Stranger Things Season 5 Vol. 2 Review

The volume serves as an answer-palooza for mysteries dating back to Season 1. The runtime of three-and-a-half hours is dedicated to explaining the mythology of the Upside Down and the Rightside Up. The narrative leans heavily into scientific concepts, specifically regarding the exotic matter connecting the two dimensions.

Several characters are tasked with explaining these complex theories to the audience. Mr. Clark (Randy Havens), Dustin, Erica, and Murray take the lead in breaking down the science. In "Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz," Dustin presents a theory connecting Hawkins to Vecna’s The Abyss. The writing aims to make this technical dialogue accessible, distributing the exposition among multiple characters to keep the pacing engaging.

• Mr. Clark, Dustin, Erica, and Murray explain the science of the Upside Down.
• Dustin presents a theory connecting Hawkins to Vecna’s The Abyss.
• The episodes explore the concept of exotic matter.

Significant plot movements occur regarding the main cast. Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) kidnaps all twelve children, plugging them into his hive. The children believe they are being protected in the faux-perfect Creel house, but they are being held as "perfect vessels" for Vecna's endgame plan. In the aftermath of Will's destruction of the Demogorgons, the heroes take stock of their losses.

Will Byers discovers that he is able to siphon power from Vecna due to their shared connection. Unlike Eleven’s abilities, Will’s power requires proximity to Vecna to be effective. Lucas’ theory that November 6 is the day Vecna's plans will be known fuels an implied countdown clock. Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) is noted as a standout addition, holding her own in emotional scenes with Max (Sadie Sink) and avoiding the pitfall of stealing time from established characters.

Kali/Eight (Linnea Berthelsen) is woven back into the narrative. Her return adds a new layer of complications to Eleven’s decisions. Having survived trauma together in Brenner’s lab, Kali argues that it is their duty to prevent such trauma from happening again, even if it interferes with El’s plans for a "happy ending."

• Vecna kidnaps all twelve children into the Upside Down.
• Will Byers can siphon power from Vecna but requires proximity.
• Kali/Eight returns to complicate Eleven's choices.

The volume is directed by Frank Darabont and Shawn Levy. "Chapter Five: Shock Jock," directed by Darabont, picks up from the cliffhanger of Will going "all Eleven" on the Demogorgons. Darabont’s direction shifts between multiple settings and high-concept quantum physics chatter while maintaining a light tone and including character moments between Nancy and Jonathan.

"Chapter Seven: The Bridge" serves as a grand convergence for the cast. The various factions reunite at WSQK to formulate a plan to prevent Vecna from merging realities. The volume moves the needle on answering the "who, what, where, and when" questions, leaving the "why" for the series finale. While the volume is praised for its revelations, the character of Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) is noted as the least developed of the '80s-era actors cast in the series.

• Frank Darabont directs "Chapter Five: Shock Jock."
• Shawn Levy directs "Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz."
• The cast reunites at WSQK in "Chapter Seven: The Bridge."