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Post by Pavan on Feb 14, 2020 14:50:26 GMT
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Post by mikediastavrone96 on Feb 14, 2020 15:14:07 GMT
Great, so the whole emotional climax of Season 3 just doesn't fucking matter.
Hopefully at least now they write him to be less of a manic, screaming asshole.
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Post by Johnny_Hellzapoppin on Feb 14, 2020 15:44:24 GMT
Hopefully at least now they write him to be less of a manic, screaming asshole. Exactly why I didn't care when it seemed like he might have been killed off.
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Post by theycallmemrfish on Feb 14, 2020 16:32:00 GMT
A man has no name.
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Post by Pavan on Feb 14, 2020 17:18:52 GMT
Great, so the whole emotional climax of Season 3 just doesn't fucking matter. Hopefully at least now they write him to be less of a manic, screaming asshole. Everyone knows he is coming back. So why delay it?
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Post by mikediastavrone96 on Feb 14, 2020 17:35:50 GMT
Great, so the whole emotional climax of Season 3 just doesn't fucking matter. Hopefully at least now they write him to be less of a manic, screaming asshole. Everyone knows he is coming back. So why delay it? Why not write something better and let him stay dead?
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Post by Pavan on Feb 14, 2020 19:05:20 GMT
Everyone knows he is coming back. So why delay it? Why not write something better and let him stay dead? That, they didn't
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Post by Pavan on May 6, 2021 14:50:36 GMT
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Post by Pavan on Feb 17, 2022 17:03:00 GMT
Finally. Season 4 has two volumes. Season 5 is the final season.
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Post by Pavan on Apr 12, 2022 15:02:27 GMT
Epic in scale. Also the kids are all grown up.
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Post by Tommen_Saperstein on Apr 13, 2022 19:09:17 GMT
been catching up with this in anticipation of S4. Zoomed through the first season in a couple days, I liked it quite a bit especially the music and Harbour's performance. My only issue was that it felt rushed with the rules of this alternate dimension and the monster never explained (I'm assuming that becomes more clear in S2 & S3) and the investigation propels forward at a fever pitch with pieces constantly moving. You can't really settle in with the child characters at all and apart from their playing together in the first episode, you don't see them doing any friend things to indicate their bond. Harbour had some great moments with flashbacks to his daughter and Nancy has some good moments of character development with her BF and Jonathan but the eps are mostly devoted to this investigation largely at the expense of worldbuilding. I sort of wish it had a bit more time to establish itself, but it was entertaining and easy to binge I'll give it that.
The kids are kind of annoying but they're growing on me. One episode into S2 and still really digging the vibe.
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Post by Ryan_MYeah on Apr 14, 2022 2:08:00 GMT
Tommen_SapersteinSeason 2 may actually be my least favorite of the three (1 and 3 are about equal for me, but 1 doesn’t have the awful product placement you’re gonna see in 3). Just in the fact that it’s a little more uneven. Also, there’s one episode in the last third of the season that, in my opinion, it nearly brings the show to a screeching halt. I’ll be curious to know your thoughts.
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Post by Tommen_Saperstein on Apr 18, 2022 5:19:54 GMT
Tommen_Saperstein Season 2 may actually be my least favorite of the three (1 and 3 are about equal for me, but 1 doesn’t have the awful product placement you’re gonna see in 3). Just in the fact that it’s a little more uneven. Also, there’s one episode in the last third of the season that, in my opinion, it nearly brings the show to a screeching halt. I’ll be curious to know your thoughts. on a whole I liked it more than Season 1. Instead of dropping you right into the conflict the tension evolves more gradually which leaves more time for character moments with the main cast (the kids are so much more fleshed-out in S2). Possessed Will is also much creepier than Will missing in another dimension waiting to be saved. Sean Astin was a great addition, Paul Reiser is more interesting than Matthew Modine, and I also think it stuck the landing better with a more epic finale that left plenty of room for a comedown (the school dance scenes were really sweet). only two things I really didn't like: most stuff involving Eleven this season, especially that episode you're talking about. Yeeeeah, that was awful. Also a certain character death towards the end of the season that was lowkey infuriating.
