The popular Netflix show, “Stranger Things,” released its newest season 5, volume 1 at the end of November. Season 5 begins a year later with Hawkins now under military quarantine. The Upside Down continues to corrupt Hawkins, and the government is now hunting Eleven. Season 5, volume 1, only has 4 episodes, with volume 2 coming later in December. 

The season begins with a flashback to Will Byer’s 1983 disappearance, revealing his first encounter with Vecna, hinting that he and Will have a deeper connection. The story then jumps to 1987, where Hawkins remains under strict military quarantine after the rift tore the town apart at the end of season 4. 

The volume ends with Will collapsing and Venca showing his true form coming out of the Upside down. Will shows a display a power similar to that of Eleven, as he begins bleeding from his nose and using telekinesis. He unlocks his new powers in an attempt to save his friends from the influx of demogorgons. The closing scene confirms that Will is connected to Venca in some way. 

Students at Keppel had a lot to say about the action-packed season.

“The season was pretty good.” Kailyn Huynh, senior at Mark Keppel high school, said.

Emma Chen, another senior from Mark Keppel high school, said, “I have been following the series since the start and I find this season really interesting.” 

Overall volume 1 of season 5 delivers high stakes and action to many years of storytelling. While the tone for this season is much darker, the story concludes to a power performance for this final season.