‘Stranger Things’ Season 5’s Biggest Criticism Is Worth It For 1 Reason

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It’s surprising to realize Stranger Things has been around for nearly ten years, especially since it only has five seasons. Looking at how much the young actors have grown up between the first and final seasons makes it clear how much time has passed. Some viewers have pointed out that the characters’ growth doesn’t quite align with the timeline within the show. However, seeing the actors as young adults actually benefits the story and allows it to move forward.

The ‘Stranger Things’ Cast Aging Adds a Sweet Narrative


Image via Netflix

The first season of Stranger Things was a hit, and it started with a group of young boys who meet Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). Their lives quickly become chaotic—and that’s no accident! Like the movie The Goonies, the show focuses on the kids and their adventures. While adults like Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Hopper (David Harbour) are important characters, they’re initially left in the dark. The story is about the kids solving mysteries and battling scary forces using their own ingenuity, and the adults aren’t central to that process.

What really worked for me in the show was how these older teens stepped up and sort of became parental figures. Steve, played by Joe Keery, quickly became a fan favorite – you either loved him or hated him, but everyone had an opinion! The way he and Dustin developed that big brother vibe was brilliant, because it made Steve so much more than just the typical arrogant jock. And characters like Nancy and Jonathan really filled the role of the responsible ones, while the actual adults seemed completely clueless about what was going on.

By Season 5, the original characters have grown up and are now taking on mentor roles. We see them guiding a new generation of kids, almost like they’re parents or camp counselors. Robin acts like a teacher, gathering the kids together, while Mike leads them through practice scenarios, emphasizing safety. Lucas steps up as a protector, bravely guiding the younger kids and shielding them from danger, much like a counselor facing a threat.

It’s good to see these teenagers stepping up and taking charge now that they’re older and more experienced, especially considering how much they’ve learned about the Upside Down, Demogorgons, and Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). If they hadn’t grown up, the show wouldn’t have allowed them to develop as characters.

The relationships between the characters have evolved. Steve and Dustin now have a more equal dynamic, and Dustin’s growing confidence sometimes leads to disagreements. Nancy and Mike support each other differently than they used to, with Mike having matured significantly. Erica, who was always remarkably intelligent for her age, is now a spirited middle schooler following in her brother’s footsteps, taking on bigger responsibilities to help the group. This adds a new layer of meaning to her past comments, like when she told someone to eat their pie.

‘Stranger Things’ Passes the Torch


Image via Netflix

Bringing back the child actors as older teens creates a pattern where the show can essentially repeat itself. Even with its last season, the introduction of characters like Holly and Derek keeps the core idea of the series going – kids battling against evil forces.

One of the best moments this season is when Mike talks to his little sister, Holly, and gives her a Dungeons & Dragons character he made just for her – Holly the Heroic. It feels like he’s passing the baton to a new generation, empowering her to face challenges like Vecna and the dangers of the Upside Down, and maybe even continuing their family’s love of D&D. It’s Mike’s way of saying, “We’ve been through this before, we’re still here for you, but now it’s your turn to lead the way.”

After Holly meets Max (Sadie Sink), Max reveals that Holly has given her the hope she needs to escape Vecna’s mental control and wake up from her coma. Because Max’s plan depends on Holly, she quickly takes on a guiding role, instructing Holly on what she must do.

Everyone remembers Derek (played by Jake Connelly), a beloved character who really shines in Episode 4, “Sorcerer” – it’s the show’s highest-rated episode on IMDb! He’s always been a bit of an underdog, but he proves he can be a positive force when given the opportunity. Because the group needs a child to get inside a military base, Derek becomes their only option. This new role for him is both exciting and allows the other characters to grow and change.

‘Stranger Things’ Season 5’s Narrative Mirrors Real Life


Image via Netflix

It’s funny to point out how much the actors have aged when only four years have passed for their characters, but kids really do grow up fast! Especially around ages 11 and 12, they change noticeably, which makes it tricky to cast actors who can believably play the same role over time as they begin to enter their teenage years.

Even though the actors were only 16 or 17 during the fourth season, they appeared noticeably older than they did at the beginning of the show. If these characters had been real students aging from middle school to high school, they would have changed a lot, even in just one year. And even if the show had filmed one season each year for five years, the actors’ growth and changes would still have been obvious.

It wasn’t as obvious when the actors were younger, but now that they’re in their early twenties, the difference between their current appearance and how they looked as teenagers is quite striking for fans. Fortunately, this change allowed the original cast to take on mentoring roles, and a new, younger group of actors was brought in to continue the story. Ultimately, that’s perfect for a show about kids battling evil – as long as the original characters are still involved, sharing their knowledge of the Upside Down and using the skills they’ve developed over the past four years to guide the new generation, that’s what’s important.

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2025-12-03 01:19