Stranger Things Season 5: A Tale of Growth and Resurrection
Season 5 of Stranger Things has begun streaming. Exploring the charm of the final season through themes of growth and resurrection.
By Toshiyuki Yoshida
Introduction
After nearly nine years since its 2016 debut, Stranger Things has finally begun streaming Season 5 on Netflix. This long-awaited final season premiered at the end of last month, with episodes 1-4 now available. The quality remains as exceptional as ever, true to the series' exceptional standard throughout. I am absolutely captivated by the prospect of how this remarkable story will ultimately conclude.
A Tale of Growth
The greatest strength of this series lies in its exceptional screenplay. Combined with its 1980s setting, it creates an irresistible wave of nostalgia for my generation. The decade's iconic hits are featured prominently throughout, evoking both the charm and the excitement of that golden era.
However, the most significant aspect is witnessing genuine growth both within the narrative and in the actors themselves. By consistently telling this story since Season 1 in 2016, the series has achieved something truly remarkable—something only possible through such longevity.
The child characters, in particular, are portrayed with meticulous care. Their transformation is genuinely moving. To watch those once timid young heroes become capable of battling formidable creatures brings tears to my eyes.
Equally compelling is observing the young cast's real-world evolution as professional actors. Millie Bobby Brown, the lead actress, was around 11 years old during Season 1, yet today she's in her twenties and married. Witnessing their life-changing journeys unfold on screen is a unique joy that only this series can provide.
A Tale of Resurrection
The children in this series are far from the popular crowd at school. Rather, they're nerds—often the outcasts of their social hierarchy. Yet what's wonderful is watching them have their moment to shine. Characters like Dustin Henderson, the ultimate geek, play genuinely crucial roles. Their significance harks back to a time in the 1980s when being a nerd was actually cool.
Beyond the young characters, the adults also carry their own tragedies and challenges. But as they fight alongside the children, they gradually reclaim themselves, becoming true adults. Their personal transformations are deeply moving.
This series does more than launch new talent—it also serves as a resurrection story for beloved actors from Hollywood's golden age. Winona Ryder, who shined brilliantly in the 1980s only to fade from public view, makes a remarkable comeback in this drama. Season 5 even features Linda Hamilton, the action movie queen of the 1980s and 90s.
Equally remarkable is Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson. Like his character, Matarazzo himself lives with cleidocranial dysostosis, a real genetic condition. Yet he is rightfully celebrated as a talented actor. This exemplifies what makes this series truly special—a platform where talent triumphs, and differences become individual strengths.
Conlusion
After Christmas, episodes five through seven will continue to be released, and in the New Year of 2026, the long-anticipated final episode is scheduled to be released.
Likely, this will be the final season. After nine years, this series is finally heading towards its conclusion.
I’m now curious about what kind of conclusion this story, woven around the themes of growth and resurrection, will ultimately reach.
Why not enjoy Stranger Things this holiday season? Immersing yourself in the nostalgic world of the 1980s while continuing the adventure with the boys and girls is, I believe, a luxurious pleasure unique to this season.