Almost a decade after Stranger Things first introduced audiences to the twisted sci-fi tale of a young group of friends battling supernatural terrors in an alternate 1980s, the highly-anticipated final season has been met with surprisingly mixed reactions, with Episode 7 in particular getting review bombed for its handling of a controversial scene. Stranger Things Season 5 debuted with Volume 1 on November 26, followed by Volume 2 on December 25, and Volume 3 is set to fully wrap the entire series on December 31. While the hit show has pulled impressive viewership numbers for its final season, audiences remain split on both individual episodes and the overall impact of key moments with characters that have been adored for over nine years.
One of the most hotly contested elements of Stranger Things Season 5 has been its unorthodox release schedule. Episodes 1-4 were included in the release of Volume 1 in November, but fans had to then wait almost an entire month for episodes 5-7 with Volume 2. A shorter wait between Volumes 2 and 3 looks to keep fans invested in rising tensions and higher stakes, with the eighth and final episode of the Netflix television series dropping on New Year's Eve 2025. Despite a number of fans have voicing frustration with this uncommon release structure, a majority of the criticisms for Stranger Things' final season have actually been directed towards its representation of its iconic characters and its handling of certain storylines.
'It Wouldn't Feel That Earned' Byler is Not Endgame for Stranger Things Season 5
I agree with Finn Wolfhard - Stranger Things Season 5 canonizing Byler is a moment that wouldn't feel earned.
*SPOILERS FOR STRANGER THINGS SEASON 5*
Why is Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 7 Being Review Bombed?
Following the release of Episode 7 of Stranger Things, the show has been getting heavily review bombed. Character Will Byers' coming-out scene was met with anger from a slew of longtime fans who felt the delicate subject matter was too hamfisted in its presentation and was an insult to both the character and the audience. Many felt that prior storytelling alluding to Will's affections was respectfully subtle and gave Will enough personality development focused on his experiences rather than his personhood to offer genuine depth. However, fans argue that the scene in Episode 7 where Will finally comes out to his friends was "too blunt" and "forced," removing any other significance to his story by making this particular moment seem like "all that mattered" after everything Will had been through.
On the other side of the reviews, many praised the episode for not holding back and allowing Will to have a moment of emotional catharsis, resulting in a drastic split between review scores. Those who disliked the episode gave it 1/10 and 1/5 ratings, while those wanting to counteract the review bombing offered 10/10 and 5/5 scores. Some accused the review bombers of homophobia, though many have felt the show deserves certain criticism for its writing and character development without detractors immediately having their critiques dismissed as bigotry. As it stands, the finale of Stranger Things is facing high expectations, as many are hoping that any issues taken with early episodes will be resolved in the big battle set to come in the show's ending.
It is worth noting that the Will Buyers scene is not the only point of contention among fans. Some have accused Netflix of violating the age-old Hollywood adage of "show don't tell," with character exposition and heavy dialogue explaining what is going to happen rather than just letting events play out. With the ending of Stranger Things not only set to wrap up almost a decade's worth of character development and sci-fi storytelling but also readying to hit the silver screen with theatrical releases, many are keeping their fingers crossed that the finale to one of streaming's most beloved shows will be able to reunite fans and remind them why they fell in love with Stranger Things in the first place.
- Release Date
- 2016 - 2025-00-00
- Network
- Netflix
- Showrunner
- Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer
Cast
-
Millie Bobby BrownJane 'Eleven' Hopper -
Finn WolfhardMike Wheeler
WHERE TO WATCH
- Directors
- Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz
- Writers
- Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock
- Creator(s)
- Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer
Source: Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Metacritic