Stranger Things Season 3: A Series Review
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Stranger Things Season 3: A Series Review

You can't spell America without Erica

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Stranger Things Season 3: A Series Review
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If you're anyone who knows anything about the internet, you've probably heard all of the rages about the new season of Stranger Things. It's grossed over 40 million views already, and that doesn't even mean everyone who's been watching has finished yet. So, how'd the Duffer Brothers and Netflix do? Is it worth the hype? Is it really worth taking a day to binge?

If you're one of the few that haven't watched it yet, the answer is an absolute yes.

Stranger Things Season 3 was worth the wait, the incredible action-packed season makes it seem like there's more than just eight episodes. Each episode has such a large importance to the plot, the interest never dips away from the storyline. Despite adding new characters such as Suzie, or Robin, or giving a larger importance to previous background characters like Erica and Billy, the main characters aren't forgotten or ignored. Everyone has their time to shine when their individual strengths are needed. They create such a well-rounded team and an important dynamic which makes the audience fall in love.

Let's get to it, though, what was good and bad? Was there anything bad to begin with? Let it be known that this is NOT spoiler free and if you're looking to watch it I'd wait to read this.

CHARACTERS:

One thing that I still can't stand about the Stranger Things plotline is the fact that they place Will on the backburner, and season three really isn't any different than the first two. He's stuck in the Upside Down half the time in the first season, he's ignored in the second season and the mere minute I think Will Byers will get any more attention, he doesn't. Though his role is essential, knowing that the monster is back and where he is, he's used more as a tool than he is represented as a person. He's ignored by his two best friends, Mike and Lucas, as they find interest in girls and love. The saying "pals before gals" is really forgotten in this case, leaving Will to fend for himself against the demons he had to fight previously. Even though Mike apologizes for his actions, the fact that he was so love-struck instead of supporting a friend who has quite literally been through it all angers me. Lucas is in the same boat, and thankfully Will is nice enough to forgive them. He's mature and has his priorities straight: DnD and fighting real-life monsters over love... Me too Will... Me too. In general, Will deserves a long needed break and a warm hug, he deserves some recognition and a lot more appreciation.

On the same topic of characters, let me say this. Erica is the better version of Lucas. She's got a proper level of sass, a brain better than her brother's and actually does something beneficial during the season. Now, I could sit here and go through the list of things that Lucas has done during the first two seasons that makes him a reputable character, but quite frankly nothing amazing comes to mind besides using a slingshot once or twice. Erica, on the other hand, not only crawls through vents in order to get to a secret Russian storage closet, steals a golf cart, babysits two near adults, and helps scheme a plan that's too good for even Joyce and Hopper to deny. I could sit here and write an article about Erica Sinclair alone. From getting free Scoops Ahoy for the rest of her life to quite frankly saving the world, she's an incredible character who I wholeheartedly welcome into the party.

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RELATIONSHIPS:

Yeah yeah, El and Mike are cute, Lucas and Max are cute, Nancy and Jonathan are cute but why don't we talk about some relationships that are more than just romance.

Steve and Robin

Steve and Robin are the best bros we never knew we wanted but needed the whole time. They're such a dynamic duo, especially now that Steve's ego has dropped and he's become the humble dad to far too many children. Despite their rocky start, Dustin becomes the glue that holds them together and causes them to create such an important friendship. The scene of them in the bathroom after escaping the Russian spies is one that will forever make my heart happy. Though Robin comes out to Steve after his love admittance, the two of them never falter from their growing friendship and bond with each other, if anything I feel like it makes them stronger. I personally love the fact that they made Robin gay, with all the romances already established having Steve fall in love so easily would be too obvious and boring. Robin as his wingman when getting a new job is hilarious, and they have the right amount of push and pull to make a long lasting friendship. What can you say? Being tied up, interrogated by the Russians and drugged together really makes you closer, huh?

Max and El

I've heard a lot of debate about this relationship and I'm here to roll my eyes at it. Whatever beef you may have with Max "tainting" El or her ruining things with Mike can go out the door. El needed someone in her life to make her more socially aware, to bring her to the light of what it's like to be a teenager, to make mistakes and to not be perfect. Now, am I saying it was okay for them to use El's powers and spy on the boys? Not necessarily, but doing those kinds of things (like prank calls and gossip talk) is part of a young teenage girl's life. Max brings El into the light, the audience finally gets to see what El's personality is through her clothing and through her blossoming friendship with Max. Though Max messes up, she trusts El unconditionally and wants to protect her just as much as Mike does, though she wants her to be independent and strong-willed. Max never had it easy, we can see that, and she only wants what's best for El in her own way. Their friendship makes me happy, especially after the heat of season 2. It was time for another girl to take the stage and I'm glad everything worked with their friendship.

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DEATHS:

The deaths that I'll be talking about are ones that are verified. These people are really dead, there'sno way we're bringing them back for season four... That's right Hopper fans and stans, you guys live to see another day. (Don't worry, I think he's still alive too!)

Alexei

Even though he was the absolute worst slurpie drinking, child murderer there ever was... I had to say his death really struck me. At the beginning of it all, I found his appearance charming and sweet, he didn't seem harmless at all! After growing with him, annoying the absolute daylights out of Hopper, and bonding with Murray by speaking Russian, he really became a character I enjoyed watching. Watching him get shot at the carnival after having the high of his life winning the dart game, insisting that it was rigged, made his death even more depressing. He was so insistent that life wasn't a game and that there was a change at defying the odds, and the moment he strikes up a bit of hope and a friendship with Murray it's all to be forgotten. His death is forever necessary for the plot to go on, though I hate that it was. IT had to be done and the way it was done was fitting. No one is safe, especially after a moment of triumph.

Billy

I don't like Billy, I don't appreciate Billy, I don't think Billy is cool or fun or fresh or anything, but I have to give it to him... His death was something I can applaud him for. In his last moments, he decided to sacrifice himself and go against the orders of the monster in order to save someone he didn't even like because he knew what he had done was wrong. He could see the glimmer of hope at the end instead of the dark path he had been led down. He finally got to be human for one last moment in time and for that, I can forever appreciate his death. The part that gets to me the most is when Max sees him and realizes he's dead, the brother she never really seemed to care about is dead. Though he was a bully, a monster, a rude teenager with a lack of direction, in the end, he was her brother and he fought to save her. It was one of the few moments in the season that I burst into tears and lost it. I couldn't help but cry seeing Max leaning over him, begging him to get up. Both of their performances in that scene were incredible and it shows their acting abilities are amazing. I don't think his death gets enough credit, honestly, but I think that's one of the moments from the season I'll remember the most.


In general, there are a lot of things worth discussing but I thought these things were some of the best highs and lows of the season. Season 3 of Stranger Things did not disappoint for sure! If I was up for crying again I'd probably be watching the last episode on repeat again and again. Here's to hopefully seeing Season 4 before we graduate!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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