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Community => Watto's Junk Yard => Topic started by: Scott on August 15, 2016, 09:14 PM

Title: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Scott on August 15, 2016, 09:14 PM
One of the greatest things to come to the small screen in a long time

Loved absolutely every minute of this, homage to ET, Goonies, Teen Horror flicks, Stephen King and more

The bike scene with the non descript vans was amazeballs

I give this a solid 10/10 with 10 being the highest
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Phrubruh on August 15, 2016, 10:46 PM
Great show. Too bad they used a 1995 Falcon instead of a real vintage 1978 Falcon.

I just wish Barb survived.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: BillCable on August 16, 2016, 07:48 AM
I agree.  I watched it over the weekend.  Totally engrossing.  I just wish it were longer - those 8 episodes flew by too fast.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Brian on August 16, 2016, 09:42 AM
Couldn't agree more. I had read about the series prior to release and couldn't wait for it, and watched that first weekend. Loved it, and can't wait for season 2.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Darby on August 16, 2016, 11:09 AM
Stranger Things is outstanding. Best show I've seen in a while. The kids were great. 'Why won't you let me unlock my curiosity door?'
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Rob on August 16, 2016, 12:05 PM
I might be the only one but I thought Stranger Things was massively overhyped.

Don't get me wrong, I liked it.  But I didn't think it was any better than any of the stories and properties it was paying homage to, or any better than any of the other recent nostalgia trips like Super 8.  I enjoyed it, but ultimately it wasn't much more than heavy nostalgia.  Talking to friends and co-workers or reading about it online you'd think it was the next Star Wars. 

I'll happily watch season 2 and hope it builds on what they've got going, I just don't see how it's as amazing as everyone keeps telling me it is.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Matt_Fury on August 16, 2016, 12:11 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed it.  That series was everything Super 8 failed at.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: McMetal on August 16, 2016, 03:17 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed it.  That series was everything Super 8 failed at.

Ouch.

I was planning to watch this but I thought Super 8 was terrific, so maybe this is not for me.  ???
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Rob on August 16, 2016, 03:33 PM
I was planning to watch this but I thought Super 8 was terrific, so maybe this is not for me.  ???

Super 8 was the closest I'd felt to watching the Goonies for the first time in as long as I can remember.  I loved it. 

And I enjoyed Stranger Things plenty.  I'd say watch and enjoy it, but don't have through-the-roof expectations. 
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Darby on August 16, 2016, 03:49 PM
Super 8 is good. It's biggest problem is it doesn't capitalize on its own story, which is a running theme with most of JJ Abrams films.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Scott on August 16, 2016, 07:09 PM
 >:D I loved Super 8.  A lot and I thought of it a lot watching Stranger Things, really what sold me was the bike scene which was straight out of ET and how they handled it was so spot on.  I agree with what you are saying slightly Rob, it's not the best TV show ever.  But it hit all of the right feels for me and I can't wait for season 2
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: BillCable on August 17, 2016, 08:23 AM
I wouldn't call it the best TV show ever, but it was very good, bordering on excellent.  A few things bugged me.  The bully was too over-the-top.  The older sister Nancy - she over-acted in a lot of tense situations which pulled me out of the scenes.  But those are nitpicks. 
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Rob on August 17, 2016, 10:13 AM
I wouldn't call it the best TV show ever, but it was very good, bordering on excellent.  A few things bugged me.  The bully was too over-the-top.  The older sister Nancy - she over-acted in a lot of tense situations which pulled me out of the scenes.  But those are nitpicks.

To me the over-the-top and over-acting was part of what made it feel more authentically 80's. 
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Mikey D on November 7, 2017, 11:38 AM
Anyone finish season 2 yet?  I thought it was just as great as season 1.  I love the characters, especially the kids and it just hits the right spot for me with the homages to **** I grew up with - Goonies, Aliens, Ghostbusters (poor Winston), Lost Boys, arcades, etc.  Episode 7 was a bit out of place, but I know why it was done and could possibly set up next season as there could potentially be 9 other Elevens/Elles/Janes/008s (although most of the early numbers are probably dead).

