I viewed Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1, and here are the moments you definitely shouldn't overlook.

      Stranger Things 5 has released its first volume on Netflix, delivering another exciting sci-fi horror experience. This season follows the heroes in quarantined Hawkins as they search for Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) in the Upside Down while evading the U.S. military.

      Packed with spectacular moments, the first four episodes of Season 5 promise more thrills later this year, with volume 2 scheduled to launch on December 25. In the meantime, fans should not miss these remarkable highlights from volume 1 of Season 5 of Stranger Things.

      Vecna takes Will

      Netflix / Netflix

      The season kicks off with a flashback to 1983, depicting how the first Demogorgon chased young Will (Luke Kokotek) through the Upside Down. Will puts up a fierce struggle, shooting the beast and leaping between trees.

      As shown in season 1, Will is ultimately knocked out and connected to a tendril. However, we discover that Vecna had approached Will and infected him before he was rescued by Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce (Winona Ryder).

      This frightening and disturbing scene sets the foundation for years of torment for Will as part of the Upside Down's hive mind. It also initiates Will’s emotionally charged journey as he and his friends seek out Vecna in Season 5.

      The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler

      Netflix / Netflix

      This scene may have ruined ABBA for many viewers. In the second episode, a Demogorgon appears at the Wheeler home to abduct Holly (Nell Fisher), who runs to her mother, Karen (Cara Buono), for assistance. This leads to a tense moment as mother and daughter hide underwater while the beast breaks into the bathroom, with Fernando playing softly in the background.

      After spending much of the series as an unhappy couple, Karen and Ted (Joe Chrest) are depicted at their best as they battle the Demogorgon to protect their daughter. Tragically, the Demogorgon takes Holly and attacks her parents, leaving the Wheeler children visibly traumatized.

      The Turnbow Trap

      Netflix / Netflix

      Realizing that a Demogorgon is targeting Derek Turnbow (Jake Connelly) for Vecna, the heroes attempt to bring Derek and his family to safety and set a trap for the beast at their house. The plan is executed well, with Erica (Priah Ferguson) humorously taking on a slasher role as she helps to incapacitate and capture the Turnbows.

      The heroes then set up Home Alone-style traps in the Turnbow residence to surprise the Demogorgon and attach a tracking device to it. This thrilling sequence intensifies as Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Steve (Joe Keery), Nancy (Natalia Dyer), and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) chase the Demogorgon through Hawkins.

      Max returns

      Netflix / Netflix

      While Holly explores Vecna’s mind, referred to as “Camazotz,” she is pursued by a stranger in the forest. It is revealed that her pursuer is Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink), who has also become trapped in Camazotz after her “death” in season 4.

      Though it was expected that Max would return in Stranger Things 5, her comeback remains a surprising twist. This revelation provides an exhilarating conclusion to episode 3, marking the beginning of her and Holly’s quest to escape Camazotz.

      The Great Escape

      Netflix

      In episode 4, the military apprehends all the children in Hawkins, fearing they will be the next targets. To save them from Vecna, the heroes devise a plan reminiscent of The Great Escape, aided by their new ally, Derek “the Delightful.”

      Derek shines during this episode, humorously guiding a group of children chosen by Mr. Whatsit to safety through a hole in the bathroom. Mike and Will add extra humor as they try to repair a leaking sink in the bathroom, creating a silly, surreal, yet thrilling scene.

      Eleven reunites with Kali

      Netflix / Netflix

      In Season 5, Eleven and Hopper attempt to break into the military base located in the Upside Down, believing Vecna to be confined there. Instead, they find Kali (Linnea Berthelsen), Eleven’s “sister” from Hawkins Lab, leading to a touching reunion between the two.

      Although many viewers were dissatisfied with Eleven’s storyline involving Kali in season 2 due to its departure from the main narrative, Kali’s return could bring closure to this subplot as she seems poised to join Eleven in the fight against Vecna in Hawkins. We will have to wait to see how this unfolds.

      The Battle at Hawkins MAC-Z

      Netflix / Netflix

      When the plan to rescue Hawkins' children from MAC-Z fails, Vecna unleashes a horde of Demogorgons, transforming the area into a chaotic battlefield. The show immerses viewers in the turmoil with its unsteady, continuous camera work and explosive action, as Will