Apparently the release crashed Netflix for a few minutes.
So like I said, everyone showed up.
I'm holding out judgment until the season is over, but generally it seems about as good as any previous season so far.
A little different vibe, but each season has had its own unique influences.
The 3rd and 4th episodes have been the strongest ones so far imo.
Which isn't surprising to me considering my love of Frank Darabont's work.
But also it gives me pause for the rest of the season, given how crappy the first two episodes were (Directed by the Duffer Brothers themselves).
At least they got it together in episode 4 a bit more so maybe all their effort went in to the finale.
It'll be interesting to see what Shawn Levy does with his episodes, I'm looking forward to those.
I'm guessing the Duffer Brothers will stick to the war time vibe for the finale which... ehh. We'll see.
If you are "meh" after the first episode this season (like I was), keep going cuz it does get a bit better at least.
I am a huge fan of the franchise, but..I am worried that the plot this season will be predictable. So far, I found all the big reveals to be expected and unsurprising, although very well executed cinematically. I am hoping part 2 will bring something new. Also, worried they'll kill off a favorite main character for cheap shock value.
As usual, the character development, or rather transformation, is on point. I am hoping the parents, apart from Joyce and Hopper, will play a bigger role than they had in other seasons. I love the entire universe the franchise built, it's so nostalgic. With Stranger Things, I re-watch the show multiple times - the first time is for the plot, the other times are for the sets, the fashion the pop culture references, the hidden cues and foreshadowing. I did notice there was more product placement in this season than the other seasons.
Anyways, I am glad they are doing this in 3 parts, cause otherwise, I would've binged watched this thing over multiple days and sleepless nights.
@Alexithymia - There's only four episodes left so going big drama with big swings of emotion and logistics seems like a given. You're right, the nostalgia is like taking a historical shower and I'm happy that the younger generations are having fun experiencing it. I hadn't noticed the product placement but now I know I'll be watching close.
I've seen people state some wide possibilities in the plot so I'm not taking any of it as anything other than speculation.
My hope is that they end it with a crescendo that triggers a rewatch of the series where we can see how it was obvious throughout the entire series. Knowing that I didn't know would make me the happiest because predictable makes me lose appreciation for the investment in a series. I'd really like to look back and say, hot the F did I not see THAT coming when it was right their the entire time - as an INFJ I almost always see things coming and when I don't it's refreshing and sweet [even if I don't fully like or agree with the result].
I really like that Will was elevated. His innocence and soft personality turning into a strength is already first rate in my mind. This is because I enjoy psychology and the nature vs. nurture of the human experience. Will is an example of an afflicted unnatural development where he is internally being tormented for years. His ability to overcome this affliction and then stand strong when confronted by adversity really describes and 80's youthful experience [to me]. His nature (was/is) unnatural and his nurture was Joyce which is a testament to love overcoming evil [literally in this case], only that we can't see that value of the nurturing [which should be the goal of every parent]. This leads me to believe that Joyce will die to save her beautiful young boy that she loves so dearly - If only we all had parents that would fight like that for all of us in the 80's.
All of that said, I do believe that even with the power of multiple people there will have to be a villain that is bigger than all of them if the conflict is to be truly appreciated. In this regard, I think they have set the stage for a "Go Big or Go Home," ending.
This is obviously my speculation but that I took the time to speculate is a demonstration of my enjoyment and appreciation of the art.
