‘Stranger Things’ Vol. 2 and Finale enters Dimension X

By Danielle Cherry

Ten years after the release of “Stranger Things” season one, the Duffer brothers finished the beloved franchise in a beautiful, yet heart-wrenching final four episodes. Action was a main focus, but the revealing and satisfying conclusion was what won everyone’s hearts. 

Vol. 2 picks up on the huge reveal of Will Byers’ syphoned powers. The Duffer’s knew exactly what they were doing, leaving us on such a high during Thanksgiving break. 

As the Christmas season began, “Stranger Things” fans were slightly more focused on the release of vol. 2 over the possibility of Santa leaving presents under the tree. Yet the best gift wasn’t found under the tree, it was the release of the grand finale to the series. 

Vol. 2 jumps right back into the aftermath of the Demigorgon attack and what it means that Will can tap into the Hive Mind. Will’s newfound powers play a huge role in the continuation of the season, saving more people than Will ever imagined. 

Coming into vol. 2, fans had a lot of theories about how the ending would play out, but none were close to the genius ending the Duffers wrote. Cast interviews between the unconventional episode releases had fans deciphering every look and sentence like they were the next Sherlock Holmes.   

Fans expected all of the reveals about the Upside Down to be over, but the Duffers pulled out an incredible reveal, truly expanding our understanding of the Upside Down and every thought about it. To be able to pull off a reveal of this scale so late in the series was a bold move – but it worked.

“Stranger Things” would not be the success that it is without the incredible talent of every actor on the project. Everyone from Millie Bobby Brown’s iconic delivery of Eleven’s lines to Jamie Cambel Bower’s chilling performance as Vecna make this show what it is – about the characters. 

In the midst of Hawkins in great peril and Vecna’s grandfather clock ticking in the background, time seems to slow as characters reveal their inner thoughts, allowing relationships to delve even deeper. 

This season shows us a new side of most characters, especially Vecna. For most of the show his story is unheard. Jamie deserves an Oscar for his performance as Henry Creel as he faces challenges audiences never expected from a truly psychotic villain like Vecna. 

A real congratulations needs to go to the children in the cast, especially Nell Fisher in her role as Holly and Jake Connelly as Derek. While the pair were unexpected additions to the series, fans quickly started to care for them, even speculating that one or both of them might be the real reason for Vecna’s defeat.

For most of the season both characters spend a majority of their time trapped in Mr. Whatist/Henry/001/Vecna’s mind (he really needs one name). That is a truly terrifying place to be and both Holly and Derek stole the show with their ironic humor and palpable fear. 

For a tv-show, the story is intricately complex. Plot lines from season one are continued and even explained further in this final volume. For the scale of a show like this, most major plot points are resolved with astonishing satisfaction. 

But be warned, this volume is a tear jerker. From beautiful scenes to epic fight sequences the Duffers did everything to bring the remarkable show to a close. The finale, with a runtime of two hours and eight minutes not only brought the action but also emotion in a whole new way. 

Fans are absolutely in love with these characters and this story, and the finale did not disappoint on either front. Rather than being a money-grab the show really does end, and it occurs in a respectful way to the characters and actors. 

The final scene is as much of a tribute to the actors as it is to the characters. There is so much history and legacy in this show. A lot of fans grew up with these characters, journeying alongside them through school and the pains of growing older. This finale was so emotional because there are so many things to say goodbye to in the end. 

What is so special about “Stranger Things” is not Eleven’s incredible powers, or the terror of the Upside Down, but it is the community that has stemmed out of the show. Everyone from teens to moms questioning what their children are watching, become sucked into the gripping and high-stakes story. 

“Stranger Things” is far more than just a show; to many people, it has become a comfort and a joy to watch. The outlandish nature of the show didn’t stop the characters from dealing with real problems that many fans related to. The Duffers took a risk making this show, but the response has been incredible and far more than anyone ever expected. 

This is the last time the characters are on screen together. It is hard to say goodbye to a series that means so much to so many. 

Thank you, Duffers, for creating a show that was entertaining and touched so many people. I will never look at Kate Bush the same way (and will forever be screaming at Max to actually run up that hill), nor the number 11. Will’s bloody nose swipe will live long in my memory, and I will always hear the faint ticking of Vecna’s clock reminding me of all the times watching “Stranger Things” and how grateful I am that the Upside Down is not a reality – that we know of…

“Stranger Things” seasons 1 through 5 are available for streaming on Netflix. 

Danielle Cherry is a sophomore communication major and writer for Cedars A&E and Sports. She is a Missionary Kid from Germany and loves to travel, play volleyball and is mourning the loss of her favorite show. 

Images courtesy of Netflix