One Last Ride Into the Upside Down: A Review of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 & Theories For What’s Next

Gabriella Morrone '28

After three years of waiting, Stranger Things Season 5 is finally here! Fans around the world—including myself—gathered on November 26th to watch the long-awaited Season 5: Volume 1, eager to see what had happened in Hawkins since the events of last season. This new season follows the whole group as they work

tirelessly  trying to locate & kill Vecna, who is plotting the ultimate demise of Hawkins. 

Volume 1 does a fantastic job of exploring multiple storylines, while still staying engaging and cohesive. For example, Max’s storyline left viewers with mixed emotions—happy her character is still significant, but sad about her physical state. One Bonnie explained her thoughts on Max in the new season: “I feel a mix of happiness, hopefulness, and sadness about her current situation. She’s in a very complex position, and it’s leaving me wondering what’s coming next.”

 As for Mike, Dustin, and Lucas, they have their own moments of growth, resilience, and courage throughout Season 5. But, nothing compares to the end of Episode 4, where Will is revealed to have telekinetic powers, just like Eleven and Vecna. In embodying this new feature, Noah Schnapp’s acting was truly incredible, as he had the perfect balance of power and emotion. 

Really, it was these moments of thrill that kept me at the edge of my seat throughout my streaming experience. Unlike previous seasons, Volume 1 focuses less on nonstop action, and more on preparation for the big fight—a notable change that raised suspense levels immensely, making the series much more engaging. 

Overall, Season 5: Volume 1 serves as a strong foundation for the final chapter. It blends strong tension, character development, and world-building, stimulating anticipation amongst viewers. The slow pacing of the show allows the tension to rise naturally, making the looming final battle feel earned and high-stakes. 

Theories for Volumes 2 and 3, which arrive on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, respectively, are already circulating amongst fans. Many theories suggest that Will’s powers could either be essential to stopping the Upside Down, or they could possibly stir up some new challenges. Other theories suggest that Eleven may face difficult choices that test her abilities and loyalty to her friends, while the rest of the group may make sacrifices that could change them forever.

 Ultimately, fans of Stranger Things are excitedly awaiting the epic conclusion of the show, eager to see what happens next.