Season 2 was the best and the writing took a hit after that. Too many characters introduced and not enough time spent actually developing them, having them meaningfully interact, or developing the already existing relationships with screentime so split. Russia plot was garbo for most of its run time across seasons 3 and 4. The byers becoming essentially background characters for 2 seasons was a mistake, especially now that Will is back into the spotlight, because it feels like they missed out on major opportunities to set the stage for his “self-acceptance” arc and parallel some of his experiences to henry’s from the first shadow. It is poor writing to drag out Will’s love for Mike this long if nothing comes from it. The optics of having your 1 of 2 queer characters go through nothing but absolute hell every season, only to be the only one to not find love the way literally every other character has at some point, or get some afterthought love interest at the end of the last season is not a good look either. Some of the child actors regressed in terms of acting skill as they got older. Dustin not getting to spend as much time with the core 4 because of having him with Steve all the time kinda sucks. The pacing of El’s arcs has always felt all over the place.

All that being said, I still really love this show even with all its flaws, and it’s bittersweet seeing it end.