appear throughout the second volume, and while Murray is a standout, their presence ultimately slows down the story. These characters, who have been around for a while, mostly serve to provide comic relief or explain things to others, without offering much meaningful emotional connection or driving the plot forward.

Vickie is Robin’s girlfriend, but she doesn’t really contribute to the main problems the show is facing. After five seasons, does the show need another character whose only job is to recap what’s already happened? Viewers don’t need constant, tiring explanations of the backstory.

The biggest problem with the recent storyline is Kali (Linnea Berthelsen), Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) older sister, who is rescued with Hopper from a secret government facility run by Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton). While Kali is an interesting character, her story feels rushed and doesn’t quite fit. She primarily serves to explain her history, expose Dr. Kay’s unethical experiments, and challenge Hopper’s parenting of Eleven, but it all comes across as strange and unnatural.

The show led viewers to believe all storylines would eventually connect, and while it’s attempting to deliver on that promise, it’s doing so in a clumsy way. The lack of any mention of the character Kali after the second season highlights how insignificant she’s become, despite her initial importance to Eleven and the overall narrative. This, along with the reappearance of Dr. Kay, demonstrates how the show’s loose planning and rush to tie everything together have led it astray.

Stranger Things’ Habit of Telling and Not Showing Takes Over

Considering it took three years to produce, the show’s writing feels surprisingly awkward. What’s even more frustrating is that the entire season often feels like just setup – constant planning, theorizing, and exposition. The show clearly aims to satisfy fans, and Stranger Things does deliver, with one reveal about the Upside Down being particularly impressive, even if many predicted it. However, the show has a serious problem: it explains absolutely everything in excruciating detail.

Stranger Things relies heavily on characters explaining things instead of letting the story unfold visually, a common mistake new screenwriters are warned against. However, Netflix seems to assume viewers are easily distracted – often using their phones or multitasking. For those fully engaged with the show, these overly descriptive scenes, which could have been streamlined, are simply tedious because the characters will inevitably follow through with their plans anyway.

As a fan, it used to be that the clever ideas came from characters like Dustin, Mike, and Erica – the ones you’d expect. But lately, it feels like everyone on Stranger Things is suddenly a genius who can solve any problem! It’s great to love all the characters, but some of them are there to be the strong ones or offer support, and that’s totally fine. Honestly, it’s a little weird seeing Steve suddenly act like an expert on the Upside Down. We don’t need everyone to be the smart one!

While the initial setup feels familiar and somewhat routine, the action that follows is consistently exciting. A standout example involves Will, Max, and Holly in a particularly clever and suspenseful scene. These moments, along with the extensive scenes in the Upside Down, demonstrate how much the show’s special effects and immersive quality have improved since it began in 2016.

The Emotional Levity Is Strong, But a Rarity In Stranger Things

A major theme in Season 5 is characters grappling with who they really are as they grow into adulthood. These internal conflicts hint at the challenges they’ll face even after Vecna is defeated. Having spent their teenage years battling monsters, they’ve largely delayed figuring out their own dreams and personal lives.

Stranger Things excels at portraying the challenges teenagers face, especially when those challenges are combined with superpowers or involvement in strange, sci-fi events. Will Byers is central to both the realistic and fantastical parts of the story, and the way these elements blend together is handled well. The recent focus on Vecna has allowed the show to explore themes it previously only suggested.

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The biggest issue with the character accepting his sexuality and magical abilities is that the show prevents him from having meaningful, personal connections. Everything feels like a group activity, and it would be more impactful to see him connect one-on-one with his family instead of with the whole group, especially characters he barely interacts with. The lack of scenes between Will and Jonathan this season is a major missed opportunity.

The storylines for the supporting characters are starting to come to a close. Millie Bobby Brown, despite being the show’s main star, feels relegated to a supporting role, often appearing alone or with her usual scene partners – a pattern shared by many characters. However, her dedication to Eleven’s unique way of speaking remains a charming detail. Dustin and Steve deliver strong performances with some emotionally complex scenes. Caleb McLaughlin shines in several key moments, proving his potential as a rising star, and his connection with Sadie Sink is particularly compelling. Their scenes are endearing to watch.

While there are a few bright spots, these three episodes are among the weakest Stranger Things has offered. If they’d been released with the rest of the season, their shortcomings might not have been so noticeable. However, releasing them separately really highlights the problems, like the overabundance of plotting and how much the show now feels like it’s playing it safe. Stranger Things needs to take some chances as it heads towards its final season, rather than relying on familiar tropes.

Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix. The series finale premieres December 31.

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2025-12-26 04:20