Rewatching The Stranger Things Pilot Before Season 5 Reveals a Surprising Shift
Revisiting the first episode of Stranger Things season 1, I noticed that Netflix’s huge hit dramatically changed its tone after the initial chapter. As season 5 nears, many fans, including myself, are rewatching the entire series from the beginning before the finale.
The timeline of Stranger Things remains fairly straightforward, but the story grows more complex and expansive with each new season. This makes revisiting the first season a valuable way to reconnect with the origins of Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will.
The Original Concept and Story Introduction
Stranger Things was initially conceived as a standalone miniseries called Montauk, focusing on the search for a missing boy named Will Byers. As his family desperately looks for him, his friends discover a mysterious girl named Eleven in the woods, setting the saga in motion.
The Pilot Episode’s Unique Pace and Style
Reexamining season 1, episode 1, titled “The Vanishing of Will Byers,” one clear and unavoidable difference stands out: despite fans’ memories of Stranger Things’ energetic storytelling, the early episodes are surprisingly slow-paced.
“Despite what viewers might remember of Stranger Things season 1, the show is shockingly slow in its early episodes.”
Author's Summary
Rewatching the Stranger Things pilot highlights the show's initial slow pace and tonal shift, deepening appreciation for its evolving storytelling ahead of season 5.