Stranger Things S5 Finale: Did The Duffer Brothers FAIL? (Full Breakdown)
The end of an era is finally here. After 9 years, we are saying goodbye to Hawkins, but the big question remains: Did the Duffer Brothers actually stick the landing? Tonight on The Square Table, A & E are joined by @CharlesHaugenReviews to breakdown the entire Stranger Things Series Finale. The internet is already divided—some are calling it a "perfect emotional sendoff," while others are saying it "played it safe" and didn't take enough risks. Tonight's Discussion Points: The Verdict: Was that ending satisfying or too "Hollywood happy"? The Fate of Eleven: Breaking down that ambiguous final scene. The Body Count: Did enough major characters actually die, or was the "plot armor" too strong? The 18-Month Time Jump: Did it work, or did it skip the most interesting fallout? Villain Problem: Was Vecna's defeat earned? Chapters [00:00] Intro & Happy New Year! [01:38] Initial Reactions to the Finale [03:30] The Final Battle: Abyss & Kaiju [05:20] Comparisons to Game of Thrones [07:04] Disappointments: Vecna's Cave Memory & Agency [09:03] Eleven's Fate: Ambiguity vs. Sacrifice [10:25] Character Endings: Steve, Dustin, and Robin [12:13] Managing Expectations & Game of Thrones PTSD [16:38] The Battle Mechanics & D&D Vibes [18:55] Henry/Vecna's Backstory & The First Shadow Play [22:55] Continuity Issues: The Mind Flayer's Origin [28:50] Do You Believe Mike's Story About Eleven? [32:45] Plot Armor & Main Character Deaths [37:09] Hopper, The Military, & Dr. Brenner Theories [41:40] Will's Memories & Plot Holes (The Milkshake Theory) [44:50] Vecna in the Real World vs. The Upside Down [48:52] Steve and Mike's Lack of Interaction [50:39] D&D Lore & Easter Eggs [52:50] The Final Mind Flayer Design [58:10] Reflections on Billy & Character Arcs [01:02:30] Holly Wheeler & Max's Recovery [01:05:27] Who Carried the Finale? (Will, Hopper, & Steve) [01:17:21] Praise for Vecna's Actor [01:18:42] Max & Holly's Lack of Urgency Scene [01:20:18] Final Ratings & 10-Year Series Review [01:29:45] Villain Critique: Thanos vs. Vecna [01:35:45] Spin-off Rumors & Montauk Connection [01:39:40] Conclusion & Outro #StrangerThings# StrangerThingsFinale #StrangerThings5 #StrangerThingsReview #Vecna #Eleven #Netflix #SeriesFinale #StrangerThingsSpoilers #Hawkins #TheSquareTable 💚 *SHOP EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIBLES* 👉 https://www.kaijulive.shop (Support our originals: Evil Ujiak, Happy Moment Editions & More!) 📺 *SUBSCRIBE FOR WEEKLY STREAMS* 👉 https://youtube.com/KaijuLive?sub_con... --- 🗓️ *BROADCAST SCHEDULE (EST)* 🔹 *Tues 8PM:* Gaming Live Streams 🔹 *Wed 9PM:* Kaiju Toys & Talk 🔹 *Sat 9AM:* Square Up Podcast (NFL Pre-Game) 🔹 *Sat Nights:* Kaiju Live Auctions (Bi-Monthly - Check Community Tab) 🔹 *The Square Table Podcast:* Pop Culture & Movies --- 👾 *JOIN THE KAIJU LIVE FAMILY* Connect with us for updates and community discussions! Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Adt... Instagram: / kaijulive TikTok: / kaijulive X (Twitter): https://x.com/KaijuLivetv 🏈 *SQUARE UP SPORTS COMMUNITY* Breaking down the NFL every week with the crew! X (Twitter): https://x.com/sqtablesports TikTok: / sqtablesports Instagram: / sqtablesports --- *ABOUT KAIJU LIVE* Welcome to KLTV Fandom Network! We are a variety channel focused on Godzilla collectibles, live auctions, gaming, and sports. Whether you are here to hunt for rare X-Plus and SH MonsterArts figures, talk movies on The Square Table, or break down the latest NFL news on Square Up, we have something for you. #KaijuLive #Godzilla #Collectibles #NFL #LiveStream #SQTSports #SQTPodcast
