Well, in a blink of an eye, the fourth season of Stranger Things has ended. After some crazy fan theories, a lot of expectation, and a little fear, the second part delivered some kind of resolution for everyone. And even though it was not the one we could be hoping for in the story overall (because it sure looks like the series will continue), the issue development was, all in all, satisfying. So here are my two cents (mostly spoiler-free) from the season finale.
The first part of the season left us waiting for the ultimate battle against Vecna (AKA 001), for Joyce & Hopper’s safe return (and Murray’s and Dmitri’s too, of course), and Eleven’s powerful comeback. Everything arrived, but I’m not so sure if every event developed at its proper moment. Because the entire season felt (in my opinion) that it had a slow narrative flow, to make it synchronize and find resolution at the same time at the end of the season, I think this is an editing and direction strategy for the targeted audience. Why? Because the Gen Z fans live so profoundly in the immediacy that these extended scenes and settlements make something for them. I’m not saying this is a hard fact, but it makes sense at some level, right?
On the other side, the way these last chapters gave us what we have been expecting since the first season was incredible. The villain, at its best, gives us an entire backstory that makes you feel sympathy for him. And that’s the moment you know you’re dealing with a great antagonist. The main characters outgrow themselves in a way that looks realistic but also fun. Teenage years mess with them, but at the same, they go through their own hero’s journey. The mind-blowing effects just keep getting better every season, period. And the perfect build-up/climatic soundtrack, something that we have cherished since the series first started. The Duffer Brothers knew what they wanted to tell and said it beautifully. But, of course, that doesn’t keep me from wondering what’s coming next.
For one minute there, I thought Max wouldn’t make it. They can still chop off the character for a “good” reason, but I think this could enter into the “lazy writing” area. Vecna is still out there. What will it take to bring him down? Is that even possible? Or will Hawkins turn into an abandoned and hunted town through time because there’s no way to intervene? And if there’s a way to end his ruling, will it be portrayed next season, or will they cut the scene like the last episode? We were anxious to see how everyone came out safely, and we just saw a before and after, with two days of whatever had to happen there. I hope they don’t use that resource again because it would make me just go “meh” with all that greatness the series has had throughout the years.
Is Eleven now at its maximum capacity, or will she keep pushing further? I think she ultimately deserves a season 3 of good times, not just specs of good moments. Give her a break. But also, make her go single. So many thought about it, I’m just going to say it: shipping Mike and Will is something that should happen and evolve. It’s so apparent, and it would be beautiful. Also, it would take Maya Hawke’s character off the pressure of being the diversity card and comic relief simultaneously. This is unlikely to happen, but it would be an excellent detail if it did. Nancy would likely be less stressed about everything and decide which guy she’s keeping (sorry, not sorry.) And Eddie, well… it was his year.
Joyce and Hopper hopefully get a real relationship, with actual dates and not just survival mode. And Murray, well, whatever makes them happy. And Dmitri, too, especially getting back together with his child. I hope the following (and last) season gives us another epic fight but real resolutions and a relatively wholesome ending. IMBD already confirmed the fifth season so let’s see what happens in the following years!
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