Stranger Things: Season 4, Volume 2 (2022) Dir: Matt & Ross Duffer
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This second volume to the fourth series might only have 2 episodes, but seeing as these have a total runtime of 3 hours 45 minutes, I felt it was worth having a separate review for them. The volume continues, understandably, directly on from volume 1.
The stakes are set and the final push towards the series climax is put into motion. And that is essentially the purpose of episode 8. It has some excellent moments of action, but primarily focuses on furthering character developments and bonds before a dangerous and suspenseful finale.
The only real issue with season 4 is that there is so much going on that it becomes a little bloated and all over the place at times. The narratives are good, don't misunderstand, but there was maybe just too much going on.
The last episode also featured one of the most pointless moments in the whole show, which was quite baffling and frustrating. That said, when the final credits hit for the season, I can't say that I didn't enjoy it.
Millie Bobby Brown and her character resort to the same old struggling heroics which are good, but is starring to feel repetitive.
Finn Wolfhard does virtually nothing of major importance beyond one scene, which is disappointing. He felt like more and more of an afterthought as this season progressed.
Gaten Matarazzo on the other hand, showed off his wonderful acting ability, and had some very powerful moments.
Caleb McLaughlin is another who has some greatly evocative scenes - this season was really his time to shine at last.
Noah Schnapp doesn't have a whole lot to do in Volume 2, but overall he had a very solid season actingwise.
Natalie Dyer is once again consistently solid here, though her main subplot is honestly tiring.
Sadie Sink is the star of this season, in both volumes. Her acting is brilliant and makes her character developments and struggles even more effective. I can't wait to see what happens with her in the next season.
Joseph Quinn plays one of the best characters in Stranger Things, and has one of the coolest and most hardcore moments in the whole show, I really wish he could've had even more moments though.
Eduardo Franco is a bizarre but hilarious addition to the cast, and while he doesn't do a lot, he is very solid as the comedy relief.
Winona Ryder has some very wholesome moments and continues to show why she is such a beloved actor, not just in this show, but in the wider world.
David Harbour has had a defining season, and finishes it off in style with these last couple of episodes. He has had such an intriguing journey from the first season, and his character has grown so much.
Joe Keery and his character is unfortunately becoming stale here. He really doesn't do much and, being honest, his character doesn't really have anything else to do it seems. He just exists at this point.
Charlie Heaton doesn't have much to do here, but I believe that will change with the final season. Or at least, I hope so.
Maya Hawke only has a limited amount of screentime, but manages to excel enough to stand out from the crowd.
Jamie Campbell Bower has done a marvelous job as the main antagonist, his voice acting has been especially good. He has produced one of the better villains of the show.
Priah Furguson is consistently a very entertaining supporting actor, she does well to have some memorable moments in these action heavy episodes.
The final episode leaves the most tantalising and spine tingling of cliffhanger endings - the fifth season will be the last, and with the way this series has left Hawkins and its heroes, one can only imagine what is to come.
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