Season 3 of ‘Stranger Things’ Returns With its Nostalgic 80’s Vibes, Only to Make Fans Wait for the Next Season
“Stranger Things 3” (Photo Credit: Netflix)
By Sumana Ali
The Upside Down and its creatures have returned to Hawkins, Indiana in the third season of Netflix’s original series “Stranger Things”. Complete with nostalgic 1980’s vibes, malicious Soviet Russians, shopping malls and throwback soundtracks, Season 3 is a blast from the past that stays engaging despite being somewhat redundant at times.
As usual, the well-directed and cleverly calculated eight-episode installment features new characters and heartbreaking deaths, leaving audiences craving more of the small town and its residents.
Though it has a fair amount of surprises, excitement, and drama, the season opens with a strange sense of normalcy. Previously younger characters like Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Mike (Finn Wolfhard) start dating, while the older characters like Steve (Joe Keery), Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) juggle challenges at work after high school. Things quickly shift into high gear when Will (Noah Schnapp) starts sensing that the Demogorgon has returned.
Indeed it has, since the bad- boy resident, Billy (Dacre Montgomery), one of the most hated characters on the show, is possessed by the Dem gon. Now for the first time, Billy is given a chance to gain audience sympathy, and his character development and ultimate fate were met with mixed feelings from longtime fans. Montgomery’s performance is definitely one of the best things about the season.
Though a bit odd at first, the storyline remains engaging throughout, with charming team-ups between characters, stunning visual effects, and action weaving together separate, entertaining storylines that eventually converge in the finale. As in previous seasons, Dustin and Steve together make a pretty hilarious team but paired with Erica (Priah Ferguson) and a new addition to the quirky team, Robin (Maya Hawke), the comedy of the season was really elevated.
Max, Will, Eleven, Mike, and Lucas in “Stranger Things 3” (Photo Credit: Netflix)
The audience also gets to laugh at fan-favorite conspiracy theorists like Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman) chasing evil Russians with Jim Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder). Though Hopper and Joyce meet an unexpected fate, it feels heartfelt all throughout.
Nonetheless, the season is very emotional and serious at times. Characters are given a chance to develop in meaningful ways through the plot, the brilliant script and fantastic acting. The season finale includes the death of a major character, and the cast mourns.
However, since the creators chose not to show the death on-screen, it’s unclear if the person in question is really dead. Especially since in the ending credits it’s revealed that the Russians have an American prisoner and creatures from the upside-down in a secret Russian base.
Though the season can feel a bit mediocre at times because of the seemingly repetitive storylines, there is a fair amount of character development and visual effects to compensate for that. Other than these elements, nothing really significant happens, although it was very hyped up. Compared to previous seasons, it could have been more exciting, but its fast pace keeps it interesting. Overall, it is a solid B+.
