The Finale That Stung: How Stranger Things Broke TV's Rules
A week after its release, the reactions to Stranger Things season four are as mixed as they were expected to be. For those who have been following the show from the start, the finale is a gut-wrenching conclusion to a story that began seven years ago, but it's unlikely to resonate with everyone. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who stumbled upon the show, one thing is clear: Stranger Things has committed a cardinal sin in television storytelling.
By ending on its own terms, rather than following the tired tropes of TV finales, the Duffer brothers have created a sense of closure that feels earned. There's no bleak parable, no "it was all a dream" twist, and certainly no gratuitous bloodbath. Instead, the finale stays true to the show's spirit – full of spectacle, sentiment, and more than a few plot holes.
One of the most striking aspects of the finale is its focus on character development. The 18-month time jump at the end gives the cast a chance to play closer to their own age for once, allowing them to grow and evolve in ways that feel authentic. Winona Ryder's Joyce Byers gets her moment in the spotlight, lopping off Vecna's head after years of being relegated to the background.
However, this sense of character development is undercut by the sheer amount of storytelling that has been packed into four seasons. The finale feels like a marathon rather than a sprint, with multiple plot threads and character arcs wrapping up in a dizzying array of endings. It's enough to leave even the most dedicated fan breathless – if only because there are so many of them.
So, did Stranger Things stick the landing? Not quite. By abandoning the concept of an ending altogether, the Duffer brothers have effectively ensured that Stranger Things will never truly be over. With a spin-off series and animated prequel on the way, it's clear that this beloved IP is here to stay – for better or for worse.
In committing TV's ultimate crime, the Duffer brothers have given us something special: a story that refuses to die. Whether you love it or hate it, Stranger Things has proven itself to be a true original – and one that will continue to divide audiences for years to come.
A week after its release, the reactions to Stranger Things season four are as mixed as they were expected to be. For those who have been following the show from the start, the finale is a gut-wrenching conclusion to a story that began seven years ago, but it's unlikely to resonate with everyone. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who stumbled upon the show, one thing is clear: Stranger Things has committed a cardinal sin in television storytelling.
By ending on its own terms, rather than following the tired tropes of TV finales, the Duffer brothers have created a sense of closure that feels earned. There's no bleak parable, no "it was all a dream" twist, and certainly no gratuitous bloodbath. Instead, the finale stays true to the show's spirit – full of spectacle, sentiment, and more than a few plot holes.
One of the most striking aspects of the finale is its focus on character development. The 18-month time jump at the end gives the cast a chance to play closer to their own age for once, allowing them to grow and evolve in ways that feel authentic. Winona Ryder's Joyce Byers gets her moment in the spotlight, lopping off Vecna's head after years of being relegated to the background.
However, this sense of character development is undercut by the sheer amount of storytelling that has been packed into four seasons. The finale feels like a marathon rather than a sprint, with multiple plot threads and character arcs wrapping up in a dizzying array of endings. It's enough to leave even the most dedicated fan breathless – if only because there are so many of them.
So, did Stranger Things stick the landing? Not quite. By abandoning the concept of an ending altogether, the Duffer brothers have effectively ensured that Stranger Things will never truly be over. With a spin-off series and animated prequel on the way, it's clear that this beloved IP is here to stay – for better or for worse.
In committing TV's ultimate crime, the Duffer brothers have given us something special: a story that refuses to die. Whether you love it or hate it, Stranger Things has proven itself to be a true original – and one that will continue to divide audiences for years to come.
. I mean, who needs a neat bow when you can have 18 months of buildup and a whole lot of emotional pay-off? The way they've given each character their moment in the spotlight is really something special 
, but at the same time, it feels like there are just too many plot threads to keep track of. I'm still reeling from the finale, and I think that's what makes it so memorable - it's like we're all in this together, trying to make sense of it all 
.
, and I know I'm not the only one! I think the Duffer brothers did a great job of sticking to their own vision, even if it means not following traditional TV rules 
. The 18-month time jump was genius – I loved seeing the kids grow up, but at the same time, it made some of the plot holes a bit more jarring 
. Still, overall, I think they nailed the character development and the finale's emotional impact 
. And let's be real, if there's one show that's going to keep us talking for years to come, it's Stranger Things 
!
. And don't even get me started on Vecna's demise – I ship Winona Ryder as Joyce more than ever now 
! That being said, can someone pls explain what happened with Eleven's powers? Like, was that all just a dream or did she actually grow up and move to California 
anyway, winona ryder slayed in that finale as usual and i love how the finale stayed true to the show's spirit 
. The way they wove together all those plot threads was insane 
! But what really gets me is how it's gonna keep Stranger Things alive forever 
. Like, even if you're not a fan, it's hard to deny the show's impact 
. So yeah, did it stick the landing? Nope 
!
It's like they tried to cram 4 seasons into one episode... 
The Duffer brothers really took some risks by not following traditional TV finale tropes, but it ultimately paid off in a bittersweet way. I love how they prioritized character development, especially with Winona Ryder's Joyce Byers getting her moment to shine 
.
. Like, they just kinda... end it 
. Give me some real tension, not this abrupt stop 
️.
and i love how the 18-month time jump gave the cast a chance to grow and evolve. of course, it was a bit overwhelming with all the plot threads tying up but that just shows how epic the show is 
. Can't wait to see what they have in store for us next 
. But for real, 4 seasons feels like a long time to cram that many plot threads and character arcs, I'm just glad they gave the kids some growth time 
. Overall, it's like they said - they stuck the landing but not quite in the way we wanted them to 
. Bring on that spin-off series, can't wait to see what's next! 
Still, I'll be watching that animated prequel just for the nostalgia