And I absolutely loved the Snow Ball scene at the end.  They totally captured what a cheesy middle school dance in the 80s was like (and it certainly brought back some memories).
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: BillCable on November 7, 2017, 11:48 AM
I'm curious if anyone here has ever been to a school dance that was as elaborately decorated as the one you see here (and in Back to the Future).  Our dances when I was a kid had NOTHING.  You were in the gym.  There was music.  That was it.

And yeah, S2 was the shiz.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on November 7, 2017, 02:00 PM
I still need to watch season 2 finale so I'm avoiding today's posts.

I just finally got to see season 1 in the last few weeks and think it more than met the hype. The kids are amazing.

Oh and Super 8 was good and nothing more
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: jedipurge on November 7, 2017, 04:37 PM
I liked season 2 a lot and when you watch the behind the scene stuff that's separate from the season it kind of answers some ?'s
It felt like something was missing though with 11 basically being on her own and not with the boys + Max.
I'd have like to see more of her with them. As it was she was with the gang as a whole for what 10 minutes.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: BrentS on November 7, 2017, 10:50 PM
Loved Season 2... probably not quite as much as Season 1 but it’s really close. I like it felt like it focused a bit more on Dustin and Lucas.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on November 8, 2017, 09:04 AM
I loved season 2 as well. Different than season 1 but in all new great ways.

I was torn on 11. I also wanted her to join the "party" sooner, but think the way they made us wait really drove the story.

And I liked the idea of episode 7 but would have liked a different story maybe.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: McMetal on November 10, 2017, 03:14 PM
Just finished earlier this week and loved it. Nothing is ever quite as good as when it's new and fresh, but I thought they kept the quality pretty high.

Sean Astin and Paul Reiser were both great additions to the cast...(was a nice twist for Reiser NOT to turn out to be an evil d*ckhead I thought).

I can't say I cared much for Max or her over-the-top ahole brother, but hopefully they are not a focus going forward.

They need to find a part for 80's mainstay Rutger Hauer next season...
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: efranks on January 3, 2018, 01:57 AM
Last Thursday I wanted to watch something so I thought I'd check out the first ep of Stranger Things. By Saturday night I was done with both seasons (and I worked Friday...).

I really enjoyed it. It's one of the better shows I've watched lately. I think part of it was the nostalgia for the 80's, the music, the references...very cool. Really looking forward to the next season.

   E...
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Chris M on January 7, 2018, 08:16 AM
Date night for my wife and I last night.  So we go to eat and come home and binge watch the last four episodes of the season.  I'd have to say this may be one of the most perfect shows out there.

Like many have mentioned, nostalgia plays a key and the writers have nailed it.  The details as far as little things like when music was released is perfect.  You don't hear any songs that weren't released before the year of the season. 

I can't say enough how much I love this show.  Everyone can see someone they knew, admired, acted like, or actually were during their childhood in this series.

Season 2 was every much the equal of season 1. I saw on IMDB there are episodes already planned up to a season 4.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on January 12, 2018, 06:46 PM
I've been listening to the soundtrack for both seasons. Good stuff
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Rob on January 24, 2018, 10:27 AM
I finished season 2 a few days ago.  I think I enjoyed it more than season one, but not because it's better in some ways, but because I had lower expectations.  With season 1 all I heard about was how amazing it was, and I thought it was fine, but not the greatest thing ever.  This time I expected another nostalgia trip with bad acting and goofy 80's stuff all over the place, and it delivered that.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on January 24, 2018, 03:17 PM
I'd argue that "bad acting" is far more your opinion than the fact you state it as.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Rob on January 24, 2018, 03:45 PM
I'd argue that "bad acting" is far more your opinion than the fact you state it as.

I should have said over acting.  It's deliberate, and I think that it's objectively what they're going for.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 8, 2019, 01:46 AM
Finished season 3 before Monday when I imagine avoiding talk of it will become difficult. I imagine no one reading this thread until they've finished too but I'll keep it at that for now.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Dave on July 8, 2019, 09:24 AM
I was gone for the holiday week.  I managed to watch the first two episodes last night and feel like it is a race to finish it before it gets inadvertently spoiled.

