
Throughout much of the final season, Stranger Things has seemed to rewrite its own story. We’ve seen Will gain powers and become even more central than Eleven, learned the Upside Down is actually a gateway to another world, and been introduced to a strange new wormhole – all after dozens of episodes. The Duffer brothers are essentially saying, “Actually…” and changing established ideas. It’s easy to forget the U.S. military even played a role in the story. However, despite these shifts, the show also feels strangely hesitant. Many characters seem stuck in repeating patterns: Will and Joyce constantly revisiting her promise to protect him, Hopper and Eleven endlessly worrying about her safety, and Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve caught in a love triangle. Aside from Will’s newfound abilities and his coming out, most characters aren’t progressing.