Succession Finale: Hits, Misses & What Worked Best 🎬

Well, the Upside Down is officially… closed? After a decade of monster-battling, synth-heavy nostalgia, and a whole lot of adolescent angst, Stranger Things has signed off. But the ending, much like the show’s reliance on ’80s tropes, feels less like a definitive period and more like an ellipsis. The cultural impact of this show is undeniable – it resurrected Dungeons & Dragons for a generation, launched Millie Bobby Brown into superstardom, and proved Netflix could still *create* a cultural moment, not just distribute them. But the finale itself? A bit of a mixed bag, and a fascinating case study in managing expectations for a fanbase that’s grown up alongside its heroes.

The strongest element, as the review rightly points out, was the battle itself. It’s a testament to the show’s visual effects team and the Duffer Brothers’ understanding of what fans wanted: a big, bombastic showdown. The Nancy Wheeler-as-Ripley homage was a particularly nice touch – a nod to the genre influences that fueled the show’s initial success. But the road to that battle was paved with… well, a lot of talking. The dual monologues between Hopper and Eleven felt particularly egregious. It’s a classic storytelling pitfall – prioritizing telling over showing – and it robbed the finale of valuable momentum. This feels like a strategic choice, perhaps, to give each character their “moment,” but it ultimately felt self-indulgent.

And then there’s the ending. Leaving Eleven’s fate ambiguous is… a choice. A calculated one, no doubt. The Duffer Brothers are clearly aware of the intense scrutiny surrounding the show and the impossibility of pleasing everyone. This ambiguity allows for endless fan theories and continued engagement, extending the show’s cultural lifespan beyond its final credits. It’s a savvy PR move, but it also feels like a slight betrayal of the audience’s investment. After five seasons, we deserve a little more closure. The show built its brand on delivering satisfying resolutions, even within its fantastical framework. To pull the rug out from under us now feels… anticlimactic.

The needle drops, however, were a masterstroke. Securing Prince’s music – twice! – was a coup. It’s a clear signal of the show’s continued clout and its ability to attract high-profile assets. The use of “Purple Rain” felt particularly poignant, adding emotional weight to the final confrontation. It’s a reminder that Stranger Things wasn’t just about monsters and superpowers; it was about the power of music to connect us and to define our experiences.

Looking ahead, the cast is poised for individual success. Millie Bobby Brown, in particular, is already a major force in Hollywood. The challenge for Netflix will be to replicate the Stranger Things phenomenon. Can they create another show that captures the same cultural zeitgeist? That remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the legacy of Hawkins, Indiana, and its monster-fighting teens will endure for years to come.