The first two episodes were solid.  Can't wait to watch the rest this week!
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Chris M on July 8, 2019, 09:51 AM
My wife and I watched the first episode on Saturday, and two more last night. 

All I can say is again it's excellent and this season has taken off much faster than season 2.  Too bad we are going on vacation this week and wont' be able to watch again until next Friday.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 8, 2019, 10:22 AM
We're three episodes in.  Really enjoying the ride.  I'll wait until everyone's done watching to discuss it in depth.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: P-Siddy on July 8, 2019, 11:16 AM
Finished this morning.  Great series and season.  Some minor complaints.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Scott on July 8, 2019, 04:22 PM
Finished last night, awesome season and lots of love to many of our favorite movies.  Dustin hands down is the greatest part of this season

Now the wait starts for S4
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: McMetal on July 8, 2019, 08:22 PM
I’m three episodes in too, trying to space them out to one a day to savor it. My daughter already finished them all of course, watching them on her phone. I’m really enjoying this season so far too.

I just hope there is a scene coming up where Nancy smashes a coffee pot over stupid Jake Busey’s head!  >:D
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 8, 2019, 10:39 PM
I wish I had that self control McMetal. I honestly wish this was on once a week for eight weeks. So good but sucks it's all over four days later for me.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: BrentS on July 9, 2019, 09:32 AM
We binged the whole season in one day...   Solid season but nothing still touches the first season.

Dustin is my favorite character for sure.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Muftak on July 9, 2019, 01:17 PM
Watched them all over the weekend. I will hold off on spoilers for a while...

I liked it better than the second season by a little. Slow build to tons of action, but I was disappointed in the zero development of the "lore" concerning the the Upside Down. For all that was accomplished character-wise this season, it still felt like the show's spinning its wheels as far as the overarching mythology.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 9, 2019, 02:04 PM
I felt that way about the Upside Down for a little while. But in the end I'm ok being as in the dark about it as the characters are.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Brian on July 9, 2019, 09:11 PM
We watched it the first two days it was out, although I sort of wanted to spread it out a bit as well. I love the show so much, so it is often bittersweet when it is done. We love the season, but the long wait ahead for new episodes is brutal. Watching Season 3 was especially fun, as our daughter had been asking for a year or two to watch it, and I told her this summer (she turns 12), we could start it from the beginning as a family. She is now obsessed. This show is kind of tailor made for me (like many here I imagine), and I have loved every bit of it so far. Going through our second watch thru now.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 13, 2019, 01:48 AM
Just finished season three.  Loved it!
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 13, 2019, 01:55 AM
Not sure where people are at with wanting to talk spoilers yet but curious what people's thoughts on Hopper were this season. I had no problem with him. His past experiences made him who he is. But I've read some interesting angry posts about his character online.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Matt_Fury on July 13, 2019, 11:14 AM
I thought he was great!  Typical dad of a teenaged daughter, plus a good cop.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Pete_Fett on July 14, 2019, 05:22 AM
I thought Hopper was great this season. In fact, I thought Season 3 was far better than Season 2, and the only redeeming aspect of Season 2 is that we needed the story elements of Season 2 to "happen" in order to get us to the story that was presented in season 3. As far as overall story, pacing, character arcs, what each of the characters got to do, etc... this season was fantastic. The extra year break between seasons 2 and 3 really showed in the quality of the product.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Dave on July 14, 2019, 08:47 AM
Finished it last night.  It was a solid season.  It’s not super clever, but it is great pulpy fun. 
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: McMetal on July 15, 2019, 09:28 AM
I wrapped this up last night too and 100% agree this was way better than last season. Have some questions about the end, but will hold off for now.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: P-Siddy on July 16, 2019, 06:51 PM
Definitely agree that it was better than S2... and way darker than the previous seasons.  I thought Hopper was fine, so I don't understand the complaints, either. 

Binged S1 and wanted to do the same with S2, but decided to watch S3 before I came across spoilers.  I finally watched the first episode of S2 with Murray and his conspiracy theory... sounds like he was right.

