293. Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 Deep + Top Hate Watches of 2026

Socially Distanced heads back to the Upside Down to discuss Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2.Bill Bodkin, Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief, is in the host seat and has one heck of a party assembled to discuss the controversial middle chapter of the hit Netflix series' final season. He's joined by "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas, Kelvin Kately of The DFPN & BCP+,  Pop Break staff writer Sam Niles and the youth of the site, Aria Clarke.They discuss the highs, the lows, and review bombing of this trilogy of episodes. They discuss Will's coming out, the creation of the Abyss, Max and Holly deciding to have a podcast instead of escaping Vecna's grasp, and most importantly they discuss who's making it out alive, and who's not by series end. Theories centered around Dungeons & Dragons, Funko Pops, Return of the Jedi, and more abound.In the pre-game, the party discusses the things they're most excited in the world of pop culture, and the stuff they're ready to hate watch in the new year. Disclaimer: There is a discussion about the issue of characters taking their lives in the penultimate episode. This happens around the 37:00-42:00 time period.