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On July 09 2019 00:11 Velr wrote:
I found S3 to be totally underwhelming and often plain stupid.
I have absolutely no issues with creepy Monster from another dimension, I have issues with children/teens infiltrating a russian base, built under a shopping mall that they find by cracking a code in 1 day because one girl can casually learn russian, after all she allready speaks Spanish and French. Let alone them outsmarting all the "Evil russians" (actual Quote).
+done to death "grumpy dad that won't let his daughter have a boyfriend".
+Product placement.
+All new characters are super smart and don't take shit from anyone (the Little girl and the icecream girl).
+Monster seems to follow totally random "rules".
+THAT FUCKING COKE SCENE.
Ugh…
5/10 at most.
Watch back to the future
That’s why they are playing up the product placement angle. It was a part of the era
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The most baffling thing to me is that story moved absolutely nowhere, dare I say, backwards even. We learned absolutely nothing new of the Upside Down world, hell, it got like 30 second screentime in this season? We learned nothing of their motivation aside from they want to destroy (duh). Dunno what the monster expected by absorbing large amounts of shit. The other parts were just meh for me, and Billy getting no chance to turn around his life and bro up with Steve and such was just bad.
My favourite characters were the russian guy and Bald Eagle.
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Very outrageous how an entire base of Soviets happened to sneak in under the town with only a tease of an explanation. Some of the references were cute but a bit too forced, and the plot can get kinda janky at times.
Otherwise, season 3 was fairly entertaining. The mall made me nostalgic for the one on my hometown that is soon getting torn down. The gooey body horror focus for the monster was so disgustingly interesting. David Harbour's speech at the end hit some very strong emotional beats and was a nice bookend to the season.
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Honestly as much as people may find that coke scene cringey it was absolutely hilarious and true to the time period. it was introduced in 85 and viewed as a colossal failure. Thus the scene of them arguing over the taste is fully in tune with the time period.
I felt the season felt very true to the time period in how the town felt and the references being made. I will admit the fact 4 kids could sneak into a russian facility so well and not be killed is a little silly. or the fact a female solider was ignored (Joyce)
but aside from that situation I really liked the season. I am also super excited for season 4 whenever that will be as I feel they set up some plot lines that could be interesting to follow.
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A lot of criticisms for the season seem to miss that this entire show is set up to play off of the themes and trends of the 80's. Everything from the Coke riff to the fact that a bunch of kids broke into a Russian base to Hopper's antiquated hyper-masculine father figure character are all reflections of 80's culture. It's all quite purposeful and looking for realism is completely missing the point of the show. Just look at how purposefully the show juxtaposes lighthearted and very explicit pop culture riffs with serious sci-fi horror moments. Shit, the season finale broke into a straight up musical number in the middle of the final conflict.
Aside from the fact that we learned pretty much nothing about the Upside Down, I thought the season was great. Best season so far. Easily had the most character development, and even Billy's character was great. Robin + Steve also has to be the standout chemistry of the entire series. That absolutely needs to continue.
9/10. I'd say that this series compares to GoT's early seasons so far.
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On July 11 2019 14:50 Stratos_speAr wrote:
A lot of criticisms for the season seem to miss that this entire show is set up to play off of the themes and trends of the 80's. Everything from the Coke riff to the fact that a bunch of kids broke into a Russian base to Hopper's antiquated hyper-masculine father figure character are all reflections of 80's culture. It's all quite purposeful and looking for realism is completely missing the point of the show. Just look at how purposefully the show juxtaposes lighthearted and very explicit pop culture riffs with serious sci-fi horror moments. Shit, the season finale broke into a straight up musical number in the middle of the final conflict.
Aside from the fact that we learned pretty much nothing about the Upside Down, I thought the season was great. Best season so far. Easily had the most character development, and even Billy's character was great. Robin + Steve also has to be the standout chemistry of the entire series. That absolutely needs to continue.
9/10. I'd say that this series compares to GoT's early seasons so far.
Not for me. Seasons 1 and 2 I very much enjoyed, 3 less so - maybe 7/10.
I still binged it super quick but I don't really remember there being as much good stuff as in the last couple of seasons. Less interesting metaphorical stuff behind the surface this time.
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Yep.. S3 is just tons of 80ies clichés losely connected by a stupid story.
Stranger Things is about 80ies nostalgia but not only. S3 falls totally flat on everything and even the nostalgia is way too IN YOUR FACE. Not enjoying this has not much to do with not remembering the 80ies, the quality of most of theses "member?" moments was that of a fart joke.