One of my complaints is Will and the lack of development with him this season.  To be vague to avoid spoilers, he just had the one scene with Lucas and Mike and pretty much the rest of the time he was in the background rubbing his neck at times.  I just wonder if this is a flaw with having such a large ensemble cast?  To be honest, I haven't finished rewatching S2 to refresh my memory yet so perhaps my concerns with his character was addressed there, but I felt he was kind of "left behind" and two-dimensional in this season.

I also had issues with the finale/showdown (which I won't address until it's okay to drop spoilers).
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Dave on July 17, 2019, 09:53 AM
One of my complaints is Will and the lack of development with him this season.  To be vague to avoid spoilers, he just had the one scene with Lucas and Mike and pretty much the rest of the time he was in the background rubbing his neck at times.  I just wonder if this is a flaw with having such a large ensemble cast? 

My wife and I discussed this angle as well.  Eight 40 minute episodes is fairly short to develop characters when you've got so many.

I think they've either got to write some characters out of the script or add in more content, although I would prefer the former. 

I've always liked the Nancy (and Jonathan) storyline.  They spent a little time on it this season, but then it felt like they just kind of dropped it.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: P-Siddy on July 17, 2019, 01:13 PM
I think they've either got to write some out of the script or add in more content, although I would prefer the former. 

I've always liked the Nancy (and Jonathan) storyline.  They spent a little time on it this season, but then it felt like they just kind of dropped it.

Yeah, I don't know their process in getting the plot down, but I agree that it's getting too large.  The addition of Max in S2 was great.  She added a new dynamic to the established group.  But Billy... not so.  It seemed like they wanted to expand Mrs Wheeler's role this season, then reign it in.  And then they added to the cast again this year, which I enjoyed the character... though one aspect about the character was rather far-fetched. 

Anyway... should we set a date for when we can discuss this openly (aka with spoilers).  Perhaps this Saturday (22nd)?  I feel that most of us who are into the show should have wrapped this up by then.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Dave on July 17, 2019, 04:27 PM
Anyway... should we set a date for when we can discuss this openly (aka with spoilers).  Perhaps this Saturday (22nd)?  I feel that most of us who are into the show should have wrapped this up by then.

I think two weeks from release seems like a reasonable amount to start talking spoilers.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 17, 2019, 04:47 PM
I feel Billy is needed in this "80s" show. When they 180'd Steve's character they needed a replacement of sorts.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on June 10, 2022, 07:48 PM
So far S4 has been amazing. Loving the horror vibe and the Vecna origin/reveal was perfect. Max the whole season was wonderful. I am counting the days to July 1
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Rob on June 11, 2022, 11:57 AM
Agreed, I've been enjoying it for what it is.  I'm confused about the point of holding back on two episodes instead of just releasing it all a few weeks later, but here we are.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: McMetal on June 13, 2022, 03:38 PM
It’s been so good this season, aside from the dumb jocks who we really do not ever need to see again unless they are all getting killed please.

Dude who plays 001 was really creepy and excellent I thought.

So what is the significance of Will’s painting? At first I assumed it was probably of Vecna or something but now it seems like it might be something else.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: P-Siddy on June 13, 2022, 05:06 PM
It’s been so good this season, aside from the dumb jocks who we really do not ever need to see again unless they are all getting killed please.

Dude who plays 001 was really creepy and excellent I thought.

So what is the significance of Will’s painting? At first I assumed it was probably of Vecna or something but now it seems like it might be something else.

Yeah, it's been a good season.  I figured out that the aide was 001.. but missed the connection to Vecna.

The jocks.  I think their role was to play into the whole hysteria at the time that D&D is a satanic cult and that evil needs to be rooted out because jock's girlfriend became a Bend 'Ems figure while at Eddie's house, who happens to host a D&D group at school called the Hellfire Club, hence Eddie is a hell-spawn (along with Dustin, Lucas, & Mike).

