Winona Ryder: The Mama Bear We All Needed

Let’s face it, folks: Winona Ryder deserved way more screen time in the final season of Stranger Things. Remember when she was front and center, radiating that fierce mama bear energy as Joyce Byers? It’s like the Duffer brothers took a brilliant character and… what’s that phrase? Ah yes, stuffed her in the attic! In the grand finale, Joyce felt less like the fierce protector we loved and more like a sidekick to her son Will’s coming-of-age drama. Come on, she was the one who sparked the initial magic!

Joyce vs. Vecna: A Hollywood Callback

Now, brace yourselves because the finale offers some serious old-school vibes. Just when you think Joyce is knocked out of the game, she pulls a classic stunt by decapitating Vecna like he’s just another Victorian vampire! Talk about girl power! It’s like they threw in an Easter egg just for us die-hard fans who remember her iconic role in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Yeah, that flick where she went full badass cutting heads and saving the day rather than just being a damsel in distress.

Say Goodbye to Vecna: No Redemption Here

The final showdown was nothing short of epic. As Eleven and the gang battled the nasty Mind Flayer and Vecna, you might think they’d offer him some form of redemption—because, you know, villains deserve love too, right? Well, not in this case! Will, bless his heart, tried to extend a life raft of empathy to our favorite bad guy, but Vecna wasn’t having it. He’s too deep into that villainy pool! It was like watching Darth Vader get a sob story in a bad 80s sitcom. Sorry, buddy, no room for you on the sympathy train!

Chopping Off Heads: Not Just a Hobby for Joyce

So, when Joyce finally got the chance to slice off Vecna’s head, it was like poetry in motion. We went from stick-em-up vampire hunters in the novel to a 90s flick with Gary Oldman, and now here we are, watching Joyce reclaim her power. I mean, it was zesty, it was glorious, and goodness did it evoke all the feels! It’s about time someone decided to put that vamp out of commission for good!

A Blast from the Past

But wait, there’s more! This throwback moment isn’t just for kicks; it’s a nod to the heroes of the past who didn’t second-guess their axe-swinging skills. Let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to channel their inner Bruce Campbell or those 80s horror legends? The finale had all the chutzpah of pop culture lore creeping back in, especially with Mike tossing around that D&D reference, likening their battle to facing Count Strahd. Yeah, they were damn serious about kicking some serious demonic butt!

The Power of a Mother’s Love

In the grand scheme of things, what really sealed the deal was the love of a mother. As Joyce unleashed her wrath onto Vecna, it was a primal moment reflecting the lengths a mom would go for her kids. Here’s to you, Joyce—swinging axes and defying every evil creature in the Upside Down. All hail Winona Ryder, the ultimate Joan of Arc of Hawkins! Now that’s one epic feminist moment we can raise our glasses to!