The second last season of Netflix's now mega-popular series is inescapably, formulaic. The previous 3 seasons were quiet enjoyable but none of them feel as grand-esque as S4 does. S4 feels more scary, more frightening, more disturbing and more heartbreaking. The season exquisitely rounds off all the characters journey subsequently giving each of the them moments to shine. But it's not all touchy-feely heart-to-hearts, though - the action set-pieces have stepped up a gear, too and the gang's big showdown with Vecna is a glorious, slow-mo affair. And yes, there's more 'Running Up That Hill'.

Stranger Things S4 is beautifully crafted. The writing is great, sublimely exploring different characters whilst also giving them heart. But despite having a plethora of characters to manage everyone is given a moment to shine. Will and Jonathan restoring their brotherly bond beautifully, Mike realising El still needs him no matter who powerful she is, Steve opening up to Nancy about his feeling and Max's tearful speech about the dark thoughts that made her so susceptible to Vecna's curse. Every character gets their moments to shine and all the actors put forth compelling, heart wrenching and commendable performances.

The last episode being 2h 30m seems undeniably self-indulgent on paper but it is well earned on screen. The last 2 episodes don't have a lot going on with respect to moving the story forward but it's more about the build-up and establishing stakes which makes it more interesting when things don't go as planned. What the last season lack in surprises, it more than makes up for in heart, soul, thrilling direction and heart-wrenching performances. A strong closing chapter that makes the idea of returning to Hawkins one last time more appealing than ever.