olivermoss | I watched Stranger Things

Or rather I listened to it while tabbed out. Like half of episode 3 had strobe lighting in the background. What the heck? I watched some of it.

I really don't remember S2 being that intense with the strobes and flickering. I remember binging it quite comfortabley. The series has always had flashy lights and I likely had to tab out for parts of S2, but not that much.

The early part of the season was a slog. Tired tropes, tedious scenes and an overall feeling that without a crisis certain close friends drift apart.

It's great by the end, though. I am sure I missed some nuances and character development by not being able to actually watch most of the action scenes. I loved the Neverending Story scene. Scenes like that are often terrible, but I loved everything about it. Suzie singing in the night, connecting with Dustin, the adult's frustration, Robin and Steve listening as they drive back into danger.

Will's family moving and separating El and Mike was sad. I get why the Mom can't take living there anymore, but it was sad to see the effects it was having. I totally get why she wants her kids out of that town, though.

I loved Robin and Erica. I loved Nancy's conversation with her Mom.

Hopper was a mess. He was gross and angry. The letter at the end was great, but hid actions were terrible and I don't like how he spoke to Joyce. That didn't feel like banter to me, there was a mean edge to it. I did like him in other season. This season, nah.

Both narratively and visually I think the Duffers created something really special and groundbreaking. I'd live to do a deep dive on why it would so well and how it's different from other shows and stories, but I'd have to rewatch all of it once or twice and I literally can't. Well, I could but I'd wind up really screwed up from the flashing lights.

And on that note I literally off to the eye doctor. (For a scheduled appointment, not as a result of watching too much.)