Stranger Things
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Okay, that finale will take some time to process.
First and worst things first: Hoppers dead.
But, as far as our Hawkins heroes know, Hopper will nevermore serve as police chief.
No more coffee and contemplation.
No more grumpy barking of orders.
No more contentious courting of Joyce.
No more watchingMiami Vicewith El.
His death has also led to a splintering of our central characters.
Hawkins will never be the same.
But first, how did we get there?
Short answer: destruction.
Meanwhile, everyone else prepares to retreat to the safety of Murrays hideout.
After some tender moments, they spring into action.
What could go wrong?
She cant even crush a New Coke can, much less sling a car around.
Then a third problem presents itself: the Mind Flayer, now the size of a mall.
(And somehowStranger Thingshas found a way to make it even scarier than in previous appearances.)
(Its played for laughs, and last episodes Russian deaths were treated pretty casually as well.
InStranger Things, life is precious, unless it belongs to a stinkin commie invader.)
Looks like this relationship is finally going somewhere!
Murray doesnt know it.
Erica and Dustin dont either.
Well, the day issortof saved.
That little nod he gives Joyce telling her to turn the keys is devastating.
Theyve saved the Earth with a little last-second help from Paul Reiser, but theyve also paid a price.
Everyones either moving out or moving on.
Jonathan and Nancy go their separate ways.
And it was a pretty great season.
The question ofStranger Things shelf life has hung over it from the start.
One season seemed like enough, but the second turned into a winning follow-up.
If nothing else, we have to see Steves employee picks at the video store.
Lucas, as ever, remained underserved, but Erica emerged as a star player.
Smart move or a failure of nerve?
Pedantic note: No one called the firstStar WarsfilmA New Hopein 1985.
Will the next season be set in 1986?
If so, were pushing a bit past the golden age ofStranger Things influences.
