Editor’s note: Major spoilers ahead! If you have not yet seen “Stranger Things Season Four, Vol. 2” and are planning to, do not read this until after, otherwise you will have spoiled the fun.

As Netflix and other streaming services start putting out exclusive original series with successful returns, they are (understandably) bringing back the delayed release custom of television’s past. Instead of broadcasting the entirety of “Stranger Things 4” for fans to binge watch in a day, Netflix teased-out hype for the final two episodes over the course of about a month.

While building hype can help with numbers, it can also balloon expectation to an unattainable size. Internet hype for “Stranger Things 4, Vol. 2” damaged the otherwise spectacular finale.

In June, so-called leaks described Vol. 2 as “absolute carnage.” Other sources claimed that there would be multiple deaths, some said up to five characters would die. Statements which, thankfully, or unfortunately, turned out to be untrue.

Nonetheless, “Stranger Things” fans spent a month trying to decode the declaration of a tragic ending, “Who will die? Steve? If its Steve I’m canceling my Netflix subscription!”

But it wasn’t Steve. Vol. 2 plot armored all major characters from early seasons. Instead of taking a risk and giving people the cry fest they wanted, writers did what they have done in almost every season so far: kill off the newest likable character. First it was Bob, then Alexi and now Eddie.

Eddie’s death was supposed to settle his character arc, but the arc was so underdeveloped that the scene felt absurd. Even more alienating, the only member of the Hellfire Club who mourns Eddie on screen is Dustin and, although Gaten Matarazzo acts impressively, this leaves loose ends and further destroys any hope for Eddie’s redemption.

Eddie’s death is also overshadowed by Max’s death and later resurrection. Viewers aren’t given the space to grieve the loss of Eddie because they are too busy trying to digest the image of Max’s bones snapping.

Max’s death scene is stunning. Sadie Sink’s and Caleb McLaughlin’s performances here are arguably the best of the series. The scene is raw, heartbreaking, shocking and impactful … until a few minutes later when Eleven brings Max back to life.

Through all the danger and peril or four seasons, every main character who has been featured across seasons has survived. This apparent immortality lowers the stakes and weakens the suspense for future episodes.

Here’s a final gripe: Viewers spent the entire season looking forward to the epic reunion of the main cast in the finale. But this patience wasn’t rewarded. At the very least, audiences needed to see Dustin, Mike, Will and Lucas all together again, to be reassured that the original friendship was still standing. But the ending comes and goes, and a distance between the boys remains.

Despite its flaws, “Stranger Things 4, Vol. 2” is Netflix’s most sophisticated cinematic production. The long runtimes of the final two episodes and the astounding cinematography, special effects, costuming and acting make the finale feel like a full-on feature film.

Filmmakers nailed the ‘“El getting her powers back” payoff with a telekinetic helicopter takedown, all while questions about Will’s sexuality are finally answered subtly and realistically. Through describing El’s feelings for Mike, Will describes his own and hides the most convincing on-screen sob of the season.

The last 225 minutes of Season Four are filled to the brim with action and adventure, yet the show somehow squeezes in tons of emotionally important moments.

Although hype for Vol. 2 may have misled viewers, the final two episodes still manage to build excitement for “Season Five,” the final season, which will most definitely be absolute carnage.

Kelsey Percival is the editorial assistant for The Durango Herald and an avowed cinephile. Reach her at kpercival@durangoherald.com.