The first part of the fifth season from Stranger Things arrived on Netflix after a long wait marked by industry strikes, schedule adjustments and changes during filming. The return marks the beginning of the closure of one of the most influential productions on the platform, while Hawkins faces a threat that almost completely breaks the barrier between the real world and the real world Upside down.
Although within the narrative it has only been four years since Will Byers’ disappearance, the production has been in development over nearly a decade, making this premiere particularly symbolic for those who have followed the project since 2016. The season also comes full of references and internal allusions that act as unifying pieces of the universe created by the Duffer brothers.
This special compiles the ten most important details from Volume 1 that may have gone unnoticed but strengthen the structure of the story and the continuity between seasons.
The narrative begins with familiar elements that immediately move the viewer emotionally. Part of this episode’s charm lies in the way it goes back to its roots, revisiting symbols, dialogue and objects that defined the characters in the first few seasons.
The production also underlines the identity of the 80s without falling into excess, using specific references that work within the context of the story and are not based solely on nostalgia. These elements allow us to understand how the series solidifies its timelines and its connections to previous works in the genre.
Through these allusions, Stranger Things 5 builds a season that revisits its own legacy while preparing for its ultimate conclusion.
SPOILER ALERT
The season begins with Will singing “Should I stay or should I go?” by The Clash, the same song that marked his connection to Jonathan in the first season. The use of the song isn’t just a response to nostalgia: it reinforces the trauma that the character has carried since her abduction in Upside Down and the internal conflict that accompanies her throughout the series.
The text presents Will with a central dilemma: stay trapped in his memories or move on – a message that takes on greater weight now that his role is directly tied to the hive mind.
This wink restores one of the first emotional anchors of the Hawkins universe.
Robin appears wearing a sweatshirt that says “Beam me up, this place sucks“, a direct reference to the universe of Star Trek. Although the garment is not official, it takes up one of the most famous phrases in pop culture and reinforces the eighties aesthetic that characterizes the series.
This detail also reinforces the character’s signature humor and ironic personality in tense situations.
The reference acts as another bridge to the type of content the series uses to define its visual identity.
The phone shown in the Eleven poster works in real life. Clicking on it activates a message tied to the world of Hawkins, a practice Netflix has used before to expand the series’ experience off-screen.
This resource further reinforces the project’s transmedia strategy and the audience’s interaction with its fictional universe.
Although it is a small detail, it contributes to the immersion effect that has characterized the production since the first seasons.
The season’s more subtle elements come from literary references and direct connections to the series’ beginnings. Both the narrative and the characters remember past episodes or resort to symbols that act as memory transmitters within the story itself.
This methodology allows the viewer to see repeating or reinterpreted patterns, strengthening the cohesion of the universe.
Some of these details focus on Holly Wheeler, whose presence is increasing this season.
Holly, now played by Nell Fisheris becoming increasingly important in current events. The episode “The Disappearance of Holly” directly takes the title of the first episode of the series: “The Disappearance of Will Byers”.
This parallel reinforces the atmosphere of childhood, innocence and vulnerability that characterized the beginnings of Stranger Things.
Additionally, his role introduces a new narrative axis related to mysteries and interdimensional portals.
In several scenes, Holly appears reading A wrinkle in timethe novel by Madeleine L’Engle, already mentioned in previous seasons. The book revolves around interdimensional travel and dark beings, elements that fit directly into the plot of Stranger Things.
Holly even shouts “Mr. Whatto Henry, in an ironic nod given the character’s true identity.
The reappearance of this literary work underscores the importance of classic science fiction as an inspiration for the series’ universe.
The book A Wrinkle in Time returns as a key element in connecting the Stranger Things narrative to concepts of interdimensional travel
Eleven’s training sequence combines influences from The Goonies, Rocky, Karate kid and also reminds of Rey’s training in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Millie Bobby Brown stated that she did more physical work this season due to the demands of the scenes.
This montage takes up the classic training format of the 80s films and serves as a transition to crucial moments of the character.
The scene combines nostalgia with narrative development without becoming a mere homage.
The fifth season also pays homage to action cinema, particularly that which defined the 1980s. These gestures include the use of names, references to famous actors and premieres of the time.
One of the most commented moments is the participation of Linda Hamiltonwhose addition to the cast was adapted by the Duffer brothers to create a character befitting their cinematic legacy.
Their presence changes some of the military and strategic tone of the conflict.
“Murray uses mistaken identity”Austin Milberg“, taken from the character played by Dan Aykroyd in Spies like us (1985). This reference continues Stranger Things’ trend of reviving elements of 1980s comedy and spy cinema.
The detail ensures aesthetic coherence and underlines the special character of the figure.
Furthermore, it shows the makers’ attention to detail by integrating relevant cultural references.
Dustin’s snake is named Jake, probably in reference to the WWE wrestler Jake “The Snake” Robertsfamous in the 80s for using real snakes in his presentations.
The reference supports the series’ taste for incorporating distinctive symbols of the time without interrupting the narrative.
Such brief winks help reinforce the temporal setting without disrupting the fluidity of the episode.
The actress Linda HamiltonAction film icon for her role as Sarah Connor in Terminatorplays Dr. Kay. The Duffer brothers stated that after their participation was confirmed, the character was adjusted to give him a more military and strategic profile.
His presence adds a striking contrast: a figure associated with resistance and action now occupies a position of authority in the story.
This involvement also connects Stranger Things to the cinematic legacy that has so influenced its aesthetic construction.
Several scenes involving Holly recall elements of Alice in Wonderland: the entrance through a hole, the pocket watch and the table full of food. A poster for the film even appears in the background.
This aesthetic is related to the importance of the cave that Vecna avoids, a point that is related to this Stranger Things: The First Shadowthe play that explores Henry’s first contact with the creature that would become the mental scourge.
The wink acts as a bridge between the antagonist’s past and current events.