Editor’s Note: This article contains major spoilers for the first volume of “Stranger Things” Season 5.
As fans dive into the latest installment of Netflix’s retro-’80s horror saga, “Stranger Things,” the first volume of its fifth season has already delivered a series of unforgettable moments. Released over the Thanksgiving holiday, this season’s initial episodes have captivated audiences with nearly five hours of thrilling content. For those who have yet to catch up, beware: spoilers lie ahead.
The season opens with a dramatic flair, concluding its fourth episode with a climactic sequence that leaves viewers eager for more. However, several standout scenes have already captured the imagination of fans, blending horror with nostalgia in a way that only “Stranger Things” can.
The Attack on the Wheelers
The season’s opening episodes feature one of the most intense sequences in the series’ history. The end of episode one and the beginning of episode two depict a harrowing attack on the Wheeler family. Holly Wheeler, now portrayed by newcomer Nell Fisher, is abducted by a Demogorgon, leaving her parents brutally attacked and hospitalized.
The slow-motion portrayal of Karen Wheeler’s (Cara Buono) struggle against the demon, witnessed by a horrified Holly, is a chilling moment. This scene echoes classic ’80s supernatural films like “Poltergeist” and “E.T.,” where parental reassurances about the nonexistence of monsters are proven tragically wrong. As the episodes progress, the Wheelers remain in the hospital, while Holly’s fate is uncertain, lost in a nightmarish dreamscape.
The Identity of Mr. Whatsit
In a twist that fans may have anticipated, the series creators Matt and Ross Duffer draw inspiration from Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time.” Holly’s imaginary friend, Mr. Whatsit, is revealed to be none other than the series’ archvillain, Vecna, portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower. This connection adds a new layer to the narrative, with references to “A Wrinkle in Time” becoming increasingly significant.
Season MVPs: Erica Sinclair and Derek Turnbow
Erica Sinclair, played by Priah Ferguson, emerges as a standout character this season. Known for her no-nonsense attitude, Erica takes center stage with a daring plan involving a benzo-laced pie to trap a Demogorgon. Her witty retort, “And I told you to eat your damn pie!” showcases her evolution from a side character to a formidable force.
Meanwhile, Derek Turnbow, a new character played by Jake Connelly, undergoes a remarkable transformation. Initially introduced as a bully, Derek becomes an unexpected ally, leading a guided meditation that proves crucial to the team’s efforts. His character arc from “dipshit Derek” to “delightful Derek” is a testament to the show’s ability to develop complex characters.
Holly’s Tiffany Sidestep Montage
Episode three features a memorable montage set to the ’80s hit “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany. Holly receives a cassette tape and a Sidestep stereo from her mysterious friend, leading to a joyful sequence of dancing and baking. However, the scene’s lightheartedness is undercut by an ominous knock at the door, urging Holly into the woods.
‘Sorcerer’ Will Byers
The first volume culminates in a dramatic climax with episode four, titled “Sorcerer.” Will Byers, portrayed by Noah Schnapp, takes a proactive stance against the Demogorgons, embracing his inner Vecna. This transformation raises questions about his newfound powers and their implications.
“Does his nose bleeding mean that he’s now become like Eleven? Or do those eyes indicate he is becoming Vecna himself?”
Will’s evolution from a perpetual victim to a powerful figure opens new narrative possibilities, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next volume’s release at Christmas.
As “Stranger Things” continues to blend nostalgia with horror, these standout moments exemplify the series’ ability to captivate and surprise. With the promise of more twists and turns, audiences are left wondering what lies ahead for the residents of Hawkins.
