Stranger Things 5 Review — Episode 1: The Crawl

Rating: 9.2/10

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — Season 5 opens with a bang as The Crawl pulls us straight into a flashback of Will in the Upside Down, finally peeling back layers of what really happened during his original disappearance. It’s a smart and emotional way to begin the final chapter — grounding the story in the trauma that started it all.

Meanwhile, Hawkins is trying to pretend that normal life still exists, even as the town is under heavy military occupation both above ground and deep within the Upside Down. That uneasy “new normal” sets the tone for a season where everyone is pretending to be okay, but nothing actually is.

The Hellfire Club’s legacy also lingers. With Eddie Munson gone, the group seems finished — except for Dustin Henderson, whose loyalty refuses to die. His commitment puts him at odds with bullies and even creates tension among his own friends, adding a grounded emotional thread beneath the supernatural stakes.

Holly Wheeler becomes unexpectedly tied to the Vecna/Henry entity, pulling her into danger as the main group hunts for Vecna’s presence in the Upside Down.

On a parallel track, Hopper becomes separated and lost in the dark dimension, raising the tension even further.

What makes this episode shine is the pacing. It’s superb; balancing world-building for the new season with callbacks and Easter eggs that reward long-time fans.

It moves confidently, setting up multiple storylines without ever feeling crowded.

Visually, the cinematography is as strong as the show has ever delivered, reinforcing why Stranger Things is often considered one of the greatest series of its era.

And the performances? Award-level. Every returning actor steps into the final season with emotional precision, making the stakes feel real and the world feel alive.

The Crawl is everything a premiere should be: gripping, atmospheric, nostalgic, and bold. It sets the tone for a finale that’s ready to go out swinging.