This 4-Minute Scene Was the Exact Moment Stranger Things Peaked (& It Makes Season 5 Look Even Worse)

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The show Stranger Things was at its best in a single, four-minute scene, making the latest season feel disappointing in comparison. Stranger Things quickly became a huge hit when it premiered in 2016, and it arguably could have ended after its first season. That initial season told a complete story, but its popularity led to more installments, and the show managed to stay fresh for a while. However, the way Season 5 tried to wrap everything up has proven controversial. (Please be aware that the following contains spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5, Volumes 1-3.)

Ending a popular show is always difficult, and the final season of Stranger Things faced a lot of criticism. Many viewers pointed out weak storylines, plot holes, and inconsistencies. This made Season 5 one of the show’s weakest, which was disappointing for a series finale. It felt particularly underwhelming because Season 4 had been so strong – it even included what many considered the best scene of the entire show. Sadly, the final season didn’t live up to that high point and didn’t fully explore promising storylines.

Stranger Things Peaked With Season 4’s “Running Up That Hill” Scene

Season 4 of Stranger Things raised expectations for the show’s finale, and included some of its best episodes yet. The peak of the season was arguably the emotionally powerful scene featuring Max and the song “Running Up That Hill” in the episode “Dear Billy.” While both “Dear Billy” and “The Piggyback” were excellent, the final moments of “Dear Billy” were truly exceptional. Seeing Max almost fall victim to Vecna, and then being saved by the power of her favorite song, created a level of suspense and emotional impact the series hadn’t reached before. The genuine feeling that Max might die made her eventual survival and reunion with her friends incredibly rewarding.

That four-minute escape scene with Max was incredible – seriously, it had me on the edge of my seat and then genuinely moved me. It’s a moment that’s stayed with me long after I watched it. Honestly, it made the rest of Season 5 feel a little flat in comparison. It really showed how strong Max’s story could be, which is frustrating because her arc never really lived up to that potential after Season 4. It’s a shame to see that wasted, and that scene just emphasizes it.

Stranger Things Season 5 Wasted Max After Her Compelling Season 4 Story

Following the powerful scene with Max and “Running Up That Hill” in Season 4, it was difficult to imagine how Stranger Things Season 5 could deliver a similarly impactful moment – and the results have unfortunately fallen short. That Season 4 scene truly demonstrated the show’s potential, and it finally gave Max, a beloved character, the spotlight she deserved. The season explored Max’s grief over her brother Billy’s death, culminating in a powerful showdown with Vecna in the episode “Dear Billy.” This confrontation not only resolved her personal storyline but also proved crucial in the fight against the villain. Max’s bravery ultimately showed the group how to weaken Vecna, and her ending, while heartbreaking, felt earned and built upon by that pivotal scene.

Compared to its strong showing in Season 4, Max’s storyline in Season 5 felt disappointing. After such a compelling character arc, it seemed like the series didn’t fully utilize her. While Max appeared frequently in the final episodes, she didn’t play a significant role in defeating Vecna, which was particularly frustrating given everything she’d been through. Her interactions with Holly didn’t feel impactful, as she wasn’t able to overcome her challenges independently or convince her friends to help. Although she shared valuable information when she returned, she had very little involvement in the climactic battle, even through Eleven or Henry’s perspectives. After her powerful moment in Season 4, it was a letdown that she didn’t get a similar opportunity in Season 5.

Nothing In Stranger Things Season 5 Reached the Heights of This “Dear Billy” Scene

The most powerful scene in Stranger Things actually made Max’s storyline in Season 5 feel less impactful, and ultimately made the finale seem weaker. Season 4 did a great job of building tension and making the danger feel real for the characters, and this scene showed us why. By the time Vecna started threatening the main group, we genuinely believed someone could die. That made Max’s desperate attempt to escape incredibly intense and nerve-wracking – just as it was intended to be.

Season 5 lacked the intense, suspenseful feeling of earlier moments in the show. None of the main characters seemed truly at risk, which made their eventual successes feel less rewarding. The relief felt after Max escaped Vecna and shared that hug with Dustin, Lucas, and Steve was much more powerful. Plus, that scene – with Max running to Kate Bush’s song – was incredibly memorable, something Season 5 never quite achieved in terms of visuals or emotional impact.

Did anything in the final season of Stranger Things feel as impactful as Max’s scene with “Running Up That Hill”? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-12 04:41