Key Highlights
- Critics of Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 are divided on its quality.
- The show’s first four episodes received positive reviews for their action and humor.
- Some critics argue the series has lost its charm due to a lack of character development and pacing issues.
- A major technical issue occurred shortly after the release, with Netflix crashing within minutes.
The Divergent Reviews of Stranger Things Season 5
Stranger Things fans have been eagerly awaiting the latest installment of the sci-fi series, and the initial reactions are as varied as ever. As season five volume one dropped on Netflix, critics found themselves divided between those who relished in the new episodes and those who felt it had passed its prime.
A Mix of Enthusiasm and Criticism
The supernatural thriller has been a cornerstone of Netflix’s original programming since its debut in 2016. With the show approaching its climax, the inhabitants of Hawkins, Indiana, must confront the evil villain Vecna as the teenage heroes take control of their fate. Reviews have highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of this latest season.
The Guardian’s Jack Seal was among those who praised the series in his four-star review, writing: “This luxurious final run will have you standing on a chair, yelling with joy.” Similarly, Vicky Jessop from The London Standard found much to appreciate, describing it as “classic Eighties adventure fare” and encouraging viewers to “gulped it down — more please.”
Concerns About Character Development and Pacing
However, not all reviews were equally positive. Nick Hilton from The Independent pointed out frustration with the plot lines in his three-star review: “The episodes in this first tranche range from 57 minutes to 86 minutes (the fourth season’s finale was an eye-drying 139), which necessitates an awful lot of almost killing the demogorgons, almost escaping the clutches of Vecna, almost saving humanity…Stranger Things could do with a little more gratification, a little less delay.”
Other critics echoed similar sentiments. USA Today’s Kelly Lawler noted that the show “seesaws between thrilling and annoying,” while The Atlantic’s Sophie Gilbert described most of it as “largely joyless and grim.” These critiques suggest that despite the time jump adding to the plot, the characters’ development has been stunted.
Technical Glitches Complicate Viewing Experience
In a twist, fans reported that Netflix experienced significant technical issues shortly after releasing season five. Within minutes of the episodes becoming available, the streaming service crashed, leaving viewers unable to watch the latest episodes for several hours. This outage was recorded on Downdetector and affected over 14,000 users in the U.S., causing disappointment among eager fans.
The second volume of the final series will be released on Christmas Day, with the finale titled “The Rightside Up” airing on New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, viewers can stream the first four episodes starting today, with more to come as the season draws to a close.