Will's painting is a subject of speculation and there have been hints scattered in the season that Will is gay/has a crush on Mike.  But I'm sure it will be revealed in the next two episodes whether this speculation is true.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Matt_Fury on June 14, 2022, 11:16 AM
I'm one episode in and think it's cool so far.  I really cringed at the end scene with the cheerleader.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: McMetal on June 14, 2022, 11:28 AM
That thought occurred to me too, P-Siddy. Not sure how that would fit into the story, but it adds up.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Dave on July 5, 2022, 09:21 AM
My family and I made it through the whole season.  Solid, but not spectacular.

I felt there was a lot of slowness to this season and some stronger editing could have been used.  I liked the Hopper/Joyce/Murray/Enzo storyline the best.  That crew was funny and the storyline was fairly tight.

I'm worried the next season is going to start in right where this one ended.  My biggest complaint about child actors is that at some point its clear that they're grown ass adults trying to play 14 year old kids and it just looks weird.  It'd be nice if they could have found a way to build more time in to the timeline and have the kids be seniors or maybe even just out of high school.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 5, 2022, 10:10 AM
They've already announced that season 5 will have a significant time leap.

I thought this season was brilliant. Probably better than S1 but I'll always like S1 most as it's 1. Kinda like ANH over ESB.

I was super impressed with so many of the actors this season 
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Dave on July 5, 2022, 11:45 AM
Maybe it was the three+ story lines with the team all spread apart, and at the end it was essentially five different groups.  It felt a little disjointed at times and the comradery, humor, and sexual tension seemed to be lacking compared to previous seasons.    And I never really felt much for Eddie getting pulled in to the crew.  In previous seasons the addition of Lucas, Max, Robin, Murray, Sean Astin, etc. felt a lot more seamless and interesting.

I also got a little tired with the Robin love interest story line. They're dealing with an upside down apocalypse and they keep bringing in that story thread.  It was funny last season when Steve had a mini-crush on her and they revealed her orientation, but this season it wasn't that interesting.

I missed some of the 80s kitsch too that seemed to be a lot more prevalent in previous seasons.  The roller rink was fun, but that seemed to mostly it.

I still very much enjoyed the season, but I thought previous seasons were stronger.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: McMetal on July 5, 2022, 01:57 PM
I loved it but in hindsight I think it would have been better to either drop them one at a time or all at once. The break before the last 2 episodes sort of fueled some added expectations that were hard to match in the end. Hardly anything of note happened in 8, and ultimately it felt like the finale was a little flat too, in the sense that nothing much was actually accomplished and the implied body count ended up being one.

Dave, if you rewatch it you may catch more of the 80’s schtick, I thought there was a lot there throughout, mostly film references. We got Conan, Halloween, and The Thing just in the finale alone!  :)

I don’t disagree it felt a little disjointed at times, but probably hard not to when there are so many storylines going on. The only one I really didn’t like was all the stuff with the jocks. I wouldn’t have missed it if they took everything out with those a-holes.

So many high points this season though…El splitting that horrible bully’s face open with the roller skate, Lucas finally pounding that jock kid at the end, Eddie’s most metal concert ever, and those absolutely heartbreaking scenes with Will and Mike, just a lot of great action, acting, and writing.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 5, 2022, 03:02 PM
I really liked the closure I felt Eleven and Brenner got in E8. I guess I should say closure Eleven got in leaving Brenner without any.

I could have done without the jocks but I also think they served their purpose well.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: P-Siddy on July 6, 2022, 11:25 AM
The only one I really didn’t like was all the stuff with the jocks. I wouldn’t have missed it if they took everything out with those a-holes.

Yeah, I get that and I kind of agree.  I would forget about them and then they would pop up again.  I think their part in the show is somewhat apart of the 80s feel since there was that D&D is luring kids to satanism madness.  Surprised we didn't get Eddie biting off a demobat's head off during his metal performance. ;) j/k.  Losing Chrissy in a such horrific way, Jason believed that Eddie was the head of a Satanic club and that Eddie lured Crissy to his house for a ritual killing.  There was no way for others to comprehend what happened to Chrissy.  Once the crew understood that Eddie was innocent and the danger he was in, they took him in to protect him from the mob. 

