Stranger Things is Being Review Bombed

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It’s been nearly ten years since Stranger Things first captivated viewers with its spooky, 1980s-set story of friends facing otherworldly dangers, and the long-awaited final season has received a surprisingly divided response. Episode 7, in particular, drew criticism online for a specific scene. Season 5 of Stranger Things began with new episodes released on November 26th and December 25th, and the series will conclude with a final volume on December 31st. Despite strong viewership numbers, fans have mixed feelings about individual episodes and important character moments after nine years of following the show.

A unique release plan for the fifth season of Stranger Things has sparked a lot of discussion. The first four episodes came out in November, but fans had to wait nearly a month for the next three. The final set of episodes – episodes eight and nine – are expected to arrive on New Year’s Eve 2025, with a shorter gap between releases intended to maintain viewer engagement as the story reaches its climax. While some fans have expressed disappointment with this staggered release, most of the criticism surrounding the final season has actually focused on how certain beloved characters are portrayed and the direction of the plot.

*SPOILERS FOR STRANGER THINGS SEASON 5*

Why is Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 7 Being Review Bombed?

Image via Netflix

Okay, let’s talk about the reaction to the latest Stranger Things episode. It’s been hit with a lot of negative reviews, and a big part of the issue seems to be Will Byers’ coming-out scene. As a longtime viewer myself, I can see where the frustration is coming from. For seasons, the show did a really nice job hinting at Will’s feelings with a delicate touch, letting his experiences shape his character without defining him by his sexuality. But this scene? It felt…off. A lot of fans, myself included, felt it was too direct, too forced. It almost felt like everything Will went through – the Upside Down, being possessed, everything – boiled down to just this moment, which robbed it of the impact it deserved. It’s a shame, because the subtle build-up had been so well done, and this felt like a missed opportunity.

The episode received very mixed reactions. Many viewers appreciated its willingness to let Will experience a powerful emotional release, but others strongly disagreed. This led to a wide range of scores, with some giving it very low ratings (1/10 or 1/5) and others giving it perfect scores (10/10 or 5/5) in an attempt to balance out the negativity. While some accused those leaving negative reviews of prejudice, many believe the show’s writing and character development were genuinely flawed and deserve criticism, separate from any potential bias. Now, expectations are high for the final episodes of Stranger Things, with viewers hoping the upcoming battle will resolve any issues they had with earlier parts of the season.

Image via Netflix

The Will Byers storyline isn’t the only thing fans are debating. Some criticize Netflix for relying too much on characters telling us what’s happening instead of showing us through action and events – a common mistake in filmmaking. As Stranger Things approaches its conclusion after nearly ten years, and with plans for a movie release, fans are hoping the finale will recapture the magic that made them love the show in the first place and bring everyone back together.

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2025-12-30 05:05