Stranger Things Character Review – Mia P
As someone who begun watching Stranger Things when there were only 2 seasons and has consequently, excitedly awaited 3 further seasons, I would say I’m pretty qualified to carry out a character review for Season 5, Volume 1.
SPOILERS ARE AHEAD!!! But honestly you should’ve already watched it by now anyways.
Will
I’m speechless. Season 4 Will began to get a little bit aggravating but honestly this season he is by far my favourite character for so many reasons. The way he watched through the eyes of the demogorgan was a really interesting development in his relationship with the upside down and finally his attachment to the upside down has become more useful than just sensing danger. He has definitely been filling El’s spot while she’s off training. I honestly have no complaints about him, I’m enjoying his developing relationship with Robin and thought the inside into his childhood relationships with Mike was super cute, no matter how you perceive it. Upon the request of my sister, I did film my reaction to the end of the volume which consisted of a lot of shouting because although I was less shocked about his newfound powers I just think it has evolved his character massively and I hope it doesn’t turn him overpowered. As I just mentioned, I was less shocked that Will had powers and more excited as I honestly thought death was imminent for him when Vecna beckoned him over. I should also touch on Will in the upside down at the start of the season; when the first 5 minutes were released I didn’t enjoy this idea because I refuse to believe that a 12 year old boy would perform the stunts he did and not tell his friends, but watching the first episode as a collective, I enjoyed how it blended in. Can we please also have a special mention for Will’s tackle on Derek, he took that child to the ground like he was a small horse.
Mike
Mike’s an interesting character this season, but I actually quite like him. He’s almost like his younger self just finally a bit more mature. He honestly hasn’t left much of an impression on me so far, other than the one Mr Whatsit scene where him and Will are fixing the tap. I’m feeling quite neutral so far, but this may be subject to change in the future of the season. Only comment I will make about him is that I can’t believe he didn’t believe Holly after all of the things he has seen so far.
Dustin
I love Dustin wholeheartedly and I have throughout all the seasons, however I can’t lie, he’s been annoying me so far this season. I understand his grieving storyline and how he wants to keep Eddy’s legacy alive however his relationship with the “bullies” is frustrating in the way they constantly provoke each other and then get surprised when there is a reaction. When he got knocked out in the cemetery, I did feel bad for him but then almost instantly after hoped it would knock some sense into him, and I think it has so I’m hopeful that his character will evolve well.
Lucas
I don’t actually have much to say on Lucas other than well done to the costume department. Much like Mike I don’t have anything stand out to say about him, other than I think it’s sweet how he still sits by Max so often and tells her everything while Running Up That Hill plays. I’m very apprehensive for the one scene of him escaping the hospital with Max in his arms that is shown in the trailer.
Eleven
The training scenes were slightly unexpected as well as her being considered “missing” but I do like the plot that she is once again on the run from the army and capture. Her angst with Hopper is perfect for their characters and her searching through that man’s mind was an interesting development on her powers. I’m interested how she will interact with Will and his powers when she returns to Hawkins and finds out he is so similar to her. The return of Kali, I can’t decide whether it is expected or not, however I’m glad Eleven was the one to find her and I hope this plot line is more interesting than Season 2, Episode 7 ever was.
Max
Spoiler Alert: She’s back! Max’s return was so appreciated by me. I worried she was going to be left in that hospital bed all season until Lucas takes her out to save her like we saw in the trailer. I actually quite like her character in Henry’s mind and how it parallels her actual character without being completely the same, she reminded me a lot of Merida from Brave actually, but I might be alone in that opinion. Much like everyone else I do think Max could’ve run a bit quicker when she heard the music but oh well, she wouldn’t be able to help Holly if she had so I will excuse it. I think Holly and Max are going to be a good duo and it will be good to see how that plays out.
Robin
Rockin Robin was a highlight for me of Volume 1; of all the jobs Steve and Robin have found themselves in the radio broadcasters ranks quite high, maybe not quite Scoops Ahoy level though. I thought the use of the radio and playing Upside Down to convey information was genius.
Nancy, Jonathon, Steve
The love triangle going on here I can’t decide if I enjoy or not. Steve is as competitive as ever and trying to win back the heart of his first love. Jonathon just needs to stop beating around the bush and either just tell Nancy he loves her and give her that ring right about now please!
Karen Wheeler
I think the crowd can collectively agree that Karen Wheeler this season was an absolute bada**. At first, I wasn’t impressed by her parenting skills as Holly screamed in the other room and she continued to run her bubble bath and listen to Fernando by ABBA; however, when she laid in the bath with Holly and then attacked the demogorgan face on with her wine bottle I was clapping and cheering for her. I hope she makes a full recovery, but even in a hospital bed unable to speak she was helping her children, so I have a lot of respect for her now.
Ted Wheeler
Honestly, what was this man doing? Ted Wheeler is a confusing character for me; I did appreciate the golf club attempt at the demogorgan after finally returning form his game. But if we’re being honest with ourselves if he had been taken by the demogorgan I wouldn’t have been in a rush to find and save him…
Holly Wheeler
Icon. Holly has always been an illusion character with not much purpose but so far this season I am LOVING her. I think the way she is influenced by “Mr Whatsit” is really interesting for her character and the scenes of her dancing and baking in the Creel house is so fun. I’m glad she managed to meet Max, and I think they’re going to be a good duo together. I also think it’s so cute how she keeps the Holly the Heroic figurine on her necklace. I am definitely looking forward to how her character progresses in the future.
Derek
When Derek first graced my screen, I was unbothered by him being a bully, assuming it was only for one scene, so I wasn’t thrilled to find out he was in it further due to the kidnapping. However, this child is an icon, he’s so cute and I’m loving the Derek appreciation I am seeing on social media at the moment. A personal favourite moment is when he was hitting all the classmates on the head to send them to see Mr Whatsit. I hope he gets more screen time in the next volumes, and honestly if he gets killed, I will be rioting.
Vecna / Henry Creel / 001 / Mr Whatsit
I love love love him this season. Henry Creel / Mr Whatsit is perfectly creepy for his role and also lowkey iconic. I do like how he acts with Holly as it makes you the correct amount of uncomfortable. Vecna emerging from the portal during the battle scene and putting his hand through an army man’s face like he was picking up a bowling ball had me mouth agape (I also filmed my reaction to this). He better continue how he currently is or get positively more scary as the season progresses.
Let me know if you agree or disagree. Sorry for some of the rushed reviews, A Levels are busy!!
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