“Stranger Things” remains one of the top shows on Netflix and the reason many keep their subscription. Honestly, it’s one of the only reasons I have mine. I always loved this show since the second season came out. Season Four destroyed records for the company, with “Volume 1” becoming its most watched show in English, which is completely understandable. “Stranger Things” season 4 was insane — and I mean that in the best way possible.

The show reached a level it hadn’t crossed before. There were numerous plots, with four running simultaneously at one point, across different parts of the world: Hawkins, Russia, Lenora Hills/The Southeast United States. Due to this, the run time nearly doubled in comparison to the other seasons, each episode is about an hour or even longer. You can never go wrong with more content, and I think it works with this season.

This season also didn’t shy away from horror and gore this time. The kills of the main villain, Vecna, are gruesome. It was scary at some points, giving “Nightmare on Elm Street” vibes. Compared to the aesthetics of season three, the dynamic shifted from the more light-hearted mall theme into a dark world.

Now, having such intense plots, I must highlight all the actors for a job well done. They truly carry the show and I don’t think they lacked in any department. People complained about Mike (Finn Wolfhard) for not giving anything during intense scenes with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), and I disagree. He plays an awkward teenager who struggles to express himself to his girlfriend. It’s how it is supposed to be played.

As for the others, Brown continues to shine as Eleven tries to adapt to an unwelcoming world without her powers for the first time. The audience gets to see backstories in the lab as she tries to get her powers back. I loved to see that development and what brought her to this moment. Sadie Sink should’ve been nominated for an Emmy for her performance as Max Mayfield, specifically in the episode “Dear Billy”. Joseph Quinn as Eddie Munson absolutely steals any scene he is a part of. He became my favorite in just his first scene. He was an extremely memorable and likable character. Winona Ryder and David Harbour are always amazing as Joyce and Hopper as well.

While it is one of my top shows, I still have two complaints: sidelining certain characters and the ending. In the middle of the season, it’s like the California plot disappeared. They paid no attention to the Byers, specifically Will, who is one of the main characters in this show. Like, come on. Will, Jonathan and Mike are great, so use them for something. Also, no spoilers for the season, but the ending felt long and yet rushed at the same time. Hugs, reunions, and a two-day time skip? Seriously? I understand it sets up season five, but it just annoyed me.

My complaints are small and far-and-few between. Nothing major. There’s still so much potential for what’s to come in this show and I cannot wait.