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Seconded. The "Mall Rats" episode annoyed me to no end. All these '80s teen mall tropes were just not needed. We've had them. They were done in the period the show is meant to be an hommage to, not blatantly copy what it was. If you want to do an hommage, at least try to do it with some elegance and originality instead of simply doing what's been done over 30 years ago.
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I had to stop watching on like episode 5, don't even care anymore. Season 1 was great, season 2 was ok, season 3 is awful.
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On July 11 2019 14:50 Stratos_speAr wrote:
A lot of criticisms for the season seem to miss that this entire show is set up to play off of the themes and trends of the 80's. Everything from the Coke riff to the fact that a bunch of kids broke into a Russian base to Hopper's antiquated hyper-masculine father figure character are all reflections of 80's culture. It's all quite purposeful and looking for realism is completely missing the point of the show. Just look at how purposefully the show juxtaposes lighthearted and very explicit pop culture riffs with serious sci-fi horror moments. Shit, the season finale broke into a straight up musical number in the middle of the final conflict.
Aside from the fact that we learned pretty much nothing about the Upside Down, I thought the season was great. Best season so far. Easily had the most character development, and even Billy's character was great. Robin + Steve also has to be the standout chemistry of the entire series. That absolutely needs to continue.
9/10. I'd say that this series compares to GoT's early seasons so far.
It's like people don't know what genres are and compare the show to serious drama. Now i am not sure how in your face the nostalgia stuff really feels (i am not old enough for the 80s :D), outside of say the coke scene which overall isn't a big deal imo, but people saying there is nothing but nostalgia are just outright wrong.
Basically every character has their arc and storyline which even works with different genre tropes in a sense, stranger things will never be interested in breaking down a character completely and do any form of character study, that's not required here and would actively go against the tone of the series.
We still have moments where character realise something and grow, it's fairly well written on the character level for what the show wants to be.
They also are clever about using motifs of older seasons in a new light, in season 1 eleven didn't want to close the door when she changed her clothes, she was afraid because a closed door meant control over her, now it's the opposite, hopper wants to keep the door open to have control while she wants it closed. Stuff like that isn't much, but it's still clever.
Season 3 is definitely up there with season 1 (season 2 was kinda meh), might even be the best one so far, would have to rewatch the first one to really be able to tell. But this season managed to mix so many different moods and feelings, pretty fantastic.
Obviously there are some things which could be better and are a little campy even, but for the most part the show is selfaware about it and might even make fun of it. The only thing which bothered me a little was how they used erica, it was a little much for me personally, but that's really a small thing either way.
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Better than 2 imo, almost back to season 1 levels. Really enjoyed it!
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On July 11 2019 23:05 The_Red_Viper wrote:Show nested quote +On July 11 2019 14:50 Stratos_speAr wrote:
A lot of criticisms for the season seem to miss that this entire show is set up to play off of the themes and trends of the 80's. Everything from the Coke riff to the fact that a bunch of kids broke into a Russian base to Hopper's antiquated hyper-masculine father figure character are all reflections of 80's culture. It's all quite purposeful and looking for realism is completely missing the point of the show. Just look at how purposefully the show juxtaposes lighthearted and very explicit pop culture riffs with serious sci-fi horror moments. Shit, the season finale broke into a straight up musical number in the middle of the final conflict.
Aside from the fact that we learned pretty much nothing about the Upside Down, I thought the season was great. Best season so far. Easily had the most character development, and even Billy's character was great. Robin + Steve also has to be the standout chemistry of the entire series. That absolutely needs to continue.
9/10. I'd say that this series compares to GoT's early seasons so far. It's like people don't know what genres are and compare the show to serious drama. Now i am not sure how in your face the nostalgia stuff really feels (i am not old enough for the 80s :D), outside of say the coke scene which overall isn't a big deal imo, but people saying there is nothing but nostalgia are just outright wrong. Basically every character has their arc and storyline which even works with different genre tropes in a sense, stranger things will never be interested in breaking down a character completely and do any form of character study, that's not required here and would actively go against the tone of the series. We still have moments where character realise something and grow, it's fairly well written on the character level for what the show wants to be. They also are clever about using motifs of older seasons in a new light, in season 1 eleven didn't want to close the door when she changed her clothes, she was afraid because a closed door meant control over her, now it's the opposite, hopper wants to keep the door open to have control while she wants it closed. Stuff like that isn't much, but it's still clever. Season 3 is definitely up there with season 1 (season 2 was kinda meh), might even be the best one so far, would have to rewatch the first one to really be able to tell. But this season managed to mix so many different moods and feelings, pretty fantastic. Obviously there are some things which could be better and are a little campy even, but for the most part the show is selfaware about it and might even make fun of it. The only thing which bothered me a little was how they used erica, it was a little much for me personally, but that's really a small thing either way.
