The legacy of 'Stranger Things' is undeniably marked by its mammoth global success, a journey from a humble sci-fi drama to a cultural juggernaut. While the finale of the series, titled "The Rightside Up," might evoke mixed feelings – often frustrating yet undeniably potent – it's impossible to discuss the show without acknowledging its monumental impact, which solidified Netflix's status as a binge-watching platform in 2016. What began as a charming ode to '80s pop culture, featuring fresh faces, suspense, and the beloved Winona Ryder, eventually spiraled into a larger-than-life franchise, spawning a Broadway play and an upcoming animated show.

However, this chase for grandeur often came at the expense of substance. With each new adventure, elements that once grounded 'Stranger Things' became excessive – from the vibrant color grading to the escalating runtimes and the increasingly convoluted story. The final season, and particularly the two-hour series ender, highlighted how this pursuit of scale became an almost unfixable problem. As Dustin's (Gaten Matarazzo) graduation speech eloquently put it, the Duffer Brothers seemingly abandoned the "good chaos" that fueled the show's initial innovation, ultimately becoming "high on their own supply."

Despite these criticisms, the conclusion managed to be surprisingly passable and oddly satisfying, even if it necessitated overlooking some illogical turns. It was always clear that 'Stranger Things' could never meet everyone's expectations or tie up every loose end. Accepting this reality makes the finale more digestible and, for some, less disappointing than other infamous series conclusions like 'Game Of Thrones.' This isn't effusive praise, but rather an acknowledgment of a genuinely acceptable wrap-up.

Among the most compelling aspects of this movie-length installment were the moments of genuine emotional build-up. Conversations between Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Hopper (David Harbour) resonated deeply, showcasing the heart of the show. Similarly, certain action sequences, such as Eleven's confrontation with soldiers and Vecna's manipulation of Hopper, stood out. Unfortunately, these strong moments were often buried beneath the exhausting length of the episode and the often-ugly CGI, exemplified by the frustrating experience of Vecna's supposed beheading still leaving almost an hour of runtime.

The finale culminates in a bittersweet epilogue reminiscent of films like 'E.T.,' where Hawkins finally moves on, seemingly free from the dreary threat of the Upside Down. The protagonists' farewell speeches distill the show's enduring message: the unwavering power of friendship and a community of unlikely heroes uniting against a common enemy. While the actual writing sometimes lacked finesse, the overall sentiment was impactful, leaving a feeling of it being "fine" despite its flaws.

The anticipated climactic battle against Vecna/Henry Creel/Mr. Whatsit/001 (a character with many names) largely unfolds as expected, with a few surprising moments. One of the smartest creative decisions in the episode was its reliance on Jamie Campbell Bower's unadorned performance, free from the heavy prosthetics. His profoundly expressive face and ability to switch from heartbroken to maniacal instantly made him the finale's not-so-secret MVP. During the episode, Henry finally confronts his worst memory in a cave, revealing his transformation into evil after contact with a rock from another planet. This backstory, which connects directly to the 'Stranger Things' play (unseen by most audiences) and hints at a live-action spin-off, primarily serves to highlight Henry/Vecna's conscious choice to embrace darkness and surrender to the Mind Flayer, the true overarching antagonist ruling over The Abyss. Many viewers may find relief in Vecna's lack of redemption, despite Will's emotional pleas for Henry to join their side.

The finale's intricate plot begins with almost everyone heading into the Upside Down. El, Hopper, Kali (Linnea Berthelsen), and Murray (Brett Gelman) separate to reach the lab. There, Eleven immerses herself in a water tank for a final attempt to enter Henry’s mind and free the kidnapped children. She receives crucial assistance from Kali and Max (Sadie Sink), who is roped into the mental journey after spending 18 months in Vecna’s mind. Max guides them through Vecna’s subconscious directly to Henry Creel's living room, where he holds 12 children captive in a trance. Simultaneously, the rest of the gang, atop a radio tower, faces imminent danger from a descending planet. Steve (Joe Keery) narrowly avoids a fatal fall thanks to Jonathan's (Charlie Heaton) timely rescue. While some believed the show might kill off beloved characters, only Kali meets her demise at the hands of the military. Her character, introduced in season two and brought back in season five, never quite found its footing with the writers, and her death ultimately impacts only Eleven, underscoring a recurring struggle with her narrative integration.