Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 1 — Review & Analysis

1. Opening & Atmosphere

The season opens with a nostalgic scene: Will, the Demogorgon, and the iconic “Should I Stay or Should I Go”… It’s a direct callback to Season 1. Right after that, the breakfast scene brings back Hawkins’ familiar warmth. But the calm doesn’t last long; the town is completely sealed off and under military control.

One of the things I love most about Stranger Things is how the characters constantly shift into different combinations. Every season feels like the same group solving the puzzle with new pairings, and it keeps the story dynamic while giving the audience that constant “team” feeling. This structure continues in Season 5, but the atmosphere is heavier, and the “final season” energy hangs over every scene.

2. A Dynamic Start to the Final Season

The episode moves so fast that we constantly find ourselves in the middle of a new situation. The soldiers almost catching Eleven, Holly’s mentions of monsters, the Will — Demogorgon connection… These are all familiar types of tension from earlier seasons, but this time everything feels sharper and more urgent.

The first moment that gave me chills was Robin guiding the others through the radio. Seeing that team unity again genuinely hit me. And while the pace is high, Stranger Things’ trademark music choices also stand out once again.

It’s impossible to talk about this show without mentioning its nostalgic soundtrack. I already talked about “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” but hearing even one or two seconds of “Running Up That Hill” immediately takes us back to Season 4. And the classic “Upside Down” theme… Stranger Things has a way of turning old songs into modern pop culture moments like no other show.

3. Character Focus: Dustin Henderson

The clearest character shift this season is definitely Dustin. In previous seasons, he represented the fun and lighthearted side of the group. But after losing Eddie, he carries a much darker emotional weight. And his main struggle isn’t just losing a friend it’s the fact that the town still remembers Eddie as a “villain” instead of a hero.

Eddie was a role model for Dustin. Continuing the Hellfire Club, pushing through pain, even growing his hair, one of Eddie’s most iconic traits, all feel like Dustin’s way of keeping Eddie’s memory alive. Among all the characters hiding the truth from the world, Dustin carries that burden the heaviest.

4. Foreshadowing & Holly’s Role

Holly is another character who steps into the story more strongly this season. Her waving out the window and the little interaction at school already hint that she’ll be important. Even with all the strange things happening in Hawkins, the kind of things that should make people listen more carefully, not dismiss a child, no one takes Holly seriously just because she’s five and talks about an “imaginary friend.”

5. Overall Thoughts

The season premiere focuses more on setting the tone and atmosphere than delivering big events. The balance between nostalgia, tension, and character growth is very well done. It’s clear Hawkins isn’t the same place anymore. If the season keeps building on this pace, it looks like Stranger Things is heading toward a powerful final chapter.

I’m especially expecting more ‘Upside Down connection’ moments from Will in the next episode.