Classics: A Review of Stranger Things Season 4 By Lauren Ennis

 Secretive government labs, political corruption, media hysteria, and a growing communist threat all add up to just another day in Hawkins, Indiana. After three years the wait is finally over and fans have been treated to the most explosive season yet of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things. In its fourth outing the series expands beyond Hawkins' borders and offers a transcontinental adventure that is nothing short of epic. Through an inventive plot, a decidedly darker tone, and exemplary performances this latest season breathes fresh life into the series and recaptures the magic that made Stranger Things a worldwide phenomenon. Join Eleven and company for an unforgettable journey into the darkest corners of the Upside Down in the fourth installment of Stranger Things.

Welcome back to Hawkins

The story picks up eight months after the end of season three. Eleven has moved to California with the Byers's and struggles to fit in at school as she grapples with understanding who she is without either her powers or her adoptive father. Hopper is revealed to have survived the explosion at the Starcourt mall, but is now in a fight for his life in a remote Soviet prison. Dustin and Mike adjust to high school and their estrangement from newly popular Lucas. Max remains haunted by Billy's death and distances herself from her friends as she copes with her grief. Hawkins seems to be finally beginning to heal from its recent tragedies until the community is shaken to its core by a series of gruesome murders targeting local teens. When Dustin and Mike's new friend, Eddie, is blamed for the murders the gang set out to prove his innocence and embark upon a mystery that leads them to the all too familiar horrors of the Upside Down.

In its fourth installment Stranger Things manages to top its previous successes to offer its most thrilling season yet. After three seasons of pitting its heroes against assorted inter-dimensional monsters the series presents viewers with what is sure to become an iconic villain in Vecna. Unlike the animalistic Demogorgon and Mindflayer, Vecna is akin to a supernatural antagonist in the vein of Freddy Kreuger. While the Demogorgon brutally devoured its victims and the Mindflayer consumed their minds Vecna feeds off of his victims inner turmoil. His weaponization of his victims' minds is eerily reminiscent of the devastating effects of depression and trauma and offers unsettling insight into the ways in which our own thoughts can be twisted against us. This disturbing ability paired with his gruesome killing method sets him apart from the series' other villains and will leave many viewers sleeping with the lights on.

While the series continues to offer plenty of action this season's greatest strength is the way in which it enriches each of the characters' individual stories by forcing them to face internal as well as external battles. Over the course of its nine episodes fans are able to see the ways in which each of the characters must cope with the devastating events of season three and adapt to this season's challenges. Lucas is provided one of the season's most relatable character arcs as he finds himself torn between his new, conventional and popular, friends on the school basketball team and his childhood friendships. Similarly, Steve adjusts to life in the 'real world' and struggles to find meaning beyond his empty romances and dead end job. Hopper undergoes a transformation as he comes to term with the loss and regrets of his past in the midst of his struggle to survive the tortures of the gulag. Unfortunately, however, Will and Jonathan's stories leave them floundering for the majority of the season with Jonathan reduced to a caricature of a stoner and Will left with little to do beyond lashing out at Eleven and pining for Mike. The Byers' brothers lack of development is particularly disappointing when compared with the rich storytelling that the other characters are afforded.

Even in the midst of the series' many memorable stories the most profound character arcs are reserved for Max and Eleven. While Max was one of the more grating characters in season three, this installment sees her blossom into one of the the series' most complex and compelling characters. Her efforts to cope with her contradicting feelings regarding the death of her abusive step-brother earn viewers' sympathy and place her in a relatable position. When combined with her ongoing battle against Vecna's manipulations, however, Max's grief becomes a harrowing struggle between life and death as she fights for her very soul. Similarly, Eleven's attempts to navigate life without her powers infuses her character with a humanity and vulnerability which ensure that she is more than just another 'superhero'. Along with learning to function without use of her powers she is forced to define herself beyond the telekinetic ability that her entire identity was based around. As a result, she must grapple with who she is and reconcile with the demons of her past in order to begin her journey to become who she wants to be. In this way, the series presents a unique twist upon the traditional coming of age story, while also offering vital insight into its enigmatic protagonist. Through its nuanced portrayal of both of its heroines the series challenges viewers along with its characters and presents some of the most compelling television in recent memory. Fall under the masterful spell of Eleven, Max, Vecna and the Hawkins' gang in the fourth season of Stranger Things.

This season offers some of the most complex, charismatic, and engaging performances of the entire series thanks to the brilliant work of the cast. Sadie Sink and Joseph Quinn easily earn the titles of season MVP's in their magnetic portrayals of tormented Max and social outcast and series newcomer Eddie Munson. Winona Ryder and Brett Gelman make for a surprisingly ideal team as they lend comedy, grit, and emotional depth to Joyce and Murray's Russian adventures. Nikola Duricko perfectly balances comedy and sleaze as duplicitous Russian smuggler, Yuri. Tom Vlaschiha infuses street smart Soviet guard Dmitry with world weariness and roguish charm. David Harbour continues to remind viewers why you don't mess around with Jim as Hawkins' tortured police chief, Jim Hopper. Joe Keery turns on the charm as television's favorite babysitter and Hawkins' ultimate heartthrob, Steve Harrington. Maya Hawke combines wit, vulnerability and charisma as lovably neurotic Robin. Natalia Dyer lends a mature performance in her portrayal of Nancy's struggles to come to terms with the demons of her past as well as her present relationships. Caleb McLaughlin knocks it out of the park in what is easily his best season as he chronicles' Lucas' efforts to grapple with estranged relationships with both his friends and Max. Gaten Matarazzo infuses his performance as Dustin with raw emotion along with his usual laughs. Mason Dye perfectly balances righteousness and menace as Hawkins' fallen golden boy, Jason. Eduardo Franco might be this season's king of comedy as offbeat stoner Argyle. Charlie Heaton offers plenty of laughs in this season's surprisingly light hearted portrayal of Jonathan. Noah Schnapp aptly portrays Will's emotional conflicts, but the script leaves him underutilized throughout the season. Jamie Campbell Bower combines charisma, menace, intelligence, and viciousness in his hypnotic performance as Henry Creel. Millie Bobbie Brown lends her most nuanced and layered performance yet in her portrayal of Eleven's search for acceptance and identity. 

After a three year wait Hawkins offers fans a more than warm welcome. Season 4's blend of supernatural horror, personal demons, and real life oppression make for some of the series' richest storytelling to date. In the midst of the script's dark content the cast manage to shine their brightest and lend some of their most engaging performances to date. After four thrilling seasons Stranger Things continues to mystify and mesmerize as it breaks new ground yet again. Turn your television viewing up to an Eleven with the fourth season of Stranger Things.

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