TV REVIEW: STRANGER THINGS 5

4/5

Inside Out

8 Episodes. Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Brett Gelman, Priah Ferguson, Nell Fisher, Cara Buono, Linda Hamilton & Jamie Campbell Bower. Created By: The Duffer Brothers. On: Netflix. 

1.3.2.4.5. All things must pass, and after nine years, Netflix's most famous and successful show, 'Stranger Things', is all grown up with its fifth and final season coming to a close to conclude the calendar. One volume of these epic, eight wonder episodes came in the fall of November. Another unwrapped on Boxing Day after Christmas. And the final, mammoth, movie like, two-hour, last episode ever came with the countdown at 0.00 on New Year's Day. Way to bring in 2026 with a mic and ball drop. Your eyes will be streaming tears, like your nose, blood. 'Squid Game', 'Ozark', 'The Crown'. No Netflix original series has it quite like The Duffer Brothers (to the Russ Brothers what the Safdie's are to the Cohen's) coming of age series (assisted by 'Deadpool and Wolverine's' Shawn Levy), nuanced in 80s nostalgia. Not even 'Wednesday'. Dialled up to Eleven, even the 'never press skip intro' theme tune is the best in show, as the marvel of this book of closing credits will illustrate your inspiration for one last time. We hope these heroes have had the time of their lives. But it's never really over, now, is it? This year, the animated 'Stranger Things: Tales From '85' will do for the Upside Down what 'Squid Game US' will for the South Korean phenomenon. 

The Goonie gang is all here. All being pseudo parented by the legendary Winona Ryder, on fine form, and fan favourite David Harbour, licking his wounds after the Lily Allen album, but still drinking cop coffee out of a 'Father of the Year' mug. Stopping the hate, and turning into an X-Men like superhero in a jumpsuit, 'Enola Holmes' and the new member of the Bon Jovi family, Millie Bobby Brown is amazing as El, AKA, Eleven. Super powered and charged up for a formidable finale, as big and bloated as it is, bold and beautiful. All with the love of new 'Ghostbusters' and 'IT' franchise face Finn Wolfhard, taking charge, and telling us he's about to be welcomed back to Derry. The Dungeons and Dragons friends of Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin honouring Hellfire (EDDIE!) and their love's (sensational Sadie Sink about to show 'Spider-Man' a 'Brand New Day' and love?) love of Kate Bush respectively. Running up the hill and through Vecna's red room hellscape. Yet it's the sensitive, sweet soul of Noah Schnapp's wise Will that really finds himself, in more ways than one.

Triangles of love elsewhere keep this generational science fiction horror drama relating to the whole family...and all those they bring home. Natalia Dyer ('Velvet Buzzsaw') is still number one with an Emily Blunt in 'A Quiet Place' shotgun. In a house of wax with unsung hero Charlie Heaton, and still some sort of candle for Joe Keery (Steve "The Hair" Harrington being the new "Rachel"). Making music in his spare time, like Uma and Ethan's own Maya Hawke, all moxie, no nepo. You still suck if you think differently, baby! Yet it's the new kids on the block who are alright. Scene-stealer Priah Ferguson, really coming into her own. Or another little sister, Nell Fisher's Wheeler, makes her mark, with Red Riding Hood aesthetics, on this season, much more than most. And whilst we're here, let's give it up for the real 11 of 'Stranger Things', Cara Buono. Billy! We understand. 'Fleabag' favourite Brett Gelman is also on fire, snookums! And, the most famous new face, 'Terminator' icon Linda Hamilton, commands, albeit if a little underutilized. Even Prince's music keeps up with appearances for a show that sounds so good, even Frank Darabont came out of retirement.

Yet the cult favourite, and new Hollywood heartthrob, Jamie Campbell Bower is the one pinning up and possessing hearts. Albeit, not in his burnt spaghetti and worms form. I'm still of the ilk that thinks the Demogorgon, and those damn, dirty Demodogs, are iconic enough, even if they do look like, you know. Still, Vecna and that voice that have been haunting the penultimate, and this, the one last dance of 'Stranger Things 5', do make for something straight out of the John Carpenter like 1980s, like these chapter's type. Honestly, I can't stand that "noseless bastard", but isn't that makes for the perfect boo and hiss bad guy? Sure, there are other problems here. At times, this last season, finally showing signs of running out of steam, can be a slog. There's only so many times you can hear enhanced sound on literally everything. Opening a door. Putting something on the table. And what's with the murder of so many military men? Yet 'Stranger Things' is so iconic, the WSQK radio, and 'The Squak' (that you can actually listen to) is about to be, too, like those old vintage sweaters. And a massive, monumental monster end has even more legs in the meaning that follows. Still the best thing. Strange days forever. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Stranger Things: Tales From '85', 'Squid Game', 'IT: Welcome To Derry'.