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morton
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Post by morton on Apr 18, 2022 7:03:57 GMT
Tommen_Saperstein Season 2 may actually be my least favorite of the three (1 and 3 are about equal for me, but 1 doesn’t have the awful product placement you’re gonna see in 3). Just in the fact that it’s a little more uneven. Also, there’s one episode in the last third of the season that, in my opinion, it nearly brings the show to a screeching halt. I’ll be curious to know your thoughts. on a whole I liked it more than Season 1. Instead of dropping you right into the conflict the tension evolves more gradually which leaves more time for character moments with the main cast (the kids are so much more fleshed-out in S2). Possessed Will is also much creepier than Will missing in another dimension waiting to be saved. Sean Astin was a great addition, Paul Reiser is more interesting than Matthew Modine, and I also think it stuck the landing better with a more epic finale that left plenty of room for a comedown (the school dance scenes were really sweet). only two things I really didn't like: most stuff involving Eleven this season, especially that episode you're talking about. Yeeeeah, that was awful. Also a certain character death towards the end of the season that was lowkey infuriating. You make a lot of great points as to why season 2 was better, but I just can’t get around that one episode. I’m scared because people keep theorizing we’ll see a certain character from that episode come back this season. While the trailers are really making me excited especially the last one, I worry that there’s going to be too many characters again. I think season 2 did a great job of adding new people, but I feel like it was lot in season 3 with the writers trying to give almost every character a heroic moment. I just don’t want to see that repeated with even more characters. I did like season 3 though, but at the same time I felt they tried to copy a lot from season 1, and it wasn’t nearly as great. Plus, maybe I’m weird, but I was never a fan of Hopper and Joyce getting together romantically. I didn’t mind the idea, but he’s no Bob. Then in season 3 though, Hopper was a prick especially to Joyce for most of the season, so that really killed any potential love that I could have had.
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Post by Tommen_Saperstein on Apr 22, 2022 18:02:08 GMT
ok... so I watched three seasons of Stranger Things back to back and now I'm pretty much over Stranger Things. I'll tune in for S4 of course, I mean otherwise this all would've been for nothing haha.... But whereas the ending of S2 made me want to keep watching, S3 made me want to stop. (spoilers for a season that dropped three whole years ago) Seasons 3 was... ok I guess, but the things I didn't like stand out more than the things I liked. The kids are more annoying with time-wasty relationship problems, Hopper spends the whole season being a shouty annoying dick, the central conceit of the season was really silly--this idea of a gigantic hugely expensive secret Russian base operating deep underground (literally) in small town Indiana (also gotta love Ep 7 where the Russians are operating out in the open looking like MacGyver goons in their leather jackets, carrying silenced weapons and yelling Russian into their walkie-talkies at a crowded fair full of paranoid red-blooded Americans ). Also think it had a tone problem. This show is always walking a fine line between nostalgic light fun and icky body horror shenanigans but this season was least effective at striking that balance. ALL of Joyce & Hopper's scenes had (or were supposed to have) a jokey will they/won't they sexual tension to them and it's the same beat hammered again and again the whole season like a nail into my skull. There's a joke every other sentence with the kids which sometimes works (Robin's scenes with Steve, Erica's trash talk) and sometimes grates (Dustin & Suzie's "NeverEnding Story" while all hell is breaking loose and minutes before an emotional character death--I wanted to die). Also the stuff with Alexei & Murray Bauman was pure shtick. Pure comic relief. Oh, and the product placement was out of control. That scene where Lucas sips the Coca-Cola and waxes about how delicious it was... was that just... a fucking commercial I watched? Did they slip a Coca-Cola commercial into my sci-fi show about monsters from other dimensions? things I liked:-- the creature design was amazing. The monster with its half-formed body with jutting joints and bones and toothy tentacles that extrude wherever it needs them to and