I could have done without the jocks but I also think they served their purpose well.

This.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Dave on July 6, 2022, 12:00 PM
I could have done without the jocks but I also think they served their purpose well.

This.

Maybe I'm getting more cynical, or noticing more stuff, but I felt the writing this season was a little lazy.  There seemed to be too many unsubtle "plot devices" that drove the story when I think more creative writing could have told the story more cleanly. 

I think the jocks detracted from the story and the story could have moved fairly well without them.  Eddie could have been in hiding from the cops without having a separate group of "bad guys" out there hunting them.

One that I noticed in the last episode that really bugged me was when Robin decided to randomly sprint ahead in the upside down so from a story perspective Steve and Nancy could have some alone time to talk about their feelings.  When their talk was done Robin conveniently came running back.  I thought this was exceptionally lazy writing.  The writers found a perfect spot for Will and Mike to have a heart to heart in the van, and Hopper and Joyce to connect in the prison, but the Robin/Nancy/Steve interaction was lazy.

I'm probably nit picking too much, but I thought the previous seasons were excellent.  This one was still entertaining, but slipped a bit in its execution including the addition of the jocks.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: GrandMoffNick on July 6, 2022, 01:17 PM
I feel the jocks are totally an 80s thing. They also played a big roll in Lucas's development this season. I also got the Frank Herbert Paul Atreides look how dangerous a smooth talking good looking leader can be vibe.

I also have learned I watch TV much differently than other people. I don't know if I just don't care about small plot devices or if I'm not smart/observant enough to catch them. Never even crossed my mind what Robin did to get to Nancy and Steve's conversation.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: StBrianOfMinneapolis on July 11, 2022, 04:21 PM
I feel the jocks are totally an 80s thing. They also played a big roll in Lucas's development this season. I also got the Frank Herbert Paul Atreides look how dangerous a smooth talking good looking leader can be vibe.

I also have learned I watch TV much differently than other people. I don't know if I just don't care about small plot devices or if I'm not smart/observant enough to catch them. Never even crossed my mind what Robin did to get to Nancy and Steve's conversation.

Lucas barely had a plot without the jocks. I guess its tough with all the new screen time given to newer characters.

The plot devices arent so bad to me. Robin seemed to be providing a similar role to 3pO walking in on Han and Leia in ESB.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: JediJman on July 11, 2022, 05:39 PM
I was really impressed with this season - it might be my favorite so far.  The whole unraveling the plot with One/Vekna was brilliant and there were tons of great plot twists if you weren't spending too much time trying to solve them.  I was seriously panicked the first time Vekna came for Max and haven't been that concerned about a character for a very long time.  This is also probably the only show where I've enjoyed them splitting the cast into separate groups.  I was a big fan of Lost, Walking Dead, and others that tried this, but they weren't able to do it the way ST did and still make you care about what was happening with each "team."  The origin of the Upside down and links back to earlier seasons were excellent as well.  I don't know if there's ever been a movie or show with this big of a cast where everyone got a relevant plot line (except Jonathan I guess).  And I absolutely loved Eddie's character - hoping we get a little more of him next season even if its just flashbacks. 

Yes, some of what happens is a little too convenient I guess, but it all made for good storytelling in my opinion.  I liked the Robin/Nancy duo, but agree that Robin's lesbian love interest wasn't really necessary.  That seems forced into the new Thor: Love and Thunder movie as well.  I don't have anything against it - it just didn't add anything to the story for me.  And I don't really understand Will's odd behavior - he's been fairly useless since the first two seasons.  It would be nice if they could have tapped into his "I sense the upside down" power a little sooner or used him to figure out how to hide better in the upside down.  Those are pretty minor complaints though for what was mostly a kick ass adventure.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: P-Siddy on July 11, 2022, 06:28 PM
Was there ever an explanation as to how Dr. Brenner (Papa) survived S1?  Seemed like he was a goner, but I guess we never saw the body... In this season he had a scar on his face, but I don't recall if he had that in previous seasons.  I was wondering if there were clones of him about.

