Stranger Things finale divides viewers as franchise expansion is confirmed

The Stranger Things finale has prompted mixed reaction: some fans were moved to tears while others criticised the episode for leaving plot holes unfilled, with responses said to reflect how viewers felt about the series as a whole. Reviewers noted the episode avoided familiar tonal cop-outs and stayed true to the show's blend of spectacle and sentiment, though it retained an unwieldy mythology and a large cast.

The finale pared back the previous season's sprawl into a single climactic confrontation — described as a bunch of characters versus a "massive crab" — in which many characters had moments in the spotlight, including Winona Ryder's character striking a decisive blow against Vecna.

The episode also used childhood flashbacks and an 18-month time jump to reconnect the story with its origins as a show about children. At the same time, critics said the ending felt overlong and overstuffed with sendoffs: Steve became a teacher, Dustin behaved obnoxiously at his graduation, Erica worked on bomb-making, Joyce and Hopper became engaged, the army withdrew, and Eleven's fate was left ambiguous.

One viewer recalled noticing there were still 30 minutes remaining when the denouement was already underway. Despite reservations, the finale was judged by some to be earned for long-term fans.

Key Topics

Culture, Stranger Things, Duffer Brothers, Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, Vecna