How do you feel about the Stranger Things final?

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I hated it so much.

For a villain built up across multiple seasons as an all-powerful, existential threat, Vecna was dispatched far too easily in a final fight that lacked the intensity expected. In the end virtually everyone walks off into the sunset. The finale left way too many questions and inconsistencies in its wake. Major plot points, like how the military subplot was just instantly dropped after the gate closed or how Max could possibly graduate after being in a coma for two years, were ignored. The show heavily hinted at "Byler" but never actually committed to it, ultimately reducing Will's entire identity to simply being gay in a quick coming-out scene rather than fully exploring his character arc.

I wrote a lot. Sorry.

I disliked how Robin seemed to act like Will's fears were unfounded. You'd think she would understand. Then we find out about off-screen conversations between Will and Vecna, showing Will visions of being abandoned if the others knew the truth.

This information feels very last minute and rushed. I think that it would have worked better if we'd seen it on screen. Frankly, I'm surprised that Vecna doesn't use this fear to try to convince Will that Hawkins (and the world) isn't worth saving.

William, you fight for this place yet you have no true home. No future. You will never be accepted. Tell me, if you were to be successful, what then? Your friends have outgrown you. They have no need for you and possess what you never will. You don't belong in this world, William. Do not fight me.

...Or something along those lines. Then it would work if we were to cut between Will's feared version and present day him coming out. We see parts of Vecna's vision and then Will takes a breath.

He hesitates. Then he tells the others, ideally not everyone because that scene was way too crowded! Silence hangs in the air. Will becomes anxious. It's just like his vision. He feels like he's in the upside down all over again. Then there's a silent acceptance, a quiet hug. It's understated. Maybe some of the characters are uncomfortable at first and don't fully understand - maybe even blame themselves. They tolerate it and are uncomfortable but they care about Will and are willing to revaluate their beliefs but it doesn't happen overnight.

I'd take out the line about Mike being his Tammy. Hated that. Also the part where Robin says "See? Guess you didn't need truth serum after all".

Now, I never expected Byler to happen. I've seen enough shows that I know when a gay ship is actually going to become canon. Personally, even if it did become canon, I think it would have felt undeserved.

As for bit at the end, where Mike gives everyone a story. I disliked how Lucas' happy ending was with Max and nowt else. No aspirations? Nothing? Well, alright. Ngl I don't even remember what happened to Dustin. Vicky and Robin seem to break up off-screen so we never get that promised date.

Will ends up in a bar, which granted I know this is Mike's imagination but Will does not seem like the type to go to a bar. I would have preferred it if he'd taken an art class or something and found community in that world. Did the Duffer Brothers just forget about Will's interest in art? I wanted to see that character arc, dammit.

Yeah, I know Max skipped a grade because she's smart but her attendence must have been terrible. It would have made more sense if she stayed behind to redo the year. It would have been bittersweet but in my opinion, more interesting.