Stranger Things is a Netflix original show that started July 15th, 2016. It has recently gained more popularity and has the attention of many fans as the creators roll out the fifth and final season.
I started watching Stranger Things around the end of October and beginning of November. I finished the whole show, including the beginning of season five on the first weekend after this years’ Thanksgiving (so basically, all five seasons in about four weeks).
I honestly didn’t like the first 20 minutes of season one. I was not hooked; it wasn’t entertaining to me at all. Afterwards, I got involved with the story and I discovered how much I really loved the show. The ending of season one was a great ending. The show most likely could have stopped there, and most of the subplots could have been wrapped up.
Season two was amazing, but it was my least favorite of the seasons. I understood how important the season really was after I finished the show. It set up a lot of the characters’ backstories and provided more details about the Upside Down and Eleven.
Lindsay Dunning is the Biology and Chemistry teacher here at Fair Grove, and she loves Stranger Things. “My favorite season is probably Season 3. It has lots of fun moments,” Dunning said. She continued, “There is a ton of character development in that season as well. You see the kids turning into teenagers and hanging out at the Starcourt Mall.”
Season three is a popular favorite of the show, and it is definitely my favorite season by far. I had such a mix of emotions, and the ending had me on edge for the future of Hopper. I loved the Russian subplot. It was also interesting to see how average humans are able to open a gate, not just powered people.
Season four was very good. The script was written well and I liked seeing Dustin and Steve’s dynamic going up and down with each other, especially because those two are my favorite characters. Everything in this season was a great set-up for season five.
The first four episodes of season five were released on November 26th, 2025. Those episodes set up the rest of the season so well. The characters are very mature, and it even introduces two new characters. These new characters become important for how we understand how Vecna works and who he really is.
By far, my favorite moment in the show is when Will gets his powers. It was unexpected, but it was a surprise. I loved the setup for it because the producers executed the scene as if all hope was lost. Lucas, Mike and Robin were going through what seemed to be like their last few seconds alive- but then, Will steps in and saves them with powers. It constructs an interesting plot for the next few episodes.
Dunning stated her favorite character in the show was Steve. She expressed her appreciation for his development, “His character has evolved tremendously from season one to now.” A lot of people would agree, me included.
I’m excited to see what the Duffer brothers have in store for the next episodes in season five. It will be a bittersweet ending to the show for me, but I can’t wait to see how the show closes off.
