By: Addison Cox

   Many Mustangs have been following the thrilling story of Stranger Things since middle school. Filled with discoveries, sacrifices, and a nostalgic game of Dungeons & Dragons, the end of what many call an all-time favorite brought countless emotions and questions, impacting every student invested in the decade-long show of supernatural chaos.

   After 10 years of carefully crafting characters, battling beasts, and uncovering Upside 

Down mysteries, the countdown for the highly anticipated finale of Stranger Things began. The stress, however, of meeting the fans’ high expectations was upon the actors and the Duffer Brothers.  These expectations, unfortunately, were not met for some. 

   “I thought it was anticlimactic compared to the buildup. I wish someone had died or it was an actual battle against Vecna…it was too easy,” said junior Aditi Gandhe. 

   During press conferences and social media interviews, rumors spread that there would be four major deaths in Season 5; however, viewers were disappointed to find that those rumors were false, taking away from the shock factor of the finale. Many questioned whether the Duffer Brothers could realistically wrap up every detail in a single two-hour episode, prompting students to criticize and question the plot holes that followed. 

   “Why was Will not harmed in the final battle when everyone was attacking Vecna and destroying the mind flayer?” said junior Afsar Basha. 

   Questions like these were left unanswered, leaving fans confused and wanting clarity on numerous details.

   Although most students had complaints about the plot holes and final battle, they also thought that the ending provided a satisfying closure for each of the characters.

   “I liked how they wrapped it up. It was very sentimental and nostalgic,” said Basha.

   Thoughtfully planned, Dustin, Mike, Will, Lucas, and Max ended Stranger Things where they began, playing an intense game of Dungeons & Dragons in Mike’s basement. In addition to seeing the friend group reunite for a game night, watching Dustin honor Eddie’s graduation wish meant the world to fans. 

   “The graduation scene was good because it referenced a lot of the past episodes, such as Dustin’s gesture for Eddie,” said Gandhe. 

   Specific scenes throughout the entirety of Season 5 connected back to past details of Stranger Things, allowing fans to truly feel the nostalgia even in the final moments and memories of a show that many grew up on.

   The Duffer Brothers’ intentional use of music, however, did not go unrecognized. Prince’s “Purple Rain”, Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide”, and David Bowie’s “Heroes” all marked significant moments throughout the finale, making the scenes truly unforgettable. 

   “The Purple Rain scene was probably my favorite. It was gut-wrenching to see the character we’ve all grown up with and seen fight so hard lose in the end. Seeing the reactions from all the other characters was even sadder, but I feel like it was done pretty well,” said junior Aanya Contractor. 

   Marking such emotional scenes, the Duffer Brothers were able to capture many beautiful instances of friendship, romance, and pure love for one another through the power of music, elevating even the simplest of moments into lifetime memories.

   It’s hard to believe Stranger Things has come to an end. The kids, the cheesy ‘80s fashion, and the monsters may be gone, but the show’s impact on this generation will linger, forever a reminder of the never-ending story that was Stranger Things.