Stranger Things 5 Volume 1 Review (SPOILERS): Will Byers Finally Gets Solid Arc, Vecna’s Intentions Remain Questionable

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 was released on Netflix last week, and Hawkins has never felt more terrifying. The new season presents the aftermath of Vecna’s attack and conveys a sense of heaviness that feels greater than ever. Even if the characters have become more courageous, you can sense how Hawkins feels suffocating, hopeless, and teetering on the edge of collapse. The town is sealed under strict quarantine; military tanks roll down deserted streets, and soldiers monitor every breath.

Stranger Things Season 5 Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Winona Ryder, Finn Wolfhard, Joe Keery, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, David Harbour, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Maya Hawke, etc.

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 Review (MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD)

Volume 1 of the final season starts on an intriguing note, knowing very well how to remind people of the essence of Hawkins and how everything functioned there. The usual banter, jokes and ups and downs exist. While it doesn’t bring any newness to the narrative, what stands out this time is how everyone is scattered in different places or worlds, but their goal is the same: to kill Vecna. The series, although uneven with its thrills and tension factor, keeps you hooked solely because of how Henry has Holly Wheeler in his control and the Demogorgon attacks the Wheeler family. The initial hunt was for Vecna and to find Max, but what’s he trying to achieve by taking Holly and other kids of Hawkins under his control?

Regarding Eleven’s storyline, it covers familiar territory. She’s being hunted again and is strengthening her powers. Her scenes are more with Hopper, and the season focuses on their emotional dynamic. Jim Hopper, who is known for his tough love, would go to any lengths to save Jane/Eleven, and his courageous move will definitely move you. However, the moment that the makers want us to remember is El and Kali’s (008) reunion, which is a twist you see coming. But the reunion hasn’t had much of an emotional turn yet, but the scene definitely creates curiosity about why Kali is back in the story. There is power in the story, but the writing feels like it is circling the same airport without landing.

One of the most surprisingly powerful emotional threads this season is the dynamic between Steve and Dustin. Dustin’s grief over losing Eddie has deeply affected him, and his emotional collapse represents one of the most genuine story arcs in Stranger Things Volume 1. It’s also sad that no one noticed how broken Dustin is during this season. I expected that Steve Harrington (Joe Kerry) would be that support system for him. Unfortunately, the relationship between Steve and Dustin becomes more argumentative this season. I know the Duffer Brothers intentionally craft every dynamic and character for specific reasons. However, one couldn’t help but wish to jump into the screen and give Dustin Henderson a tight hug; we hope that Steve will do this on our behalf in Volume 2.

And then there’s Max. Her return is both eerie and emotional, although it is not surprising. Everyone knew that Max was somewhere in the Upside Down, but it is interesting that she finds a place in Henry’s memory, an element added by the creators. WWatching Max as she is trapped, tormented, and fighting to escape the psychological grip of Henry’s painful memories is chilling. But what stands out is how she found a friend in Holly Wheeler. It would be interesting to see how her storyline is tackled ahead and what it means for Holly and other kids.

The greatest shock factor comes from Henry/Vecna’s manipulation of Holly and the children. It’s a direct violation of innocence that twists the season into something more grotesque and personal. Yes, we know he was the one who traumatised Will in Upside Down’s Stranger Things Season 1. But it was Demogorgon who dragged Will there. Henry acts as the kids’ friend, taking on the persona of Mr Whatsit, while winning and exploiting their trust to plan something deadly. So, what exactly are Vecna’s intentions with the kids? It is something that we will soon find out in Volume 2.

 

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Another aspect where Stranger Things 5 Volume 1 really shifts the narrative is giving a concrete twist to Noah Schnapp’s Will Byer. Will finally becomes the focal point of the story. After the disappointing arc he got in Season 4, the creators owed him an apology to us. Will Byers’ connection to the Upside Down isn’t just emotional anymore; it’s literal power. We finally comprehend the optimal use of Will’s visions, physical reactions, and shared consciousness with Vecna. In Episode 4, when Will finally channels his strength, realises his full potential, and saves his friends by killing the Demogorgons, you can’t help but cheer loudly. His arc feels long overdue and deeply satisfying, providing the season with the much-needed energy.

Stranger Things 5 Volume 1: Final Thoughts

Stranger Things 5 Volume 1 serves as a massive teaser for the upcoming events. The episodes primarily serve as a buildup, culminating in the show’s dramatic and impactful moments. So overall, Volume 1 is impressive, emotionally sharp, visually intense, and full of character-driven moments that hit deep. But it leaves us with more mysteries that need to be unravelled, and we are sure that with multiple rewatches, one can figure out where the show is headed further.