and gaping mouth full of fangs was absolutely horrifying and looked like something out of Bloodbourne. The sentient gory jelly was disgusting. And the sound design too--sloshy, slithery, goopy, ugh. I'm nauseous just thinking about it. -- Billy's arc was the perfect continuation of the abusive self-obsessed dick we met in S2. It delved deeper into his backstory while playing up his menace. Dacre Montgomery was lowkey the cast MVP for this season and my favorite episode was Ep. 6 ("E Pluribus Unum") precisely because of the final scene. -- Robin kind of stole the show. Maya Hawke and Joe Keery had great chemistry and if Stevie has to be relegated to a life without Nancy (he is so much better than Jonathan, I don't get it), at least he can have scenes with Robin. Interested to see how her twist revelation informs S4 and their friendship but I hope they get to have a lot more scenes together. -- Hopper's letter in the finale. Ok... I was actually checked out by this point so was frustrated that they tried to justify his being a useless prick all season with this emotional final moment but I did like to imagine how much better it could've landed had things been different. Hopper was a great character in S1 and a good one in S2. They could've done right by his character in S3 and that moment in the finale is proof that they were close, if only they hadn't buried the lede in jokey shouty emotional repression... and I've talked and thought about this show already faaaaar more than I should have. I have to move on. I'm watching "My Brilliant Friend" next, just two season to catch up on.
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Post by Ryan_MYeah on May 27, 2022 16:14:23 GMT
Ok, so I’m about to binge most of Season 4, but taking a quick cursory glance… Each episode is the length of a movie This is gonna be a huge time sink.
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Post by Pavan on May 27, 2022 19:57:57 GMT
Just finished S4E1. Each episode is almost a like a movie. Pretty good start though.
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Post by Ryan_MYeah on May 27, 2022 20:56:21 GMT
Potential spoilers for the first two episodes. Read my thoughts at your own risk. Ok. Im two episodes in, and I’ll be honest… I’m a little bored so far. My problem so far is the sheer AMOUNT of content in this season. Every episode is the length of a feature film, and just from these two starters, that may be a road block for me. So far, I think there are too many characters. Too many subplots, too many separated groups, and so the focus has felt the need to expand, but at the expense of balance. There is good here. The evolution to the characters continue to impress, and feel like natural stepping stones for many of them. Some have regressed, but in ways I can buy into, and don’t actively sink the show. What DOES sink it, at least for me, is just how much cross-cutting is going on, as not only are we cutting between states (Hawkins and California), we’re likely to be cutting between CONTINENTS. And so in that way, we’re losing the streamlining that was beneficial to prior seasons, that deliberately kept its mechanics to as bare minimum as possible, and shedding what it didn’t need. Not only are we adding MORE characters on the list (that makes me feel like the Duffers would rather be tackling an anthology series), but we’re having EVERYONE from previous seasons jumping back in. Did Murray really need to be promoted to main cast this season? (And trust me, I’ll get to my feelings on that subplot.)
Moreover, even though I’m only a quarter of the way through the season, I find some of its trajectory a little off-putting. Like linking the Hellfire Club and D&D to Satanic cult conspiracies for a subplot (especially when real conspiracy theories like that RUINED people’s lives), or that it seems to be painting Brenner in a sympathetic light. As if the writers are saying “See? He’s not all bad. He did genuinely care about these kids.” HE’S A CHILD ABDUCTOR!! Also, as much as I love Hop, his eventual reappearance rubs me wrong, because not only does it nullify his sacrifice last season, but it kind of makes me feel too safe for the cast. Maybe this will change later on in the season, but for shows like this to work, you need tension to keep the fear going, and Hop may have single-handedly killed that feeling for me. If all of my favorite characters are immune, why should I care about any of them being in peril? Why should I believe that they’re in any real danger of dying? Season 4 is promising good things, but it’s also introducing so much that’s making me worried, and I hope the momentum picks up as we keep going.