I think the 80's nostalgia is neat, but I think they are relying on it rather than good writing. Besides, I wouldn't have liked the show in season 1 either if it was this silly with such a disjointed inane plot.
So many events and decisions are just completely unbelievable. And that's not because they are fantasy, I can withhold disbelief to participate in a universe that is created for me. It's because even in the universe that was created for me, the things that are happening still make zero sense.
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First season was actually tense from the get go. This season (even though I've only seen 2 episodes), we are forcefed silly antics and tropes, like they weren't done to death in the '80s.
I don't want to see a fucking montage of early teens shopping in a mall and trying to find a way for your girl to forgive you seeing the ring is too expensive and doing silly things. That stuff is for light hearted family movies that star the Olson twins.
The same can be said about the ice shack, it's just trope after trope. They completely gutted Steve's character to this one dimensional hull. At least he had some depth before, now he's just silly. At least I'm hopeful he'll have some more depth episode 3 and onwards..
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On July 12 2019 01:45 travis wrote:Show nested quote +On July 11 2019 23:05 The_Red_Viper wrote:On July 11 2019 14:50 Stratos_speAr wrote:
A lot of criticisms for the season seem to miss that this entire show is set up to play off of the themes and trends of the 80's. Everything from the Coke riff to the fact that a bunch of kids broke into a Russian base to Hopper's antiquated hyper-masculine father figure character are all reflections of 80's culture. It's all quite purposeful and looking for realism is completely missing the point of the show. Just look at how purposefully the show juxtaposes lighthearted and very explicit pop culture riffs with serious sci-fi horror moments. Shit, the season finale broke into a straight up musical number in the middle of the final conflict.
Aside from the fact that we learned pretty much nothing about the Upside Down, I thought the season was great. Best season so far. Easily had the most character development, and even Billy's character was great. Robin + Steve also has to be the standout chemistry of the entire series. That absolutely needs to continue.
9/10. I'd say that this series compares to GoT's early seasons so far. It's like people don't know what genres are and compare the show to serious drama. Now i am not sure how in your face the nostalgia stuff really feels (i am not old enough for the 80s :D), outside of say the coke scene which overall isn't a big deal imo, but people saying there is nothing but nostalgia are just outright wrong. Basically every character has their arc and storyline which even works with different genre tropes in a sense, stranger things will never be interested in breaking down a character completely and do any form of character study, that's not required here and would actively go against the tone of the series. We still have moments where character realise something and grow, it's fairly well written on the character level for what the show wants to be. They also are clever about using motifs of older seasons in a new light, in season 1 eleven didn't want to close the door when she changed her clothes, she was afraid because a closed door meant control over her, now it's the opposite, hopper wants to keep the door open to have control while she wants it closed. Stuff like that isn't much, but it's still clever. Season 3 is definitely up there with season 1 (season 2 was kinda meh), might even be the best one so far, would have to rewatch the first one to really be able to tell. But this season managed to mix so many different moods and feelings, pretty fantastic. Obviously there are some things which could be better and are a little campy even, but for the most part the show is selfaware about it and might even make fun of it. The only thing which bothered me a little was how they used erica, it was a little much for me personally, but that's really a small thing either way. I think the 80's nostalgia is neat, but I think they are relying on it rather than good writing.
How so? Name actual examples how it relies on nostalgia. It's funny you say that because a big part of the audience doesn't have any nostalgia towards the 80s, at best a certain nostalgie towards movies of the 80s (and even there i personally wouldn't really say i have that part)
What does "good writing" look like when we are aware of the genre?
On July 12 2019 01:45 travis wrote:
Besides, I wouldn't have liked the show in season 1 either if it was this silly with such a disjointed inane plot.
So many events and decisions are just completely unbelievable. And that's not because they are fantasy, I can withhold disbelief to participate in a universe that is created for me. It's because even in the universe that was created for me, the things that are happening still make zero sense.
Again, elaborate. I don't see what is so outrageous if one buys into the whole "kids solve mystery which involves interdimensional monsters" part.
I guess you dislike the multiple plotlines going on at the same time which then culminate?
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Idk I had pretty much no problem with the light-hearted tone of much of the season. Maybe it's because I was a teacher, but my favorite parts of the season were the coming of age teen moments that a few of you are complaining about. I found myself having a goofy grin at least once an episode, because one of the younger characters said something witty, clever, or flat out kid-like.
I hadn't even thought about the door open/closing thing Red Viper, that's a great catch.
I think people's reactions to this season are primarily based on which aspects of the show you enjoy the most. If you're more so into the sci-fi upside down, maybe this season isn't as strong. I'm primarily into the character development, and I think that this season delivered in a big way on that front.
