Netflix has dropped some exciting news for fans of Stranger Things as they reveal a sneak peek at the highly anticipated fifth and final season of the series.
With the final season set to drop in 2025, Netflix is ramping up excitement by giving viewers their first look at new photos from the set.
The reveal comes during Stranger Things Day, an event dedicated to the series that falls on November 6, the same day that Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) disappeared in the very first episode. Along with this revelation, the episode titles for the final season were revealed, teasing what is to come.
The new images include several shots of the main cast on set, providing a glimpse of what is to come for their characters in the upcoming season.
The photos show the group of friends back together, and there’s a clear sense of the larger scope the final season will have as the plot ramps up toward a end.
The first image released features Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Noah Schnapp. They appear in their familiar roles as Mike Wheeler, Lucas Sinclair, Dustin Henderson, and Will Byers.
Fans are sure to be excited to see the main group of friends back together, ready to face whatever threats come their way in the final season.
The image also highlights how far the actors have come since the show first began, with many of them stepping into new roles and projects beyond Stranger Things.
Finn Wolfhard has particularly made a name for himself beyond the Stranger Things universe. Not only has he appeared in the most recent Ghostbusters films, but he has also ventured into directing.
His career has expanded into many exciting directions, showing his diverse talents in both acting and directing.
How Will ‘Stranger Things’ End?
Caleb McLaughlin has also taken on new roles, continuing to build his career as an actor. He starred alongside Idris Elba in the film Concrete Cowboy and has shown off his versatility in several other projects.
Gaten Matarazzo, meanwhile, has returned to his theater roots, performing in Broadway shows like Dear Evan Hansen. He’s also hosted Netflix’s Prank Encounters, a show that allowed him to bring his fun energy to a new audience.
Still from Stranger Things (Credit: Netflix)
While these actors are expanding their horizons, the Stranger Things team remains tight-knit, often seen together in photos from the set.
Their strong bond off-screen only adds to the chemistry seen in their performances, and this is especially clear in the second image released by Netflix.
The photo shows Mike and Lucas back on their bikes, just like in the very first season, as they wheel away from what looks like a new location: a radio station.
This will likely become the new base of operations for the group in the final season, and the image evokes a sense of nostalgia while also signaling how much the show has changed over the years.
It seems the new season will have the kids on the move, possibly to track down and defeat the series’ numerous threats.
The radio station serves as a backdrop for this new chapter in the group’s adventure, symbolizing both a return to simpler times and a new path forward for the characters.
The final season is setting up to bring together all the key elements that fans have come to love over the years, all while preparing for an intense end.
In another image, we see the cast enjoying a lighter moment, showing the fun and camaraderie that’s always been a part of Stranger Things.
Gaten Matarazzo is seen sitting in a car with Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), and Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), all smiles and laughter.
The photo highlights the bond between the cast members, who have spent so much time together on set and in front of the camera.
It’s a reminder that the actors’ friendship is an essential part of the magic that fans love in the show. While the show deals with darker themes, these moments of lightheartedness provide balance and show the real-life connections that have made the show so beloved.
The final image from Netflix offers a treat for fans of the fan-favorite couple, Jim Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder).
This shot shows Hopper lounging in a bed, making silly faces for the camera, with Joyce by his side, clearly amused by his antics.
Fans who have rooted for this couple throughout the series will be pleased to see them back together, showing off the chemistry that has grown between them over the years.
The Stranger Things team has never shied away from showing moments of warmth and humor alongside the more intense action and horror elements, and this photo reinforces that balance.
As Stranger Things prepares to wrap up with its final season, the big question on everyone’s mind is: How will the series end? Will the kids finally defeat the Upside Down?
What will happen to the characters who have been through so much over the past several years? We still don’t know all the answers, but there’s plenty of speculation.
Recently, Stranger Things editor Dean Zimmerman gave some insights into what fans can expect from the finale. He discussed the challenges the show faces with such high expectations.
Zimmerman acknowledged that every season of Stranger Things has managed to exceed expectations, and he’s in awe of how the Duffer Brothers, the creators of the show, continue to push boundaries.
“Stranger Things is in full swing, it is bigger than anyone’s going to ever imagine. Every season I am on that show, I don’t think it can get bigger, and not only always proven wrong.
It always just boggles my mind how insanely brilliant the Duffer brothers are [with] coming up with new and crazier ways to do this,” Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman also touched on how the Duffer Brothers are determined to avoid making the same mistakes that other shows have made in the past. In particular, he mentioned Game of Thrones, a show that faced significant backlash for its final season.
