Midway through the latest run of Stranger Things , a character explains what it’s like to be trapped in the Upside Down. From within this uncanny realm, it’s impossible to say how much time has passed. Old memories dot the landscape, but outside reality remains out of reach. Grotesque creatures abound, but not souls capable of forging real connection. It’s an empty, insular and utterly dispiriting existence.

The fifth and final season of the Netflix smash isn’t quite that dismal. As ever, there are sweet character beats and thrilling bits of action to be enjoyed, all dusted with a generous sprinkling of ’80s nostalgia. (The world may have forgotten about Peanut Butter Boppers, but Stranger Things has not.) But as Matt and Ross Duffer’s sci-fi horror series enters its home stretch,

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