This is still a very solid show in just about every regard.
I like how this season gave arcs to characters who hadn’t been highlighted before.
In some regards, the characters you expect to be the most important almost take a backseat during this season.
A welcome change, in my opinion.
Also, some of the dialogue in the show is just amazing.
Bauman’s car monologue during the penultimate episode might just be my favourite moment of the whole season.
The biggest problem still remains the show’s unoriginality and predictability.
You’ve seen this type of story a million times before.
But because it’s been a long time since you’ve seen this type of story, and the show very cunningly plays into that with its overuse of nostalgia, the Duffens trick you into thinking that their show is a lot better than it actually is.
Furthermore, this season in particular had a few storylines too many, which made the story lose its focus.
Ultimately, everything converges in the fantastic final episode, but they could’ve excluded the David Harbour/Winona Ryder storyline for the first 7 episodes, and you would only lose some exposition that was already made clear by other storylines.
Still, this show is just too competent and well made in order to dislike it.
Technically, it’s one of the most brilliant shows out there.
Visually stunning, a great score and well paced.
The characters are all still very likable, and the acting is solid (particularly from the younger cast).
Bring on the next season!
7/10