“Their whole mission is to stick the landing on this final season where, controversially, a lot of people say Game of Thrones did not; they don’t want that, and they won’t settle for anything but perfection,” he explained.
The creators of Stranger Things clearly understand the importance of finishing strong, and they are committed to delivering a end that lives up to the high standards set by the previous seasons.
The pressure is certainly on as the Duffer Brothers prepare to wrap up the show, but if their past work is any indication, they are more than up to the challenge.
Fans have high hopes for a satisfying end, and with the attention to detail and care the show has received from its creators, it’s easy to believe that Stranger Things will leave a lasting legacy in the television world.
Still from Stranger Things (Credit: Netflix)
As the final season draws nearer, excitement continues to build. The first look at the cast and set photos gives us a small taste of what’s to come, but there’s still much to learn in the coming months.
With the promise of new locations, returning characters, and plenty of action, Stranger Things is setting itself up for a thrilling end.
In the meantime, fans can revisit the previous seasons of Stranger Things on Netflix, reliving the adventures of the kids from Hawkins and catching up on all the key moments that have led to this final showdown.
As we wait for 2025, there’s no doubt that the excitement for the last season will continue to grow. Stay tuned for more updates, as we get closer to the big reveal of the season finale.
With so many questions left unanswered, one thing is clear: Stranger Things will keep fans on the edge of their seats right until the very end.
Episode 4 of Elsbeth Season 2, “Elsbeth’s Eleven,” brings us into domain luxury and suspense. Inspired by classic heist films like Ocean’s 8, this episode is full of glamour, drama, and thrilling mystery.
We follow Roslyn (Vanessa Williams), a wealthy but troubled socialite determined to reclaim her fading status by planning an elaborate jewel heist.
The target is Vivienne’s, a high-end jewelry store known for its exclusivity. Roslyn’s motivation is fueled by her financial desperation and a longing to feel powerful again.
What starts as a joke about a jewel heist becomes an elaborate scheme involving betrayal, clever planning, and even murder.
The storyline follows Roslyn as she brings together a group of accomplices, plotting every detail with precision.
But as events unfold, she faces unexpected challenges, including the loyalty and suspicions of her accomplices, and the sharp instincts of the investigator Elsbeth (Carrie Preston). The episode combines elements of crime, suspense, and humor to keep viewers impressed.
Vivienne’s: A Luxurious and Exclusive Jewelry Boutique
The story opens at Vivienne’s, a high-end jewelry boutique known for its elite clientele and strict access policies. Roslyn, a regular customer, arrives with her friend Celeste (Jenn Lyon) for a private shopping appointment.
Judith (Becky Ann Baker), Roslyn’s usual sales associate, greets them and reveals that she will soon retire, a decision that seems sudden and unplanned. Roslyn seems surprised, but she quickly shifts her focus to assisting Celeste in obtaining a membership at Vivienne’s.
During the visit, Judith introduces them to Valentina (Katie Lee Hill), the new creative director at Vivienne’s. Valentina has brought many changes to the store, including a requirement that customers show proof of funds to view certain high-value pieces.
For Roslyn, this request feels insulting, especially because she has been a long-time client. Judith, who used to bypass these restrictions for regular clients like Roslyn, finds Valentina’s approach unsettling.
Valentina makes it clear that her role is to bring Vivienne into the modern age, and part of that means enforcing stricter policies.
While waiting for Valentina, Judith asks Roslyn about her choices for the upcoming gala. She shows Roslyn a pair of earrings from the same designer she wore to her third wedding.
When Valentina arrives, she firmly informs Roslyn that new membership applications are on hold until the store rebranding is complete.
Valentina further denies Roslyn’s request to see the earrings, explaining that Roslyn will need to provide proof of funds, which was something associates like Judith had not enforced before.
Still from the episode (Paramount+)
Though Roslyn feels slighted by the proof-of-funds demand, she agrees to comply and calls her accountant. The response, however, is far from reassuring; her trust fund holds less than $1 million, a sum Roslyn describes as “unlivable.”
The news shocks her, given her accustomed lifestyle. Her friend Celeste suggests she sell her jewelry to raise funds, but Roslyn finds the idea ludicrous. Celeste, it turns out, is also facing financial difficulties as her frozen yogurt business struggles with low sales.
Feeling frustrated and with alcohol loosening her inhibitions, Celeste playfully suggests that Roslyn “take back” the wealth she believes Vivienne has taken from her.
Roslyn laughs at first, but the idea of a jewel heist slowly becomes less humorous and more intriguing. By the end of their meeting, she is no longer laughing; instead, she is planning.
