Netflix released “One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5,” a documentary on the show’s behind-the-scenes of making the final season and closing a chapter on Jan. 12. I normally do not watch behind-the-scenes of any show or movie, but since this one was for my favorite show, I felt like I had to.

After watching the finale, I tried to give the Duffer Brothers the benefit of the doubt, though I was disappointed with the show’s ending. The audience had high expectations and, frankly, the ending fell short. It was worse knowing they went into production for the final episode without the script being finished — that alone just tells me it was rushed. 

The rest of the season was amazing, and it never failed to make me cry after I had rewatched it countless times since. I never realized how much goes into the production of a movie, let alone “Stranger Things.” It was mesmerizing to see the costume designs, building of different sets, rehearsals and brainstorming for the series. 

One of my favorite parts was seeing past designs for what Vecna would look like. It was like I was sitting in on the creative process. I think the version they ended up with was the best and scariest looking out of all of them.

The Mac-Z set was the show’s most challenging and time consuming for the last scene in Episode 4, “The Sorcerer.” So much action was packed into one episode, and they hardly used any CGI other than for the Demogorgons, some of Vecna’s costume and the gate. They wanted to get it right, and they did. I was blown away with the bodies flying, fire, acting, camera movements and, of course, the big reveal moment. 

The show’s actors have close relationships in real life, and that is reflected onscreen. You can tell that the chemistry between them is real by watching them do the table readings, hugging and even talking about how much they care for one another. Considering that this show lasted for nearly 10 years, it would be shocking if they were not close. I loved being able to watch the actors getting emotional when they had to say goodbye to their family. 

When every actor would film their final scene, the directors would announce it and everyone would clap, followed by most of them crying. I cried too, especially on their final day of shooting with Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas and Max in the basement. There was not a dry eye in that room. Their speeches that followed made me cry even more. They celebrated with confetti and tears, which made that moment feel so touching as an audience member. 

I have never had a TV show make me feel this way. It is bittersweet saying goodbye to these characters that I loved, cared about, adored and even felt like I grew up with. I hope there will be another show that can make me feel those same strange things.

Over and out.

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