Netflix’s popular Stranger Things recently ended its latest season with a high-energy finale that brought the story in Hawkins to an end. The episode continues the show’s mix of sci-fi, horror, and 1980s nostalgia as the characters face some of their biggest challenges yet. 

The finale stands out for its intense action scenes, strong visual effects, and emotional moments between characters. Multiple storylines come together, showing how the group works as a team when everything is on the line. This has been a large buildup of storylines throughout the first four seasons. The soundtrack and darker tone help create a sense that the series is moving toward its final chapter. A specific song called Purple Rain by Prince really intensifies the final moments between Eleven and Mike. 

 I interviewed a friend and fellow student at C. Milton Wright, Andrew Fuller to get his thoughts on the finale. He said “The finale was not what I had expected it to be” after so many fan theories many felt disappointed with how The Duffer Brothers chose to end Stranger Things. Andrew also added “I am truly disappointed and feel there were a lot of opportunities to create a more intense ending”. This viewpoint is commonly shared by many students at C. Milton Wright and fans on the internet. 

While the episode answered some important questions about dimension X and the start of it all, it also left several things unanswered. As a viewer, I wasn’t completely sold on the ending, and some parts felt rushed especially in the fight scene against Vecna. Still, the finale keeps fans talking and sets the stage for what could come next in the world of Stranger Things.