The Villainous Stranger Things Finale

Many of us had high expectations for the Stranger Things finale. After all, it’s the end of a show that premiered almost 10 years ago on July 15, 2016, meaning a lot of people grew up alongside the show. So I was left very disappointed with the finale. Spoiler warning to those who have not watched the finale, and content warning for discussion of suicide.

The last installment struggles to end the years of storytelling by showing one last battle and its consequences. Hawkins is changed for good, and the heroes have gone through a lot, which is seen in their characters. The story has its ups and downs, and the visuals are stunning, but the ending has become so easy and common that it is less striking than expected coming after such a great buildup.

  Once more, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is the one who takes the lead in the finale, sharing both the emotional and physical aspects of the battle. It is logical that the series would center around her, but her plot seems to be a repetition of past events rather than a conclusion, as she is still facing the same difficulties. Eleven’s whole life has either been spent on the run or hiding by the secretive Hawkins National Laboratory, led by Dr.Martin Brenner (Matthew Modine) AKA Papa. After the death of Dr.Brenner, Eleven is then being targeted by military Dr.Kay (Linda Hamilton) so that they can take her blood and make others with powers like her. The Duffer Brothers come up with the stupid idea of Eleven killing herself by staying behind in the Upside Down while it was being destroyed by a collapsing wormhole. This is so out of touch and distasteful because it gives the idea that the only way to get rid of your problems is by committing suicide. Other characters are given opportunities to reconnect and get their lives back on track. Max (Sadie Sink) who was in a coma for 18 months, was able to graduate and finally be with her boyfriend Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin).

Even though the ending is full of imperfections, it is still heartbreaking. The last scene with the characters together and the realization that the chapter has been completely turned, is very powerful. The Stranger Things finale might not have given the ending that many were craving, yet it still signifies the end of an era. Stranger Things is a show that will stay in peoples’ hearts forever, thanks to the amazing chemistry the cast had and the relatable friendship dynamics portrayed throughout the show.