A Troubled Goodbye: Inside the Stranger Things Season Controversies
Just like the final season of Game of Thrones, Stranger Things’ final season, one of Netflix’s most anticipated finales has sparked various debate. With behind-the-scenes allegations and controversial creative choices, many are asking: did the show’s ending live up to its legacy?
Fans have articulated that the final episodes didn’t entirely fulfil the shows potential. A slow rollout, structured in three parts, left the narrative overcrowded and confused. A portion of the fan base felt the nature of the show had been diluted. Claiming to be a ‘scarier’ season, the ‘Upside Down’s’ nature, which once was a focal point, didn’t amount to previous seasons.
“It felt like a press conference”
Some of the backlash against the shows character arcs and general narrative focused on specific scenes. Most notably, Will Byers’ coming out scene caused debated around the longevity and execution. Noah Schnapp who plays Will Byers even commented on the scene and claimed he questioned parts of it whilst also saying that it felt like a press conference with how many cast and crew members stood around to watch. Although, the creators in defence said it was essential due to the characters growth and storyline.
Storytelling disputes aren’t the negatives the show has faced as off-screen drama has certainly added fuel to the fire. Multiple reports started to emerge that Millie Bobby Brown, a lead actress to the series, filed an internal bullying and harassment complaint against co-star David Harbour. However, neither actor has publicly confirmed or denied the allegations. At the Season 5 premiere the pair appeared amicable although, rumours concerning Harbour’s general press-tour absences also circulated the media and fans have perceived this to be a hidden confirmation of the allegations made.
Bullying and Harassment on Set?
Almost 400k signatures…
Fans also raised complaints against alleged cut scenes and therefore created a Stranger Things petition demanding the release from the final episodes. This petition has gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures which already signifies fans frustration with the ending.
Although the show has ended, the gossip hasn’t. But is this a normality for when a decade long running show comes to an end? Well, fans patiently wait to see the outcome of any unreleased footage, and to see what the actors get up to next.
Written by Haydn Davis
