Stranger Things Season 4 Review

We were promised that the final two chapters of the supernatural-horror show’s fourth season will be movie-like. And as promised, it all felt like this was how it was supposed to be.

Stranger Things 4 Volume 2 takes off after the cliffhanger ending of its first part. Vecna’s identity has been revealed, that he’s Henry Creel aka One. And Nancy is under his control. Hopper and Joyce have reunited in the Soviet jail. One would expect the show to increase the pace as it moves along but here, it’s on the fifth gear from the word go.

The three groups are spread across different locations, each one trying to take down the Upside Down. And they all are connected with the same heart that beats for Hawkins, enough reason for them to save it before it succumbs to Vecna’s curse. The previous seven episodes had their highs and lows, moments of fun and frustration but the last two episodes make up for everything. It all makes sense now.

All the characters join forces, some in person, some in spirit, and some in the mind. But, the way the three parallel plots connect dots is what makes the finale satisfying. In the middle of all of this, there’s also emotional drama and reunions, all flavored with fun, humor, and the fact that the kids (now teenagers) are the real heroes here.

Several fan theories get squashed, and new heroes are born. Nancy leads the plan to return to Mind Lair with Max being the bait. Hopper, Joyce, and others flee the jail but are forced to return to kill the captive Demogorgon(s) to weaken Vecna as all of them are connected. Eleven enters Max’s mind and fights Vecna. Things however don’t go as per plan and Vecna manages to overpower all of them.

But what is a finale without a big fight? The one we see here is what finales are made of. It’s adrenaline-rushing, dark, daring, scary, and everything in between. The high point is that each character gets their moments of action and a crucial role in the larger scheme of things.

The show has so far delicately handled Robin’s identity. And we expected the same for Will, something that was teased in the previous part. He is yet to come out, but his heartbreaking moment with Mike, where he shares his feelings subtly, is tear-jerking. Kudos to actor Noah Schnapp for handling the scene so beautifully.

The season belongs to a few characters who managed to hold their own. In Nancy’s words, Steve has grown up and become a lovable guy. His chat with Nancy about having six kids will leave you rooting for him, wanting him to end up with the girl. Max gets to balance between his emotional turmoil and darkness. A great act by actor Sadie Sink. Eleven is the main girl yet again. Argyle is a scene-stealer. Extra marks to Dustin for that emotional outburst. He’ll make sure you feel a lump in the throat. I’d vote for Eddie and what he did. His Metallica atop a trailer is an absolute paisa-vasool moment!.

Stranger Things 4 is obviously the biggest season of the show to date. With a huge canvas on a grand scale, spread across locations and some incredible visual effects, it doesn’t let you down. The makers don’t deviate from its core horror element.

A story about friendships, love, longing, reunions, finding your strength, and coming of age has once again been dealt with near perfection by its writers. You’ll feel for every character, cheer for your favorites, and shed tears for some too.

As for Vecna, is he gone? Maybe (not). Hold on, there’s season five on the cards too, that’ll mark the ultimate finale of Stranger Things.

Till then, remember – there’s always a hero. There was one this time too!