Also disagree on Steve now being "one-dimensional." When we first met Steve he was basically a douchebag jock, and now he has some introspective moments. If anything, he started out one dimensional and now he's way more fleshed out as a character. He's gone from my least favorite character to one of my favorites and I feel like the show has earned it.
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It's funny that the New Coke scene keeps being referenced here because it's the perfect analogy for the show trying a new formula after a wildly successful first season and failing miserably.
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On July 12 2019 02:56 darthfoley wrote:
Also disagree on Steve now being "one-dimensional." When we first met Steve he was basically a douchebag jock, and now he has some introspective moments. If anything, he started out one dimensional and now he's way more fleshed out as a character. He's gone from my least favorite character to one of my favorites and I feel like the show has earned it.
Maybe I'll still be pleasantly surprised about him because first 2 episodes were him just being a silly sidekick at most.
Steve was one of the more interesting characters because he was meant to be thought of as one dimensional while quickly shattering that stereotype when he actually does have some depth as a person.
Edit: this is what they did well with the '80s hommage. They made it seem like a trope, only to shatter that, while still doing justice to it. Now it just feels like blatant copying.
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On July 12 2019 16:58 z0rz wrote:
It's funny that the New Coke scene keeps being referenced here because it's the perfect analogy for the show trying a new formula after a wildly successful first season and failing miserably.
This season is getting rave reviews and has some of the best viewership numbers Netflix has ever seen.
In what world are they "failing miserably"?
Maybe I'll still be pleasantly surprised about him because first 2 episodes were him just being a silly sidekick at most.
Steve was one of the more interesting characters because he was meant to be thought of as one dimensional while quickly shattering that stereotype when he actually does have some depth as a person.
Edit: this is what they did well with the '80s hommage. They made it seem like a trope, only to shatter that, while still doing justice to it. Now it just feels like blatant copying.
Steve is great in this season. Just keep watching. Him and Robin are easily the best duo in the show.
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On July 13 2019 01:59 Stratos_speAr wrote:Show nested quote +On July 12 2019 16:58 z0rz wrote:
It's funny that the New Coke scene keeps being referenced here because it's the perfect analogy for the show trying a new formula after a wildly successful first season and failing miserably. This season is getting rave reviews and has some of the best viewership numbers Netflix has ever seen. In what world are they "failing miserably"?
I mean, it's all subjective and these are just my opinions.
It's gotten rave reviews and set records, but it's also gotten a lot of disappointing reviews. This thread obviously isn't an exhaustive review of the series, but I'm seeing a lot fair criticisms here and not a ton of "wow this is the greatest thing I've ever seen."
For me, season 1 was built around (aside from the amazing cast) a painstaking attention to small details that built one of the coolest environments/vibes/etc that I've ever seen in a show and it feels like they took the exact opposite approach to seasons 2 and 3; a Michael Bay-ing of what was once a very slow, well-crafted, deliberate show.
It's not BAD, per se, but it's like season 1 was told by a wise, experienced storyteller and seasons 2 and 3 were told by a kid with too much candy. It's fun, it's visually appealing, but it's shallow, messy, gratuitous, and kinda.. forgettable.
A lot of people are into it. I'm not ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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On July 13 2019 16:29 z0rz wrote:Show nested quote +On July 13 2019 01:59 Stratos_speAr wrote:On July 12 2019 16:58 z0rz wrote:
It's funny that the New Coke scene keeps being referenced here because it's the perfect analogy for the show trying a new formula after a wildly successful first season and failing miserably. This season is getting rave reviews and has some of the best viewership numbers Netflix has ever seen. In what world are they "failing miserably"? I mean, it's all subjective and these are just my opinions. It's gotten rave reviews and set records, but it's also gotten a lot of disappointing reviews. This thread obviously isn't an exhaustive review of the series, but I'm seeing a lot fair criticisms here and not a ton of "wow this is the greatest thing I've ever seen." For me, season 1 was built around (aside from the amazing cast) a painstaking attention to small details that built one of the coolest environments/vibes/etc that I've ever seen in a show and it feels like they took the exact opposite approach to seasons 2 and 3; a Michael Bay-ing of what was once a very slow, well-crafted, deliberate show. It's not BAD, per se, but it's like season 1 was told by a wise, experienced storyteller and seasons 2 and 3 were told by a kid with too much candy. It's fun, it's visually appealing, but it's shallow, messy, gratuitous, and kinda.. forgettable. A lot of people are into it. I'm not ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
You're free to not be into it, but saying that it's "failing miserably" is way over-the-top. It didn't go the way of GoT season 8. The reviews are still very good overall and there clearly isn't any kind of massive drop in quality or complete change in direction like GoT did.
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EPT
