An epic conclusion to Season 4 with the final two supersized episodes, and definitely the best Stranger Things season yet.
This season really let the characters shine as the story played out alongside the personal relationships and stories. Max and Eleven really stood out this season, and each of the cast had undergone extensive character development by the end of the season. The final showdown with Eleven and Vecna is the jewel in the crown. There are a lot of touching scenes that viewers will empathize with, and the stakes of the fight scenes have never felt higher.
Eddie drawing the bats away from Dustin and the others was a pivotal moment in his character arc. That Metallica performance was certainly his swan song. Mike talks about his feelings for Eleven, and Joyce and Hopper finally verbalize their feelings and kiss. A long wait for the Jopper fans has paid off, and we’re rejoicing! We see the bonds between the families and friends go deeper than ever before, and that’s also a factor in the stakes being raised – with all this love around, there’s even more at risk.
The Russia subplot did take up a fair bit of screentime, but they didn’t contribute that much to this season as villains. It was worth it to me purely for the Joyce, Hopper and Murray moments. I’m excited to see how Joyce and Hopper’s relationship shapes up in season 5.. and will this be the last we see of the Russians? I don’t think so. Yuri was great for injecting comic relief into a storyline that was wrought with tension at times. Hopper’s reunion with Eleven was beautiful, and hit harder this season after Eleven spent so much of it alone and struggling to regain her powers.
Steve’s confession to Nancy about his fantasy of driving his six kids around in a Winnebago with her there – dude, tell her you love her already. She knows, I promise. “You’ve always been there,” he says to her. Every season I think it’s going to be their time, but not yet!
Will doesn’t explicitly come out (but everyone and their mama knows) Jonathan never asks, but it’s clear what he means when he tells Will that “there is nothing in this world, absolutely nothing, that will ever change” how much Jonathan loves him. A really touching moment between the Byers brothers. I hope we see more of this in season 5.
Max’s arc this season has been insanely good. Sadie Sink has smashed it out of the park as Max, and I’m sure her battle with Vecna won’t have her down and out for long. She’s very strong, and I’m sure her best friend Eleven will be able to find a way into Max’s mind to bring her bang to the Hawkin’s gang soon.
The reunions between Max and Lucas (despite Max's current state), Jonathan and Nancy and Mike and Eleven also bring everyone back together and feeling united going forward into season 5. Grief is a major theme of season 4, and everyone is going through something – whether it be from their past or present. Seeing everyone reunited gives a feeling of peace.
I like that we got to stay in Hawkins for longer than just a few minutes after the big showdown, to give the audience a chance to decompress alongside the characters. The fight scenes in this show are always next-level, but another important part of the show is family and friendship. It really highlights the community spirit of Hawkins. Despite everything that has happened to the town over the years, the residents remain resilient, strong and proud. Let's go, Season 5!
Photo Courtesy: Netflix