Recruiting a Team for the Heist
To pull off a heist of this scale, Roslyn realizes she needs a team. She arranges a lunch meeting with Judith, marking the first time they’ve met outside of Vivienne’s.
Rather than a casual get-together, Roslyn shares her idea, suggesting that they could work together to pull off a heist at Vivienne’s.
She mentions her disdain for Valentina’s recent changes, positioning her plan as a form of payback against the store’s new direction.
Judith, who also feels undervalued and excluded due to her upcoming retirement, finds the idea surprisingly appealing. Roslyn’s subtle persuasion, combined with Judith’s frustrations, leads Judith to join the heist plan.
The next recruit is a “fence” who can make replicas of the jewels they intend to steal. Celeste introduces Hughie (Adrian Martinez), a designer who creates knockoff luxury bags.
Initially reluctant, Hughie agrees to join under certain conditions, including targeting simpler pieces that are easier to replicate.
With Judith and Hughie on board, Roslyn’s team is taking shape, but they still need a gem expert to verify the authenticity of the jewelry they plan to steal.
For this role, Roslyn selects Claude (Patrick Breen), a Vivienne’s employee with extensive knowledge of precious stones and silverware. Claude’s job includes polishing clients’ silver collections, a skill that makes him a perfect fit for Roslyn’s team.
She arranges to meet him after hours, hoping to recruit him. During their conversation, she flatters his expertise and subtly hints at her heist plan. She even references Ocean’s 8, suggesting she needs him as her “Mindy Kaling.”
Unfortunately for Roslyn, Claude refuses, expressing loyalty to Valentina, who recently promoted him. He even goes so far as to insult Roslyn, calling her “trash.”
Claude’s rejection infuriates Roslyn, but she refuses to let it derail her plan. Determined to move forward, she decides to handle his refusal drastically.
A Deadly Solution: Claude’s Rejection and Roslyn’s Plan
Unable to let Claude’s rejection go unpunished, Roslyn invites him over for tea. What Claude doesn’t know is that she has spiked his drink with cyanide using silver polish, a cleaning solution that contains the deadly substance.
Claude unsuspectingly drinks the tea and collapses moments later. Before leaving, Roslyn carefully leaves a lipstick mark on her teacup to create an alibi, suggesting that she too could be a victim.
The next day, Roslyn gathers Judith, Celeste, and Hughie to inform them of Claude’s death. While Judith and Celeste are shocked, Roslyn insists that the plan must continue. She explains that Claude’s refusal left her with no other option and emphasizes the need to focus on the heist.
Meanwhile, Elsbeth and Officer Kaya Blanke arrive at Vivienne’s to investigate Claude’s mysterious death. They quickly learn about Claude’s reputation as a meticulous professional, which makes accidental poisoning unlikely.
Still from the episode (Paramount+)
However, Valentina, eager to avoid bad publicity before Vivienne’s grand reopening, accepts the ruling of an accidental death.
When Roslyn arrives at the scene, she pretends to feel faint and collapses dramatically, drawing attention to herself as a supposed victim.
Her performance diverts suspicion, cleverly shifting her role from a possible suspect to a victim, all while reinforcing her carefully constructed alibi.
Elsbeth’s Growing Suspicion
Back at Roslyn’s residence, Elsbeth notices an unusual amount of apple pulp in the trash. When she asks about it, Roslyn claims she and Celeste were experimenting with new frozen yogurt flavors.
However, Elsbeth later discovers that Celeste’s company recently went bankrupt, making Roslyn’s explanation suspicious.
Realizing that apple seeds contain cyanide, Elsbeth suspects that Roslyn may have used them to simulate cyanide poisoning in her system, adding another layer to her alibi.
Elsbeth’s suspicion grows as she revisits Vivienne’s to question Valentina and Judith about Roslyn’s recent activities.
Valentina mentions that Roslyn sent proof of funds immediately after Claude’s death, which strikes Elsbeth as odd. Blanke analyzes the document and confirms it as a forgery, strengthening Elsbeth’s belief that Roslyn has a hidden agenda.
The Heist: Detailed Planning and Execution
With the night of the gala approaching, Roslyn and her team refine their plan. Judith’s role is essential for ensuring the fake jewels they return to the store match the originals.
Roslyn stages a “flood” on the members-only floor, allowing Hughie to enter as a maintenance worker and discreetly swap the real jewelry with replicas. Her plan relies on precise timing and her team’s dedication to executing each detail.
