Stranger Things 4: Bigger, Grislier, and Sadly, Less Joyful
Stranger Things 4 is here. The long-awaited season has arrived on Netflix, and it’s undoubtedly bigger than ever, with longer episodes, more CGI monsters, and a darker, more mature tone. However, in trying to become a more epic and terrifying experience, the season loses some of its heart and humor, leaving fans wanting something more. While the new season certainly has its moments, the expansion of the story and the characters’ journeys often feel disjointed and lacking the spark that made previous seasons so beloved.
A Darker, More Divided World
The three-year gap between seasons has undoubtedly impacted the series, with the kids noticeably older and grappling with more mature themes. The heart of the show, the gang of friends from Hawkins, feels fractured, with the story split between California, Russia, and Hawkins itself. This geographical separation leads to a segmented feel, and the story frequently shifts between different storylines, making it challenging to maintain momentum and find a cohesive throughline.
The addition of new characters, such as Eddie Munson, a Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast, brings a fresh energy to the mix, but it feels like the show is trying to juggle too many storylines at once. The exploration of Eleven’s trauma and the struggle to regain her powers adds a layer of emotional complexity, but unfortunately, the focus on the plot often overshadows true emotional depth.
The Absence of Lighthearted Charm
The humor and lightheartedness that were staples of the previous seasons are significantly muted in Stranger Things 4. The writers seem to be taking themselves more seriously this time around, and the show feels less like a nostalgic blast from the past and more like a dark, brooding thriller. While the darker tone might be a deliberate choice to match the growing maturity of the characters, it leaves a noticeable void where the playful energy of earlier seasons once resided.
The self-referential humor, where characters directly reference the show’s tropes and clichés, which was quite effective in previous seasons, feels almost absent in Season 4. There is one delightful moment where the characters poke fun at the repeated pattern of new monstrous threats from the Upside Down, but these subtle jabs are few and far between. The absence of this playful self-awareness makes the darker tone even more pronounced.
The Burden of Excess
The extended runtimes of the episodes, particularly the two movie-length installments, contribute to the feeling of bloat. The stories drag on, and some characters are given relatively little to do, often relegated to tangential subplots or relegated to storylines in separate locations. While the intent is likely to add more depth and development to their individual storylines, this approach ultimately detracts from the central narrative and weakens the overall impact.
Stranger Things 4 feels like it’s trying to do too much at once and is struggling to find its footing. The show is trying to expand its world and its characters, but in doing so, it has lost some of the magic that made it so special. While the season still delivers thrilling moments and captivating visuals, the absence of the series’ trademark joy and humor is a significant loss.
A Long Way to Go
The seven-episode Volume 1 only makes up roughly 80% of Season 4, and the final two episodes are rumored to be even longer. While the review focuses solely on the first seven episodes, it raises concerns about the direction the show is taking. Stranger Things 4 feels like it has become too big for its own good. While there are certainly enthralling moments and captivating visuals, the ambition may have overtaken the show’s core elements.
Ultimately, Stranger Things 4 is a mixed bag. The new season offers darker themes, more complex characters, and a grander scale, but it lacks the playful spirit and joyful energy that made the show so beloved. The expanded scope, while potentially exciting, comes at the cost of cohesion and pacing, leaving viewers wondering if the series has veered too far from its original magic. Only time will tell whether the final two episodes can salvage the season and bring back the lightheartedness and emotional resonance that defined Stranger Things. However, the initial wave of the show’s return has left a bitter taste that the final stretch of Season 4 will have to overcome.
