I really think we’re getting a good (as in quality) ending. These 4 episodes were the best since season 1 IMO. There were definitely some episodes here and there in seasons 2-4 that were just as good but not the whole seasons (none which were bad at all). I just kinda felt bored of it but I’m feeling that excitement again and it’s awesome, back to goosebumps with the intro of every episode!

Re Holly & Devin.

The show has never been shy about adding new characters, and technically Holly isn’t new, but her being an actual character had been great this season. It’s given Mike a chance to be a big brother. It’s given the whole Wheeler family a chance to shine. Her story adds a fun mystery that syncs up so well. It’s sort of like with Erica, starts as the (annoying) little sister, jumps right into the group proper.

And Devin. Little shit turned hero. Tell all the Whatsit kids to remain calm and then giving them a whack when it’s their turn to leave. Seeing a Demogorgon really changes someone.

Re: Linda Hamilton aka Dr Kay & the military.

I was so excited when she popped up on screen. We learned so little about her character and what the military is up to. I expect we’ll learn more when we learn more about Eight and what they were using her for.

Setting up a whole base in the upside down is also crazy. The military also seemed unaware of how best to handle Demogorgons aka fire. They figured it out eventually, but they must have had to deal with them a little bit here and there. Unless Vecna has been making sure they stay away from the military on purpose… In which case why is he ignoring the military?

I absolutely loved all four episodes.

I really enjoy how Dustin’s anger about Eddie is manifesting.

I love how Holly is Link.

Re Max.

When we first saw Max still in a coma I couldn’t figure out how they were going to use that plot line. When Holly is dancing around Henry’s perfect house and someone knocked on the door I knew it had to be Max. Mostly because she was the only hero unaccounted for.

I figured maybe Vecna had tried to convince her that she was living in a perfect world, but Max being both older and having seen his tricks, wasn’t convinced and was hiding. Her being older also explained why Vecna wanted younger kids. (Which is sorta true as Vecna confirms later on, children are easier to control/break.)

However a line I did find interesting is that Max says she “died” and went nowhere, until one day she woke up in a memory, Vecna’s origin memory, the day he began his change from Henry to Vecna.

Is Max’s life tied directly to Vecna? If Vecna dies, will Max die?

Re: Return of Eight.

I originally thought the military had captured “Henry” and he was behind the secret door. Maybe they made a deal with him and he was projecting himself as a weak kid/human aka “Henry”.

When they revealed it was Eight behind the door I was flabbergasted. I recently did a rewatch with my partner who was watching for the first time. After Eights original episode I asked what she thought and she confirmed it was a weird out of place episode. I told her not to worry, they’ll never come up again. As the door opened she jokingly said it would be Eight. If I hadn’t just done a rewatch, even with the flashback, I don’t think I would have remembered her.

My gut says it would have been best to just leave that story/character behind and let it just be a forgettable loose end, but she’s back now so I’m trusting the Duffers. Illusion magic powers will be useful, I’m sure of it.

Re: Will getting powers.

I thought that was a great bit of character development. Will has been kicked around for five seasons so far. Tortured, possessed, just had the worst fucking time. Then Vecna just taunts him directly to his face. I broke you. You were a weak child and I broke you.

Going full Vecna on the Demogorgons was just a beautiful scene.

I’m really looking forward to Will overpowering and stealing the Demogorgons from Vecna in the future.

I also had a hunch that someone other than El would get powers this season. Before we learned her story I thought it would be Max. I thought she was choosing to stay in the dream/memory land and gaining/stealing powers while fighting off Vecna. But I’m glad it was Will.

I really liked the first episode. The way it showed everything after the time skip was just great. My parents finally started watching the show and are already starting season 5 lol, they’re loving it.