Despite Roslyn’s careful planning, Elsbeth, Blanke, and Detective Donnelly remain on high alert, sensing an impending heist.
As each new clue surfaces, they draw closer to uncovering Roslyn’s plot, setting up a high-stakes confrontation between the heist team and the investigators.
The Gala: The Heist Reaches Its Peak and Falls Apart
During Vivienne’s gala event, Roslyn puts her plan into action, signing out select jewelry pieces with Judith’s assistance and having Hughie make the necessary swaps.
But as she attempts to take a final item—a missing spoon from her silverware set—she is caught in the act by Elsbeth and her team.
At this point, Elsbeth reveals her suspicions, connecting Roslyn to Claude’s murder and the forged proof of funds. Elsbeth further explains that Roslyn’s missing silverware, a gift from her mother, ties her directly to the crime.
Realizing her plan has unraveled, Roslyn finds herself arrested alongside Hughie. Elsbeth’s sharp instincts and observations have revealed every aspect of Roslyn’s plot, bringing her downfall to a definitive end.
Aftermath and Unexpected Betrayal
While Roslyn and Hughie face the consequences, Judith makes a surprising choice. With Roslyn out of the picture, Judith takes the opportunity to sell Roslyn’s jewelry collection, using the funds to start a new life in Paris.
Her decision reflects the ultimate betrayal, as she abandons her former accomplices in pursuit of her aspirations.
Elsbeth and Blanke wrap up the case, reflecting on the complex layers of deception, manipulation, and betrayal that characterized Roslyn’s attempt to reclaim her wealth.
Elsbeth observes that Roslyn’s desperation led her to cross moral boundaries, ultimately causing her to trust the wrong people and seal her fate.
The episode “Elsbeth’s Eleven” in Elsbeth Season 2 offers an intriguing journey through a glamorous yet suspenseful world where betrayal, wit, and ambition drive the plot.
By setting up a clever heist in an elite jewelry store, the episode brings us into the luxurious life of Roslyn, a once-wealthy socialite desperate to reclaim her fading fortune.
Still from the episode (Paramount+)
Inspired by the heist-themed film Ocean’s 8, the episode combines high-society glamour with an intricate scheme that keeps viewers engaged.
Roslyn’s carefully constructed plan, driven by her bruised ego and dwindling wealth, highlights both her determination and moral descent.
Her character’s flaws add to the richness of the storyline, as she manipulates others to achieve her goal, displaying an unyielding belief in her entitlement to luxury.
The strengths of this episode lie in its careful storytelling, creative twists, and well-executed suspense. Each character is given a distinct role, with Roslyn’s team of accomplices adding layers of depth to the plot.
Judith, the loyal sales associate turned accomplice, and Celeste, the struggling friend with financial woes of her own, add complexity to Roslyn’s team.
These relationships offer insight into the driving motivations behind the heist and give viewers an understanding of the desperation that fuels the characters’ choices.
The intricate plan, filled with fake alibis, clever forgeries, and the staged “flood” at the gala, keeps the audience guessing at every step.
Elsbeth’s sharp investigative skills add an enjoyable element of suspense as she unravels the mystery. Her growing suspicion, which builds through subtle clues, enhances the tension and serves as a strong counterpoint to Roslyn’s schemes.
The episode’s pacing and plot progression are well-handled, allowing the story to unfold naturally while maintaining viewer interest.
However, the episode is not without its drawbacks. One of the main issues is the predictable outcome of Roslyn’s downfall. While her arrest and Judith’s betrayal are fitting conclusions, they may feel somewhat expected to viewers familiar with heist narratives.
The episode could benefit from a less predictable ending or a final twist that further complicates the story.
Additionally, while the character of Claude adds suspense, his decision to insult Roslyn and refuse her offer so openly seems slightly forced.
His role, though integral, could be developed with more nuance to make his choices feel more realistic and his death even more impactful.
Another drawback is the limited coverage of certain characters’ backgrounds and motivations, particularly Hughie and Celeste. Their reasons for joining the heist are hinted at but not fully dealt, which could have added emotional weight to the story.
By going deeper into each character’s struggles, the episode could enhance the emotional impact and make the heist’s risks feel more urgent and personal.
Elsbeth’s Eleven succeeds as an entertaining, stylish episode that combines suspense, wit, and high-society intrigue.
Despite some predictable elements and minor character development gaps, the episode delivers a solid heist plot with enough charm and drama to engage its audience.
Its focus on betrayal, ambition, and the pursuit of wealth offers a cautionary tale on the dangers of greed and misplaced trust, wrapped in a glamour world and deception.