I suppose Dr. Owens could possibly be alive then since we never saw him killed.  It seemed like one of the military guys stepped into the room to "finish" him before it cut to another scene.  While it seemed that the military wanted to eliminate anyone associated with 11 and Nina, it might be possible that they want him alive now to find El.

Also, I'm curious about why they needed Vecna's portals to create armageddon.  What ever happened to the portals that the Demogorgon created when it kidnapped Will or Barb, or the ones in the field that Hopper went in?  Were they closed?  If not, they obviously did not count in regard to bringing the Upside Down Rightside Up.  I guess I really need to rewatch the previous seasons again.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: Dave on July 11, 2022, 06:32 PM
Was there ever an explanation as to how Dr. Brenner (Papa) survived S1?  Seemed like he was a goner, but I guess we never saw the body... In this season he had a scar on his face, but I don't recall if he had that in previous seasons.  I was wondering if there were clones of him about.

I suppose Dr. Owens could possibly be alive then since we never saw him killed.  It seemed like one of the military guys stepped into the room to "finish" him before it cut to another scene.  While it seemed that the military wanted to eliminate anyone associated with 11 and Nina, it might be possible that they want him alive now to find El.

Did we officially see Papa die, or just get shot a bunch of times?  I was surprised to see him back as well, and if we didn't see his corpse on fire then I think there is a fair chance he'll be back for the next season.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: P-Siddy on July 11, 2022, 06:40 PM
Did we officially see Papa die, or just get shot a bunch of times?  I was surprised to see him back as well, and if we didn't see his corpse on fire then I think there is a fair chance he'll be back for the next season.

That’s true too. He might just be napping from being shot and the emotions of seeing El take off. ;) ;D
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: StBrianOfMinneapolis on July 12, 2022, 04:09 PM

Yes, some of what happens is a little too convenient I guess, but it all made for good storytelling in my opinion.  I liked the Robin/Nancy duo, but agree that Robin's lesbian love interest wasn't really necessary. 

I think Robin's crush is important indirectly. It makes way for Steve and Nancy and it also strengthens Robin and Steve as buddies.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: P-Siddy on July 12, 2022, 06:27 PM
It makes way for Steve and Nancy....

I was left wondering what would become of Nancy and Jonathan.  It seemed that Steve and Nancy have unresolved feelings and Steve's matured since his early S1 days.  I'm unsure of where Nancy is on this, but she seemed receptive of Steve's vision of his/their future.  Jonathan and Nancy did the long-distance thing, and while they are kind of together, they showed that there is some communications breakdown in their relationship (Jonathan not wanting to tell Nancy that he hadn't been accepted to the same college yet) and because of that not going out to see her during spring break.

Of course, Steve's maturity talk and visions of a future seem to be the cliche before he gets killed (hoping that's not the case though).
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: JediJman on July 15, 2022, 05:14 PM
Also, I'm curious about why they needed Vecna's portals to create armageddon.  What ever happened to the portals that the Demogorgon created when it kidnapped Will or Barb, or the ones in the field that Hopper went in?  Were they closed?  If not, they obviously did not count in regard to bringing the Upside Down Rightside Up.  I guess I really need to rewatch the previous seasons again.

The "mother gate" from S1 and larger Tunnel Gate from S2 are shut down by 11 at the end of S2. The Demogorgon creates temporary gates that the wiki describes as dimension wounds that heal on their own.  Kind of like how Marvel characters open up portals to travel elsewhere, but they don't last forever like a Stargate.  I'm guessing the captured ones in Russia don't make gates to escape, because they're not in Hawkins anymore.  Along the same lines, the Russians tried to open a gate at Kamchatka but failed due to lack of power or the dimensional walls being stronger everywhere else but Hawkins.  The Starcourt Gate is closed when Joyce blows up the Russian Gate-Making-Machine, and I think that's all of them until Vekna starts opening the curse gates.
Title: Re: Stranger Things - Netflix
Post by: P-Siddy on July 15, 2022, 06:22 PM
Makes sense to me.  Thanks, Jman!