So I’ve only been able to watch the first two episodes of “Stranger Things” Season 3, and I was wondering what direction they were going to take. When a series begins, the first season is all about establishing the main players of the world, in this case, the “Goonies”-style teenagers versus the nightmarish creature that had kidnapped their friend. The second season always ups the ante; for “Stranger Things” season 2, we went from battling one mutant monstrosity to battling an entire army of the beasts, led by a giant ghostly demon. Now third seasons, they can get a bit tricky. Creating an even BIGGER bad guy would lose its impact, so often third seasons focus on characters outgrowing their previous roles, and the conflict this brings.
The bad guys, however/whatever they may be, also tend to land a few solid hits in season 3….
Character-wise, Eleven gets to expand her role to be part of the Scooby-Doo gang, which sets up some great girls-vs boys interactions. The scene with Max and Eleven shopping was pure gold, and you could tell the two actresses were having a ball. Hopper is still grappling with being a father to an unruly (and powerful) teenager, but as the father to three girls, I’m kinda on his side for a lot of this. Don’t judge me.
Steve, the former bad boy who became the gang’s protector last season, appears to have lost his mojo, even if he is a lot more likable for it. With Billy the new alpha-male, turned dark side, perhaps there’s room in the story for him to find his confidence again. Fingers crossed he gets his nail-studded bat out of the closet and bets back into the groove.
I’ve loved this season so far, even if I am a little biased as the whole thing takes place during my childhood. It’s great that they’ve brought in the Russians; Millenials are way more switched on and information-savvy to the outside world than my generation was, but they have never understand the social ethos that the “The Russians” really were out to defeat the West, and that war could break out with a single diplomatic bungle.
I’m sure everyone’s already laughed about the clothes, (yes, I know), and the hair (again, I know), and the pastel colors (oh God, my eyes!), but for the eagle eyed- there are a ton of neat 80s movie references in the camera shots and character lines.
Can’t wait to see how this one pans out, I won’t be able to binge-watch this in one go so stick with me for more spoiler-free reviews when I get to the end!
EXTRA BONUS – Cary Elwes as the corrupt mayor! LOVE IT! The Dread Pirate Roberts should always be playing a villain, even if a minor one.
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