After three years of anticipation, Stranger Things returns for what promises to be a definitive conclusion to the series , with the first four episodes already released as Stranger Things season 5 volume 1.
For longtime fans, the excitement to see what the last season has to offer is palpable. It’s not just another series finale—rather, it feels like the last piece of a puzzle we’ve been trying to solve for years. Every episode we watched, every character we followed, every moment we held onto now leads to this, and watching volume 1 of season 5 feels bittersweet because as much as we want to really know what will happen, it is also a reminder that we really are near the end.
So without further ado, here is SEA Wave’s High Five review of Stranger Things season 5 volume 1. Spoilers ahead.
The Party is All Grown Up
Volume 1 delivers exactly what you’d expect, and maybe even more. Stranger Things has always been the kind of show that makes you hold on to your seat until the very last episode. If you think you know what’s going to happen, you’re in for a surprise.
The first episode of season 5 begins with Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). Starting with him makes perfect sense, given that the disappearance of Will in season 1 set the entire story in motion. We are taken back to young Will in the Upside Down, a moment that immediately reminds us of the stakes and mysteries that have been building for years. From there, the season reintroduces the gang. Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) return with a quiet maturity, carrying the weight of everything they’ve been through. Max (Sadie Sink) remains in a coma, with Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) faithfully by her side. Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) is still adjusting, struggling to process the loss of Eddie (Joseph Quinn), and the ongoing tension of the love triangle between Nancy (Natalia Dyer), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), and Steve (Joe Keery) adds another layer of complexity to the story.
Higher Stakes
Throughout the season, the stakes remain high as the Upside Down continues to creep into Hawkins, forcing the squad to juggle danger on multiple fronts. By the end of volume 1, the group is spread across intense, high-risk situations: Eleven and Hopper confront Dr. Kays, Max and Holly struggle to escape Vecna’s mind, and Joyce, Mike, and Will defend the younger kids at the military base.
The volume closes with a standout moment as Will Byers steps forward, displaying a surprising power that goes beyond anything we’ve seen before. Mirroring his D&D role as a Sorcerer, Will protects Robin, Lucas, and Mike from a Demogorgon with his new found ability. This scene is a perfect bookend: Season 5, Volume 1 starts with Will, and it ends with Will, hinting at the vital role he will play in what’s to come.
Character Chemistry
The strength of Stranger Things has always been its character dynamics, and season 5 volume 1 highlights that brilliantly. The friendships remain one of the most moving aspects of the series
One of the fan-favorite duos, Steve and Dustin, faces unexpected tension this season. Their arguments are no longer the playful banter fans are used to, but heated conflicts. This shift is striking because it’s unusual for the pair. It also subtly hints at the looming dangers ahead that perhaps even foreshadowing that one of them could face serious harm.
Mike and Will’s friendship in this season feels lighter and more genuine compared to the previous season. A standout moment is the episode four flashback delivering one of the most emotionally impactful scenes of the series so far—it is hands down goosebump-inducing and emotionally gut-wrenching.
Robin and Will’s friendship is something we didn’t see coming. It’s a welcome surprise to see them befriend each other, with their interactions reminding viewers the importance of self-love and accepting who you truly are. Their bond hits softly yet powerfully, showing that embracing one’s identity can be a source of strength even in the most challenging moments.
Beyond these, the rest of the cast continues to shine. Erica’s (Priah Ferguson) wit and energy steal every scene she enters, while Derek Turnbow’s (Jake Connelly) surprisingly makes a refreshing addition to the squad. Karen Wheeler (Cara Buono) delivers a shockingly badass moment this season, mothering in the best way by facing danger head-on to protect her family.
Improved Acting
Throughout the last 9 years, we’ve seen the cast grow and learn as they return to Hawkins. And while there have been some awkward years for all of them, they have since grown comfortable in their roles and are putting out their best performances yet.
New additions also add to the charm of the cast. Luke Kokotek is a perfect choice for young Will, as he bears a strong resemblance to Noah Schnapp when he was young, making the flashback scenes entirely believable that it was played by the same actor. Nell Fisher also delivers a stellar performance as Holly, bringing to life a character who’s been around since the start.
That said, Holly should technically be around fifth grade, but it doesn’t quite look like that. With three years between seasons 4 and 5, some inconsistencies in appearances are noticeable—especially since Holly is now played by a different actress. The same goes for Max, Lucas, and Erica, who have visibly grown since earlier seasons. Given the time skip and the fact that Stranger Things has been running for so long, these changes are understandable. Despite this, their acting keeps the characters grounded and believable, so the slight visual discrepancies don’t pull viewers out of the story.
Better Production
If there’s one thing Stranger Things has really improved at, it’s the production value. The cinematography is stunning, the color palette perfectly matches the series’ tone, the set design is meticulous, and the soundtrack remains one of the strongest elements of the show. “Running Up That Hill” still hits hard, sending chills whenever it plays, and the sound design makes every moment feel immersive. Every frame feels intentional, every sequence cinematic.
Visual effects are strong as well: the Demogorgon feels weighty and solid, Vecna’s costume has improved, and everything—despite the sci-fi elements—looks as realistic as they can get. The production makes the stakes believable, letting viewers feel the tension and emotion in every scene.
This first volume truly delivers everything the series is known for: a gripping plot, stunning cinematography, amazing soundtrack, and unforgettable performances. It’s no wonder the first four episodes shattered Netflix’s all-time streaming records, proving that Stranger Things continues to captivate audiences in every way.
SEA Wave gives Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 a solid 3.5 out of 5 waves. Stay tuned as we get closer to volume 2, which will stream on December 25.
What are your thoughts on the first four episodes of Stranger Things season 5? Share them in the comments!