Stranger Things Season 5 Vol 1 Review: A Slime-Filled, Mind-Bending Ride Into the Final Battle

Stranger Things returns with its most ambitious and chaotic ride yet in Season 5 Vol 1, delivering a slime-filled, 80s-haircut spectacle that sets the stage for the series’ looming “final battle.” The first four episodes plunge viewers into a tense world where Demogorgons are loose, targeting the Wheelers and snatching little Holly though, for now, she remains safe. 

Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven continues her transformation into a formidable superhero, reminiscent of the X-Men, but the show hints at the need for more nuanced storytelling beyond her sheer powers. Meanwhile, Dustin wrestles with grief over Eddie Munson’s death, exhibiting both anger and reckless bravado, and his relationship with Steve Harrington shows cracks that make their past camaraderie all the more poignant. Mike largely remains in a supporting role, his contributions limited to pivotal but brief interventions, leaving some of the squad dynamics uneven.

Subplots weave across multiple locations, occasionally risking over-exposition, particularly in scenes involving Eleven and Hopper, where father-daughter dialogues on safety feel familiar and underdeveloped. Yet, the return of Max, brilliantly portrayed by Sadie Sink, and her interactions with Holly provide refreshing moments of levity, while Kate Bush’s music continues to underscore emotional beats beautifully.

The ongoing Steve-Nancy-Jonathan love triangle remains a minor distraction, with Nancy’s own arc focusing more on guilt and responsibility than romantic entanglement, highlighting her resilience amid the chaos. Despite some narrative bloat, the first volume builds momentum for the climactic battles ahead, offering fans a thrilling mix of nostalgia, horror, and superhero spectacle.

Overall, Stranger Things Season 5 Vol 1 delivers a fast-paced, suspenseful, and emotionally charged opening to the final season. While certain characters and threads could benefit from deeper exploration, the show maintains its signature blend of heart, horror, and high-stakes adventure, keeping audiences hooked for what promises to be an epic conclusion.