Stranger Things 5 Review — Episode 3: The Turnbow Trap

Rating: 9.4/10

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — Episode 3 hits the ground running as the gang finally pieces together a way to track Vecna/Henry’s next potential victims — a breakthrough that instantly raises the urgency of the entire season. What really brings this episode to life, though, is the introduction of a breakout character: Derek Turnbow. He’s funny, sharp, and steals every scene he’s in. Despite the heavy stakes, his energy gives the story a spark that feels fresh without undercutting the tension.

The pacing in The Turnbow Trap is excellent. It moves fast, but never feels rushed. The episode avoids getting bogged down in tiny plot details while still expanding the storyline in meaningful ways. Every moment pushes something forward — whether it’s the threat Vecna poses, the group’s evolving strategy, or the way this season’s emotional arcs continue to tighten.

As the gang closes in on their new target list, the danger grows clearer and the mystery deepens. What starts as a hopeful step toward stopping Vecna quickly turns into another reminder of how unpredictable and overwhelming he remains. The episode’s final stretch, especially, leaves you with that classic Stranger Things feeling — the certainty that something big is coming, but with no clear sense of how anyone survives it.

The Turnbow Trap delivers sharp writing, standout performances, and a momentum that refuses to let up. With Derek Turnbow emerging as a surprise fan favorite, this chapter stands out as one of the strongest early episodes of the final season — a confident 9.4/10.