The series that we have all been waiting for, even before finishing our important morning chores, has finally arrived. Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 is here! We have been blessed with three new episodes, each running for about an hour.
If you remember the explosive ending of Volume 1, you know exactly why the fans, including myself, were buzzing with excitement. We were expecting more chaos, more destruction, and definitely a lot more of Will’s powers being unleashed. But honestly? We got a bit of a "wait and see" situation instead.
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Setting the Stage for the Finale
It feels like these three episodes were released primarily to set up the massive two-and-a-half-hour finale that is dropping on the first. But don't get me wrong, it’s not that this season isn't important. It absolutely is. Everything is connected.
Every single episode links to the next, so watching this volume is mandatory if you want to understand the finale. Moving forward from the previous episodes, this volume reveals a few key things: how Will actually got his powers, what Vecna is planning to do next,
and whether there really is another world or if this is all just one giant science experiment. There is also a powerful confession from Will at the end. It showcases strong emotional feelings, but to be honest, it was something already revealed to us earlier.
We already knew he was different; he just didn't have the courage to say it out loud to anyone until now. If you haven't watched the previous episodes, everything I am saying might fly right over your head. But if you are caught up, you know exactly what I mean.
Visuals and Character Arcs
When it comes to the technical side of things, the VFX, CGI, and practical effects are top-notch. There are absolutely no negatives there, and they have maintained that quality right from the first season. However, we have been watching so many episodes now
that at this point, we crave character arcs more than just flashy visual effects. Thankfully, the director has kept this fully in mind. No character feels left out. Everyone has a backstory, everyone plays an important role, and if you have been watching from the start,
you probably know every character's name by heart. The way their character development is being presented to us is definitely something everyone will appreciate. While some might feel these three episodes aren't as strong as the others, I am just eagerly waiting for the finale now.
Suspending Disbelief
There is a small issue where sometimes it's hard to believe what's happening. You have small kids who are experts with gadgets, treating science like it's a game, and building radio towers with ease. They are dealing with relationship drama while simultaneously fighting massive monsters
and wandering out alone. Then you have the Upside Down, Vecna, and the hive mind. But then I remind myself, this is the fictional sci-fi genre. Why overthink it? Within the logic they have established, they prove their theories with such conviction that we end up convinced too.
Final Thoughts
We end up ruining our morning sleep for this, and honestly, it is usually worth it. It is a very popular series, and while these specific three episodes felt a little weak to me personally, I am still very much excited for the finale.
I will reserve my final rating for the entire season until after the finale episode drops. Let me know what you thought about these Volume 2 episodes. Did you enjoy them? Make sure to drop a comment. See you in the next one!
