MetBBBTV - Stranger Things (Episode 1 - Season 2)

Ah, the ol' Netflix and chill. I feel you.

Just popped my head in to say that I will be watching episode 1 in the next half hour then heading over here for a chinwag. Episode two will be as from tomorrow (to allow me time to come and gossip this evening)!

I fucking LOVE this show. I mean, you have no idea how hard it's going to be to only watch one episode a week, goddamnit.

So, I made a few notes as I watched:

- Hell yes for the music. I am buying that as soon as it is released. VERY reminiscent of Jean Michel Jarre/John Carpenter
- Loving the references to 80s films and culture: The sister Nancy (surely a nod to Elm Street), the scene at the start where the two boys are riding and the one at the back says "get back here.... I'm gonna kill you". Pretty sure that's verbatim dialogie from Brand in the Goonies..... when he's riding a bike after his brother. Nancy's friend is a fatter Molly Ringwald.
- The scene with Will and the Thing at the house was genuinely creepy. Very X Files-y
- I like the way the font for the title card is reminiscent of the style used on Stephen King books in the 80s
- The interaction between the 3 boy sin the principal's office was a joy to watch. TIt was really natural and seemed as though they had a genuine rapport with each other as opposed to actors acting like they're friends
- Winona Ryder is putting in, so far, a phenomenal performance. It's all bubbling away under the surface waiting to get out which it finally does with the phone call towards the end of the show.

So yeah. Bloody loving it. In fact I'm off to see when it's out on bluray.

Feel free to watch episode 2. I might have to leave it until next weekend as I've got a lot on.

Can't wait to delve back into it though

And ze plot thickens

It would be kinda cool to read others' opinions on the show and discuss n all.

I watched ep 2 this morning.
I really like that 80s feeling, and i'm amazed by the kids acting especially El.
Now that i think about it, every character in that show pulls a very good and convincing performance.
I like the fact that they show past events and i did enjoy the brothers scene it was very well played.

I felt the story in this episode go a little slow and long for me though, at some point my mind drifted away and was checking when it would end, however the ending was good
I think there should be more explanation about El and the papa and those men in white, i mean i know it's to keep the people hooked and keeping the mystery but at some point the men in white seemed to step in from another tv show, is it only me who felt this

What i didn't find convincing was the sister's shift of attitude towards her friend molly? And that boy she likes? It seemed out of place and the behavior didn't seem real for me when it comes to her character traits in ep 1 and during the ep2.
Nice ending though, i felt tempted to start ep3 but i did 't heheh

SOooooooooooo just got done with ep 2. Here's some thoughts I made whilst watching:

- Once again these kid actors are REALLY good. Convinving, authentic and believable
- Love the chapter headings on each episode
- Winona Ryder delivering yet more spellbinding performances. The mania of the breakfast scene was well pitched, The scene in the shop was amazing and the phine scene towards the end just heart wrenching.
- LOL @ the pride of a 22" TV
- Those low synth notes in the soundtrack are awesome. Every show needs a synth.
- The girl playing L is just amazing. Able to communicate complex emotions simply with her eyes.
- The scene in the cupboard where she flashes back.... the yelling of "Papa" just destroyed me.
- At some point in my life, I have to try meatloaf. Seems to be a staple of so many American shows/movies.
- Hopper getting some action with the ladies? You're damn straight.
- Will's older brother talking photos of the pool party..... from the bushes..... okaaaay....
- Those phone calls are creepy as shit.
- WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS COMING THROUGH THAT WALL. RUN WINONA..... RUN. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?! DRIVE AWAY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.
- In keeping with the 80s film vibe.... gratuitous bra shot. At least Will's older brother kept it classy by taking a photo of Molly Ringwald-lite as opposed to what was happening in the bedroom window. And then was a total twat by looking down at his camera whilst Mr Monster ate her up. Idiot.

I'll say it again, I am loving this series. And I'm REALLY glad that I'm not binge watching it all in one go. I've finished each episode in the same state: desperate to see what happens next. And I think that it's making me appreciate the show a whole lot more for it. Although I'm not technically a child of the 80s as I was born in 1979*, films and shows set in that decade always hit a button in my emotions - I think because it is synonymous with childhood and carefree days and BMX-ing around my village like a loon.

To touch on what Mob mentioned about the speed of this episode, I actually liked the fact that it slowed down a bit. It allows for better character and plot development. Hopper has led us to the building that L escaped from, couple that with her flashback and we're starting to be given a hint as to the path we might go down. Brilliant writing so far, it looks fantastic and I'm just hoping it maintains the level of quality.

* I've long believed that the phrase "child of the XXs (decade here) should refer to the point in your life that you start becoming conscious of cultural events and moments. Where the memories start to become more frequent and connected rather than fragmented. SO whilst I technically was a child of the 80s, most of my stuff comes from 88 onwards. If this was set in that period of time I'd probably be even more in love with it than I already am.

I'm proposing we make Sunday's the new night/day to start the next episode.

I'm off to buy a Chinese takeaway and, fuck me, that sounds like something that would be AWESOME with an episode of ST.

Well that was an episode. More later.

Yup. We (and by that I mean 'I') made the decision to watch ep03 last night. Hope that's ok with y'all.

Should the topic title be getting changed so we know what episode we're discussing? Wouldn't want to see any spoilers.

Indeed!  I cried... twice!  Yeah, gonna digest now.


Lordcatfish: Saw the Jaws poster this time :)

:D brilliant LM.