Netflix's acclaimed series "Stranger Things" has encountered a wave of criticism as "Chapter Seven: The Bridge," an episode from its fifth and final season, has been rated as the show's lowest-ever installment according to IMDb. With a rating of 5.7, the episode marks a significant downturn for the streaming service's most successful original production, which has consistently garnered high viewer ratings and critical acclaim.
The record-low rating is based on around 50,000 user reviews, indicating a notable departure in viewer sentiment. This contrasts sharply with the series' previous episodes, where even the least popular installment from Season 2, "Chapter Seven: The Lost Sister," maintained a higher rating of 6.0 from approximately 46,000 reviews. The gap is further emphasized by the next lowest-rated episode, "Suzie, Do You Copy?" from Season 3, which holds a 7.8 rating.
Despite its reception, "The Bridge" has sparked a significant amount of viewer engagement, receiving the second-highest volume of user ratings in the show's history, second only to the Season 5 finale, "Chapter Four: The Sorcerer." This high level of interaction suggests that the episode has prompted considerable discussion and reaction among the audience.
Netflix's release strategy for the final season deviated from its usual full-season drops, opting for a staggered release. The initial four episodes were made available on November 26, with three more episodes following on Christmas Day, and the feature-length finale set for New Year's Eve. As the series nears its end, criticisms have mounted regarding the season's writing quality and structural issues, with particular focus on pacing and continuity.
One of the most talked-about elements of "The Bridge" is a scene involving the character Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp, where he reveals his homosexuality. The timing of this revelation, which occurs amidst a narrative backdrop of impending global catastrophe, has been a focal point of scrutiny among viewers. The character's coming-out has been a divisive topic, leading to mixed reactions on social media platforms and contributing to the episode's low rating.
The final season has also brought back fan-favorite Max Mayfield, portrayed by Sadie Sink, and introduced new elements to the show's mythology, including the Upside Down's function as a wormhole to a hostile realm known as the Abyss. Both "The Bridge" and "The Lost Sister" episodes include appearances by the character Kali, also known as Eight, expanding on the show's narrative.
As audiences anticipate the concluding episode, "The Rightside Up," the series' legacy and the final resolution of its characters' arcs remain subjects of intense speculation and interest. The last chapter will seal the fate of "Stranger Things" as one of Netflix's hallmark series.