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Post by Ryan_MYeah on May 28, 2022 1:25:05 GMT
Ok, “Dear Billy” is one of the best episodes the show has EVER put forward.
Also, Nancy/Robin buddy detectives is something I never knew I wanted so badly.
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flasuss
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Post by flasuss on May 28, 2022 2:13:18 GMT
The first one is good, but could easily have been shorter (we didn't need that montage to last half as long as it did). Also, you can't pretend there have been only 6 months with a cast made of kids ans teenagers lol
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Post by Ryan_MYeah on May 28, 2022 5:54:06 GMT
It’s a good seasonso far, but it’s also the worst season so far. The opening stretch just drags, and there really is no excuse for each episode to be 75 minutes on average (Hell, Episode 7 is almost 100 minutes, and it’s not even the finale). I shudder to think how long the last two episodes are gonna be (two hours would REALLY be pushing it).
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Post by Ryan_MYeah on May 28, 2022 6:31:49 GMT
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morton
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Post by morton on May 29, 2022 4:05:13 GMT
The first one is good, but could easily have been shorter (we didn't need that montage to last half as long as it did). Also, you can't pretend there have been only 6 months with a cast made of kids ans teenagers lol Unfortunately I had to work all day yesterday, and tried to stay off social media until I binged it today. In the show’s favor, there was a lot I liked, but I feel this is going to be the biggest criticism by far. I know it’s been forever since the show has been on, but every episode for me was just too long. Again a lot I liked, but it really dragged in parts though. Agree about the age thing too. Some of the kids, both old characters and new characters, still could pass as high schoolers, but some of them were looking rough. Even though I’m still processing everything, I wouldn’t be me without complaining lol.
Agree with everything Ryan_MYeah wrote in his post about the first two episodes, which unfortunately just continues throughout the rest of the episodes.
While I loved the character of Eddie and the actor reminded me of a young RDJ, the Hellfire Club just went sideways. At first the whole kids being in different cliques seemed interesting, but the jocks storyline was terrible. I know there was panic over satanic rituals and D&D back then, but it really did not need that much time devoted to it.
On the other hand, I mostly disliked the character of Argyle. Like Erica, I don’t blame the actor, but the writer for having a character be the comic relief and going way too one note with it. The only part I liked with his was him at Suzie’s house.
And speaking of one note characters, what did they do to my beloved Murray? Just totally a waste of time and really dumbed down. Also how the fuck do have so much money to fly to California and then to Alaska?
I mean I can suspend my disbelief about a lot of things with this show, but that was not one of them. Speaking of that whole Alaska/Russia subplot, as much as I really liked Enzo, that whole thing could have been cut and Hopper’s sacrifice should have stranded. Likewise sorry Winona, but I feel like maybe they should have gave Joyce a nice send off too. Not kill her off, but now I feel like she’s just sort of taking to space. She went from great mom to mom who doesn’t know what the fuck is happening to her kids even though she works at home. I mean I know they’re teenagers, but how could she not see how bad El and even Will were having it.
And as much as I love Will and hope he gets a happy ending, I feel like they don’t kniw what to with Byers family anymore. I love Steve, but I fucking hate this love triangle coming back again.
Unfortunately at this point it just makes me hate Nancy the most which is unfair, but as much as Jonathan should be honest with her, her lusting after another ex-boyfriend is totally on another level of wrong for me.
