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This review of the third and most recent season of Netflix’s original series Stranger Things will not contain spoilers, so if you haven’t seen the season yet but want to know my opinion on it as a whole, don’t be afraid to read here!

After what I considered a moderately disappointing sophomore slump following an incredible first season, I was eager to see where the Stranger Things creators, the Duffer Brothers, would take the Hawkins-based story in season 3. The second season left me desiring more of the nostalgia that was so abundant in the first season. The second season’s plot and flanderization of certain characters also left a lot to be desired in my opinion. Luckily, season 3 of Stranger Things was mostly a return to form for this incredibly original story.

Without going into too specific much detail, I will highlight some of my personal favorite elements in the new season. Firstly, I enjoyed the sometimes unconventional pairings of certain characters that enabled more character development than would have been possible if said characters stayed in their usual bubbles. This season’s plot comes off as cheesy or unrealistic at points, but its basic foundation is more similar to season 1 than season 2’s plot was. I also enjoyed the contributions from new characters and actors, specifically what I thought was a very impressive performance from Maya Hawke’s Robin. The delicate balance between tension, drama, and comic relief was achieved throughout the entire season, which made the 8 episodes go by unbelievably quickly. The Duffer Brothers have suggested that season 4 may be the show’s last, and after the finale episode, that makes sense to me.

Some of the season’s downfalls that put it a couple notches below season 1 may be seen as nitpicking, but the Duffer Brothers have set a standard of excellence that I’ve come to expect out of the show. The plot’s scope is a little difficult to suspend my disbelief for, and the scale of the show not simply being contained to Hawkins seems to be getting out of the control of the show’s writers. Throughout the season, some characters become the most exaggerated versions of who they once were, which is unfortunate. There is also some fan service, but that is to be expected in a very self-aware show that is a complete nostalgia play. Some of the season’s finale “boss fights” also left more to be desired, but I thoroughly enjoyed the finale’s emotional final scenes.

Overall, Strangers Things (season) 3 was not a disappointment. I certainly did not enjoy it as much as I enjoyed season 1, but I didn’t expect to going into it. I was pleased to find this season more compelling and enjoyable than season 2, and I think that Stranger Things will be remembered as an excellent and very creative, original story if it ends fittingly after season 4. If you’ve already watched season 3 and were hoping for a juicer, more in-depth review then I apologize - maybe one will be coming soon. If not, go dive back into the world of the upside down and enjoy the fireworks that this season of Stranger Things brings, there are plenty to be enjoyed.

SCORE: 7/10