Stranger Things Season 4: Biggest Issues & Misses

Hey everyone, let's dive deep into Stranger Things Season 4 and unpack some of the major issues that, let's be honest, left some of us scratching our heads. While Season 4 brought the goods in terms of epic scope, mind-blowing visuals, and some truly fantastic performances, it wasn't without its problems. We're going to break down some of the biggest critiques that fans and critics alike had, from pacing problems to character inconsistencies, and explore how these issues impacted the overall viewing experience. Grab your Eggos and let's get into it, guys!

The Overstuffed Story and Pacing Issues

One of the most common complaints about Stranger Things Season 4 was its length and pacing. The season felt incredibly long, and at times, it really dragged its feet. The Duffer Brothers, in their ambitious undertaking, split the season into two volumes, which, while offering a strategic marketing approach, amplified the pacing issues. Each episode, especially in the first volume, felt a bit bloated, with multiple storylines running concurrently – the Hawkins crew battling Vecna, Eleven grappling with her past at the lab, and the California crew embarking on their own adventure. While the individual storylines were compelling, the constant cutting back and forth created a disjointed viewing experience. The slow burn of the season meant that it took a while for the central conflict with Vecna to truly gain momentum. Some fans felt that certain plotlines, especially the California adventure, could have been streamlined to create a more focused and engaging narrative. The sheer amount of time dedicated to each storyline made it feel like multiple seasons rolled into one, which is fantastic for giving fans more content, but not fantastic for the structure of a season. The show's creators probably faced the challenge of juggling multiple plotlines, balancing character development, and creating suspense, but the result was a season that, despite its high points, suffered from pacing issues.

The California Crew's Adventure: A Detour?

Speaking of the California crew, many viewers found their storyline to be the weakest link in Season 4. While it was crucial to the overall plot and helped drive the narrative forward, some felt that this storyline dragged its feet, and it could have been trimmed. The California crew's journey, which involved Mike, Will, Jonathan, and Argyle, served to connect the various plotlines, but it also felt like a detour at times. Their involvement in the season was vital, and the character development was important, but the storyline could have been trimmed to allow more focus on the central conflict in Hawkins. It seemed to take a while to get to the core plot of the season: Vecna and his ultimate plan. This could have easily been resolved by some editing, but it would have also required them to remove some amazing content. The goal of the California crew was to find Eleven, but the overall effect had mixed results, some may see the plot as padding or filler.

Character Inconsistencies and Questionable Choices

Another point of contention among fans was the character development, specifically the occasional inconsistencies. Season 4 saw some characters making questionable choices that seemed out of character. This caused some fans to raise their eyebrows, especially when these choices didn't seem to align with the character arcs that were previously established in previous seasons. It's tough when a beloved character acts in a way that doesn't feel true to their established personality, it can pull you right out of the story. Some of the decisions made by the characters felt forced, as if they were made to simply advance the plot, rather than being organically rooted in their personalities. It's difficult to create a perfect narrative, especially when you are working with such a large ensemble cast. This is because it is easy to lose track of what each character's core values are, but, for many fans, these inconsistencies were frustrating. This is because they directly contradicted previous development, which is something that can damage the long-term enjoyment of a series. Hopefully, the writers will be more attentive to these details in the upcoming season. The show's writers should work hard to ensure that characters remain true to themselves, which is important for the audience to connect with these characters.

Hopper's Survival and the Russian Plot

Hopper's survival in the Russian prison was a huge plot twist, but the execution faced some criticism. While David Harbour's performance was outstanding, the storyline felt somewhat contrived and could have been handled with more nuance. Some fans felt that it was too convenient that Hopper survived the explosion, especially when considering the realistic nature of the previous seasons. The inclusion of the Russian plot, while providing a new setting and raising the stakes, didn't always mesh seamlessly with the main Hawkins storyline. The pacing also had an impact here; some people felt that Hopper's escape dragged on for too long, diverting attention from the primary conflicts. There was definitely a sense of relief when Hopper was revealed to be alive, but some of the issues raised in this plotline are related to the pacing. In the grand scheme of things, Hopper is a fantastic character, and the plot twist was still an exciting moment. However, it’s understandable that some of the specific elements surrounding his survival rubbed some viewers the wrong way.

The Over-Reliance on Nostalgia

Stranger Things has always leaned into its 80s setting and nostalgia factor, and Season 4 was no exception. While the retro vibes and references to classic films and music are a large part of the show's appeal, some viewers felt that Season 4 went a bit overboard. The heavy-handed nostalgia occasionally overshadowed the storytelling, making the season feel like a series of winks and nods to the audience rather than a fully realized narrative. The frequent callbacks and references, while entertaining, sometimes came at the expense of developing the core story. It's a delicate balance, and the show risked losing some of its charm if it overused these elements. There is a fine line between paying homage to the 80s and becoming a parody of the era. The heavy reliance on nostalgic elements occasionally took away from the story. While nostalgia can be a powerful tool for connecting with the audience, too much of it can dilute the impact of the main storyline. The writers needed to focus on telling a compelling story while incorporating the nostalgic elements organically.

Vecna's Backstory and Exposition Dumps

The revelation of Vecna's backstory was one of the season's highlights, but some found the exposition-heavy approach a bit clunky. While the story behind Henry Creel/Vecna was fascinating, the way it was presented, through long monologues, felt somewhat clunky and disrupted the flow of the story. A few exposition dumps are to be expected, but too many can make a scene feel unnatural. It is always a challenge to deliver complex information in a way that feels natural and engaging, and in Season 4, this was not done as well as it could have been. Some fans felt that a more visual or interactive approach might have been more effective in conveying Vecna's history without resorting to lengthy speeches. While exposition is necessary to develop the plot, the methods that the writers used were not ideal.

The Verdict: A Flawed, Yet Ultimately Rewarding Season

Despite its problems, Stranger Things Season 4 was still a massive success. The show delivered impressive visual effects, compelling performances, and some of the most memorable moments in the series. The season's problems didn't overshadow its strengths, and many viewers found the season to be a thrilling and rewarding experience. While there were issues with pacing, character inconsistencies, and the over-reliance on nostalgia, the show still managed to captivate audiences around the world. The Duffer Brothers have proven time and time again that they know how to deliver a captivating story, but it's important to acknowledge the issues that the season faced. The show is known for its ability to create suspenseful and emotionally charged stories, and that continued in Season 4. Ultimately, Season 4 of Stranger Things was a flawed but engaging experience, which is why it will continue to be a hot topic for fans for years to come.

Looking Ahead to Season 5

Season 5 has a lot to live up to, especially with the lessons learned from Season 4. The Duffer Brothers will need to address some of the issues from Season 4, and fans will be watching with bated breath to see how it all unfolds. Season 5 should focus on streamlining the plot, ensuring consistency in character development, and striking a better balance between nostalgia and storytelling. This will be the final season, so the show must go out with a bang.