With Stranger Things' survival into its fifth and final season, it would come as a surprise to know that the show had not always cut to the mark. The third time, according to popular belief, was not as charming as it usually is for these heroes of Hawkins. Stranger Things' season three, it turned out, was behaving even more strangely than usual.

To begin with, who knew part of saving Hawkins would mean trading nightmares for sunscreen and surfboards? 

One of the most glaring issues in its third season was its uncalled-for tonal shift. The haunting, suspenseful vibe that Stranger Things defined itself with gave way to scenes resembling a summer blockbuster comedy over a horror tale from the '80s.

The sinister atmosphere was replaced by lighthearted pool parties and mall escapades, diluting the tension. This sudden pivot frustrated viewers who had tuned in to binge on some eerie mystery and creeping dread that initially made Stranger Things so addictive.

Beyond tone, several characters were noted by the watchers to be acting out of sync with their established personalities (all eyes on Dustin). This would have potentially made their arcs feel forced and unconvincing. Plotlines seemed to circle without purpose, leading to predictable outcomes that lacked any real emotional payoff. This decline in character depth and narrative coherence damaged the investment fans had in the story.

Is There A 'Stranger Things' Documentary in Works? Here's Everything We Know About It

The perfect bait would be to say nothing describes ‘original’ like Soviet clichés recycled from only every 80s action flick. Unfortunately, Stranger Things' third season fell like fish do onto it, as well. 

 Originality, it seemed, had taken a step back in Stranger Things' season three as well. The show had begun to lean on familiar 80s tropes like Russian villains, secret government schemes, and cheesy action clichés surfaced repeatedly. While nostalgia is a series' hallmark, overreliance on these elements made the storytelling feel less fresh and innovative.

These combined factors explain why many fans view Season three of Stranger Things as the series’ low point, second only to a Golden-hued snub, that is. The tonal confusion, weaker writing, and lack of fresh ideas chipped away at what made the show a cultural phenomenon.

As Netflix's golden series approaches its exciting conclusion, this middle chapter stands as a reminder that even beloved shows can hit stumbling blocks on the way to greatness.

'Stranger Things' Season 5 Promo Teases a Darker, More Dangerous Hawkins

Are you, contrary to popular belief, a fan of Stranger Things' season 3? Let us know in the comments below!