“Stranger Things” was first released on Netflix and premiered on July 15, 2016. The drama starts with a scene where Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower)—the most powerful monster—and Demogorgon—the interdimensional monster and human hunter—arrive at Hawkins from Upside down—where all the monsters exist—and start killing citizens of Hawkins. The group of teenagers decide to defeat Vecna and use their power to close the Mothergate, because it is a tunnel that allows monsters to arrive at Hawkins; if the gate is closed, the monsters will not be able to attack people.
Stranger Things season five came out in two volumes, plus a grand finale episode. Volumes are the division of total episodes by releasing them on different dates. The first volume—containing four episodes—was released a day before Thanksgiving, and the second volume will come out on Christmas—containing three episodes. Finally, on New Year’s Eve, the grand finale episode will come out and it will be the end of season five.
Stranger Things season five was released on Nov. 26, 2025. In season five volume one, Mike Wheelers—one of the teenage group members—realizes something is weird about his young sister, Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher). Holly tells Mike that she talked with a man named Mr. Whatsit. However, no one could see him except her. One evening, the Demogorgon attacks the Wheelers’ family, aiming to capture Holly and take her to the Upside Down. Holly’s mom, Karen Wheelers (Cara Buono), tries to protect her daughter, but gets badly wounded by the monster. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown)—the teenager with telepathic ability and ability to move stuff without physical touch—and her protector, Jim Hopper (David Harbour), go into the Upside Down to look for Holly. During that time, Karen, along with her husband—who had been attacked and in coma—are sent to the hospital. Their daughter, Nancy and Mike follow them to the hospital. As soon as Karen wakes up, Nancy and Mike ask her the name of Mr. Whatsit.
“Henry.”
As soon as they hear the name “Henry,” Nancy and Mike realize Vecna is back. Henry is the human version of Vecna and he disguises himself into a nice looking guy because no kids would talk with him unless he does so.
Will Byers (Noah Schnapp)—the teenager with the ability to sense monsters coming—realizes he has a new ability that can save many children. Not only was he seeing things as Demogorgon, but he was also able to think through the creatures as if he were one of them. With his new ability, he finds out the next target of Demogorgon, Derek—same classmates as Holly. Thus, the journey to save Derek begins.
The most striking scene in the series was when Demogorgon attacked the barn where Derek Turnbow and the group members were hiding. Will’s mother, Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) fights the monster off with an axe and as the monster was stepping back, the monster is hit at high speed by Dustin, Steve, Jonathan and Nancy’s car. This scene especially hit differently because after facing endless obstacles and failures, for the first time in season five, they saved Derek from the monster and it was a victory.
The beauty of this series is how a group of teenagers collaborate together, put their heads together to discuss the problems. Even though there was an argument going around, they tried to understand each other and they incorporated their special skills and strengths to fight against Vecna.
Through the end of the series, I was very inspired by Joyce Byers because she has always been a protective mother after nearly losing her son, Will. When Vecna returned, Joyce knew it was too dangerous for her son to jump back into the fight. Yet, despite her deep concern, she recognized his determination and appreciated his desire to confront the monster. Throughout the series, it was heartwarming to see her understanding that Will needed the freedom to make his own decisions.
Despite the phenomenal character development throughout the season, one aspect that could have been better was the part where the military operation site was. Its purpose was never fully explained, leaving me confused about why soldiers were stationed outside for surveillance while scientists worked inside at site. The lack of clarity made it difficult to understand and it seemed like an important detail that could have been better addressed.
After the culminating showdown that closed season four, Hawkins celebrated a victory in defeating Vecna. However, as season five begins, the nightmare begins as Vecna returns. I think this will be thrilling, because I feel even greater mystery and horror will happen in volume two of Season five.
Overall, season five volume one was an incredible drama. This drama blended the emotion, confusion, horror and action that made me fully engaged. I am truly excited for the release of the next volume, and I hope the group of teenagers again find success in their fight against monsters.