A Geeky Guy's guide to Stranger Things Season 5 Episode 1
Ok, I don't normally do episode by episode reactions, but Stranger Things is a unique animal. This season is especially interesting since they only recently abandoned the plan to release them as two hour long episodes. That would have mad each one of them longer than many of the 1980s movies this show plays homage to. Although they wisely chose to leave the episodes in the hour long format that fits the show more naturally, the first episode was about 70 minutes long and felt like a mini movie.
As always, there will be no spoilers in this but I will share some details that i think might help you to enjoy the show. But before I get to that, let's all remember that this entire series requires some of the most incredible suspension of disbelief ever. You simply can't ask any "why?" questions. If you pull at those threads, the entire series will come apart like a Weezer band Member's sweater. For example, why does anyone still live in Hawkins Indiana? STOP! Don't ask that! But the writers at least threw a little bone and said it is because the entire town is fenced in and they are living in quarantine due to the crazy "natural phenomenon" that occurred in the season four finale.
Another important detail that they don't mention concretely is that it appears to be at least 500 days since the end of the last season (and it is probably a little more). It is also important to remember the writers of Stranger things LOVE the 1980s and the movies made during that unique decade. As a result, there are some serious eye rolling moments that are meant to throw you back to the days of neon, hair scrunchies and malls. One staple of 80s movies is the training montage. And oh yes, there is a training scene in the first episode of season 5. It had sweat pants, headbands, and shorts over those sweats. The only thing missing is Joe Espisito singing "You're The Best Around". I literally caught myself eye rolling and exclaiming "oh my god" before I remembered what I was watching.
And this wasn't the only eye rolling moment. Guys stupidly competing for the girl? Check. A character getting super emo. Check. Characters seemingly being omnipotent and knowing things they never experienced? Check. Little brother/sister characters suddenly becoming important because all the child actors got too old? Check. Obvious reminders that characters are hooked up? Check.
Wait. It is starting to seem like I hated this episode. Nothing could be further from the truth. I loved going back to Hawkins Indiana to see all of our old friends! This show is silly and it knows it. The first episode did a nice job of setting up the story for the big finale season. I know what the characters' goals are. I know who the bad guy is... I think. I know that Hopper is some kind of special forces soldier now... maybe he always was. And Elle is a full on super hero. This is all great.
There was also enough action in the episode to keep me excited. There was a mix of 1980s bullies and monsters. Just like there has always been. As always, the special effects are sensational. Netflix has spared no expense to send this series out on the high note it deserves. There are also the little laughs that I have grown accustomed to. The addition of Robin back in season three is one of teh best moves the series made. Her relationship with Steve is one of my favorite parts of the show. They are very funny together and this episodes features a lot of shared screen time between them.
Long story short... episode one of season five of Stranger Things did exactly what it was supposed to do. It brought me back into the ridiculous world of Hawkins Indiana and got me excited to see how they will conclude this awesome story.
I'd heard about Stranger Things a while back, but honestly, I rarely get the chance to watch series since I mostly watch sports, and sometimes when I work in construction, I get home so tired I just eat and sleep before continuing with my daily routine. But this short yet excellent summary of episode 1 of season 5 has made me want to watch it from the first season to understand and enjoy it even more.
I enjoyed the fact that you gave every details despite the spoilers. It was enjoyable and sincere and made me desire to watch the new season immediately. I will watch it as soon as I get some time.
Thank you so much for analyzing and showing everything so brilliantly. The first episode of Stranger Things basically set the tone for the final season, which was filled with fun, silly moments from the 80s, strong visuals, and the excitement of seeing familiar characters return.
The critic I heard is that on flashbacks they had to use AI to make the actors have their childish aspects of when the series started 😄
Another great recommendation for enjoying an excellent series. Let's just say you've become our advisor in that specific area. This Christmas I'll try to convince my husband to watch it, starting with the first season, and follow every detail of each character, as well as understand the plot of Stranger Things.
I haven’t watched any season of "Stranger Things" yet, and now everyone is talking about "Strange things" new and last season, so I don’t know much about it. However, I’ve seen a lot of hype and heard so much praise about the show, and I’ve been thinking for days about starting it. Since you’ve recommended it, I will definitely watch this season and share my review with you afterward.
My niece and I watched the first episode the night it dropped. Then we watched the next two the following night and I just watched the fourth episode on Sunday. I am glad they pulled back a little on the 80's references. Season 2 was a bit over the top. Someone did point out that the outfit El is wearing is the same as the older brothers outfit in Goonies. Fun fact if you didn't notice it. I sure didn't.
I completely missed that! And that older brother turned out to be Thanos, Cable, and a million other roles.
Indeed!
stranger things i think this is great to watch based on your movie review. haha just now i laughed lol. also the monster omg!! scary!😯
I don't know why they make things much longer, like the ring of power made me frustrated. I was thinking about it to watch, but now I fear for the length!
I'll be watching soon. My other half hasn't watched, so it will be on my own. The kids are all grown up even though a lot less time has passed in the show. It's been a fun ride, but it needs to end.
When we get interested in a drama or movie, we say that it should be long and we should watch all the episodes right away
My son watches that and after seeing a lot of product placement in the stores I thought, well maybe he's onto something again. Which is what happened when he dragged me to see Lord Of The Rings. I was so enthralled I couldn't wait for the next one to come out, but that wasn't nearly as bad as his fascination with The Walking Dead, which to me was just nonsensical gruesomeness. Than one Sunday bored I plopped down to watch an episode with him and I was addicted. That was like the fourth or fifth season in so I had a lot of catching up to do. The other day he was all in about the new season starting so over the holiday weekend I decided, as stated, maybe he was into something good. It was on Netflick so I decided to give it a whirl. Yesterday he was talking about the season premiere and I told him I started watching it the other night but I didn't get far. He asked how far did you get, and I said I was snoozing by the time the kid disappeared. lol. Guess this one won't have that magic that keeps me from falling to sleep watching television. I'll probably give in another go, otherwise it would take me a decade to catch the whole thing but I appreciate the tip they skipped through five hundred days, it'll make it go a lot faster whenever I get to that point.
I haven't been able to watch it yet... So, I'm avoiding all possible spoilers, haha!
Anyway, I'm with high hopes on this season finale.
I watched the first two seasons of this show years ago, and loved it. A lot of life happened between then and now and I lost track of it. Just last night this show caught my eye again, and I was thinking it might be time for a re-watch to catch up to the new season. Looks like it still has a lot of entertainment left to offer.
The first episode of Stranger Things Season 5 was really exciting. I agree, it’s full of fun 80s vibes, great character moments, and lots of action. Can’t wait to see what happens next in Hawkins.