The Upside Down Finally Meets Its Match: How 'Stranger Things' Ended on a Surprisingly Hopeful Note
Warning: This article is a spoiler-filled journey through the emotional rollercoaster that was the 'Stranger Things' finale.
The final chapter of 'Stranger Things' has arrived, leaving fans both satisfied and yearning for more. With a monstrous spider, a mysterious briefcase, and a flood of tears, the show that masterfully blended 80s nostalgia with synth-driven chills has drawn its curtain. But did it truly turn the Upside Down 'Rightside Up'?
The Netflix phenomenon, known for its homage to the 80s, its synth-pop soundtrack, and its lovable gang of misfits, concluded its fifth and final season with a gargantuan 2-hour finale. Released on New Year's Eve, it delivered a surprisingly hopeful ending where, against all odds, no major characters perished. Lifelong friendships were forged in the crucible of battle, and our beloved Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts finally donned their caps and gowns, graduating high school (though, let's be honest, they looked old enough to be graduating college by now).
The season's earlier installments, strategically released during Thanksgiving and Christmas, laid the groundwork for this epic conclusion. The final episode, aptly titled 'The Rightside Up,' assembled virtually every surviving member of the extended cast (yes, even Mr. Clarke!) for a climactic showdown against Vecna, the malevolent force behind the Upside Down.
Co-creator Ross Duffer, in a behind-the-scenes clip, revealed their ambition: to make the finale as grand as possible. And grand it was. The episode was so packed with action and emotion that some characters barely uttered a word, not due to lack of importance, but simply because there was no room for anything but the fight for survival.
The stakes were sky-high, with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) facing a heart-wrenching decision. Even if the Upside Down were destroyed, her very existence could potentially open a door to a new threat, a new Vecna. This dilemma eerily mirrored Arnold Schwarzenegger's Terminator in the second installment of that franchise, where the line between salvation and destruction blurred. Interestingly, Season 5 introduced Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton), a character reminiscent of the Terminator's Skynet, representing a shadowy military organization obsessed with harnessing Eleven's power for their own nefarious purposes.
But here's where it gets controversial: Eleven's ultimate solution, inspired by the 'Wicked' film franchise, involves faking her own death, leaving her loved ones believing she's gone while she explores new horizons. Is this a selfless act of protection or a selfish escape? The finale leaves this question open to interpretation, inviting fans to debate Eleven's true motivations.
Vecna's demise, however, was less ambiguous. Savvy viewers who had seen the Tony-winning Broadway production 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' had a distinct advantage. The play delved into Henry's origins, revealing his transformation into Vecna through his encounter with a briefcase containing Dimension X particles. This crucial backstory, hinted at in the show but fully explored on stage, provided the key to understanding Vecna's vulnerability.
For those who haven't experienced the theatrical spectacle, the briefcase holds a sample of Dimension X particles, stolen from a lab, which invade Henry's body, triggering his metamorphosis into Vecna and opening the portal to the Upside Down. This, in turn, led to the creation of Eleven and her 'siblings.' It's a complex web of cause and effect, but the finale's focus on the Mind Flayer, a colossal spider-like entity connected to Vecna, provided a visually stunning and satisfying conclusion to the battle.
And this is the part most people miss: The finale's true strength lies not just in its action sequences, but in its emotional resonance. The extended denouement, while perhaps a tad lengthy, allowed for heartfelt goodbyes and satisfying resolutions. Hopper finally gets his long-awaited date with Joyce, culminating in a proposal, and the high school graduation scene, complete with Dustin's heartfelt tribute to Eddie, is a testament to the show's enduring spirit of friendship and resilience.
The soundtrack, as always, played a pivotal role, with Prince's 'When Doves Cry' and 'Purple Rain' adding a touch of bittersweet nostalgia to the proceedings.
After a year filled with uncertainty, 'Stranger Things' offered a much-needed dose of hope and closure. While the Upside Down may be sealed, the legacy of Eleven, her friends, and their battle against darkness will undoubtedly endure.
What did you think of the finale? Did Eleven's decision feel justified? Was the denouement too long, or did it provide necessary closure? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
