What is it?
Stranger Things is a breakaway Netflix Original science fiction/horror series, possibly the most successful original show (Marvel Defenders’ series are based on already established characters). If a nostalgic trip to the 80s and a Dungeons and Dragons game that goes HORRIBLY wrong sound appealing, this is the series for you.
Wait, what?
Ok, so the Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) game is just a coincidence/analogy for the antagonist. The ‘demigorgon’ of the first series is a vastly misunderstood beast from some parallel dimension (the details are a little hazy). At any rate, it does make for a menacing foe, coupled with a dark world bleeding over into our own, makes for a rather spooky experience.
But the demigorgon is only part of the story. There’s also a government conspiracy involving human subjects with paranormal powers. The whole story is tied together nicely, with season two expanding upon some of the established goings-on as well as dealing with the aftermath of the first season.
The third season will pick up a few months after the end of season two. It seems that there are still more more dark adventures to be had in Hawkins. While the trailer doesn’t give too much away, it does look like there’s some new ground to cover.
How do I get into it?
Season one and season two are already available on Netflix, so you can binge to your heart’s content. Season three premieres on July 4th. There might be just enough time to get caught up if you don’t sleep, and you might not be able to anyway.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEG3bmU_WaI
Get it if you like…
Anything by Stephen Spielberg, especially his 70s and 80s work-this series feels a lot like E.T. meets Indiana Jones. There’s also a bit of a John Carpenter vibe in between the 80s pop culture references if you’re a fan of either (who isn’t?).
