The finale of the highly anticipated fifth season of Stranger Things has sparked controversy, with even one of its own actors offering a lukewarm response. Raphael Luce, who portrayed a younger version of Henry Creel—later known as Vecna—rated the episode three-and-a-half stars on Letterboxd, sharing his thoughts with a simple review: “The end.” This rating suggests a level of disappointment, especially considering that Luce appeared to have downgraded his initial score from four stars after further reflection.
Fans took note of Luce’s rating, with one commenting on the platform, questioning if it truly deserved even a three-and-a-half-star rating. Luce’s character has a complicated history in the series, having appeared in flashbacks throughout Season 4 and continuing to feature in the final season’s narrative. Adult Henry Creel, along with his monstrous alter ego Vecna, is played by Jamie Campbell Bower.
Behind the Controversy
The fifth season finale has not only received mixed reviews from cast members but has also faced backlash from the fanbase. In a documentary titled One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things, the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, described crafting the finale as “the most difficult writing circumstance we’ve ever found ourselves in.” Their insights indicate the challenges faced in concluding a beloved series that has captivated audiences since its debut.
The finale has provoked discussions among fans, some of whom have even initiated a conspiracy theory dubbed Conformity Gate. This theory speculates that an additional secret episode may be in the works to serve as the “real” conclusion to the series. The fervor surrounding these discussions highlights the passionate engagement the show continues to inspire among its viewers.
Availability and Future of the Series
As of now, Stranger Things Season 5 is streaming on Netflix, allowing fans to experience the climactic end of the series. For those looking for further insights, reviews and detailed explanations of the finale can be found online, providing context and analysis of the concluding events. While the show’s journey has come to a close, the conversations it has ignited about storytelling and character arcs are likely to persist for some time.