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Post by Ryan_MYeah on May 30, 2022 3:53:12 GMT
Okay, scraping together some thoughts on Volume 1 as a whole. I’ve just marked everything in spoilers, because I’d rather play it safe, and allow myself to ramble to my heart’s content. - The length really is just putting me off this season. Each episode could stand to lose about 15 minutes, either tightening up the pace, or cutting out antics and trimming down monologues. Simplicity would have gone a long way in restoring some balance. - That said, even though it does hurt the season somewhat, I have to give massive respect to the treasure trove of lore provided this season. It borderline ventures into J.K. Rowling world building, not only in how effortlessly it’s able to build the world, and heighten the fascination of the Upside Down, but in how it deliberately plays with different character dynamics. - I called the big Vecna twist early on, but despite all that, I think Vecna’s a great antagonist so far. Even though his intentions are murky, the ultimate revelations and motivations in his backstory are such brilliant touches to his character. Not only is he well-written, and visually striking, but it helps that he consistently feels like a legitimate threat. Even though this season is iffy when it comes to tension, they still do well to sell the horror and danger of his very presence. - That said, I think Hop’s reappearance, and Brenner’s eventual return (the Demogorgan slayed faceless soldiers, but not the ONE plot essential character), do undermine the threat of the show. For a show like this, you need tension. You need stakes. You need threat in order for us to feel afraid. So if even death isn’t permanent, why should I think any of my favorite characters are going to die? - I kind of wish the KGB prison wasn’t here, because it really does seem like the three adults are spinning their wheels, and could have easily been retired, or just demoted to occasional guest stars. - The kids are still the heart of the show. Sadie Sink, in particular, is practically running away with this whole season. You weep alongside her, you share in her fear of her eventual apparent death, and she has by far the trickiest tightrope, but also the most confidently walked. It helps that “Dear Billy” is far and away the best episode of the season. - That said, the Mike/Will/Johnathan team up feels the most inconsequential, and they really don’t feel present so far. Also, Argyle. Who’s fucking idea was it to hand so much screen time to this character? - The teens back in Hawkins, however, are bringing their A-game. While Nancy’s romantic tension is worrying (and honestly a step backwards for her character), the squad of Dyer, Keery, Hawke, and Quinn are all aces with terrific chemistry. Nancy/Robin detective duo is the best thing I never knew I wanted. - Of the newbies, I think Bower has the most fascinating material, but Quinn is no slouch either. Shaky introduction aside, his unapologetic weirdness and eccentricity can utterly steal a scene. - Did we REALLY need another variation of Billy this season, with the blonde basketball guy (I don’t even know his name) just being blandness incarnate. Also, was suspicion or murder not enough tension? Did we really need fear of Satantic cults? - At least the effects keep looking better and better, mixing the right amount of striking neons and gruesome gross outs, and some mouth-watering camera movements. The kill scenes this season: Goddamn! - Hop’s prison gang battling a Demogorgan a la Beyond Thunderdome was pretty awesome. - Robert Englund is a national treasure. - The fact that we’re likely NEVER seeing Kali again aside (making The Lost Sister look even more pointless), it was endlessly fascinating getting to see the Rainbow Room at its apex, and see more of the subjects. - I’m glad they didn’t try to mine sympathy from Brenner. I was worried they would soften him after the opening scene, but no. He’s still the same manipulative, child abducting psychopath, and seeing Owens butt heads with him lead to some intriguing display of morals. - Soundtrack still on point. Kate Bush MVP! - I find it hilarious that Jif paid for their product placement… while there’s a recall for salmonella poisoning as this airs xD - Was that a oner in the opening of The Massacre at Hawkins Lab? Dope! - I really hope this season is able to stick the landing. The Hellfire Club is a such a slog that it almost kills my excitement, but the momentum picks up considerably after those introductory episodes. They have no business being as long as they are, but this season still has me hooked, and I pray that the next two episodes won’t take that for granted, and give me the satisfaction I’ve always enjoyed from Stranger Things. Ranking the episodes: 1. Dear Billy 2. The Dive 3. The Monster and the Superhero 4. The Massacre at Hawkins Lab 5. The Nina Project 6. Vecna’s Curse 7. The Hellfire Club
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Post by quetee on May 30, 2022 15:05:50 GMT
OMG Episode 4 was beyond stressful.
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