TV Review - Stranger Things (Season 5, Series Finale)

Season: 5 – Series Finale
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror
Number of episodes: 1
Year: 2025
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Priah Ferguson, Bret Gelman, Maya Hawke, Cara Buono, Linda Hamilton, Nell Fisher, Jamie Campbell Bower

Description: As Vecna prepares to destroy the worlds as we know it, the party must put everything on the line to defeat him once and for all.
 
Review: Oh how long we’ve waited for this moment. The final episode of not only season 5 of “Stranger Things”, but ever. “The Rightside Up” is one of the most impressive finales I have ever seen. For all the haters out there, you can skip, because I’m just going to rave about this episode.

WARNING! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

With the very last episode, the Duffer Brothers have achieved the seemingly impossible: ending a global phenomenon that is emotionally satisfying, terrifying and hopeful all at once. While the title, “The Rightside Up” is a direct nod to the first season, here it marks the definitive shift from darkness to restoration.

The heart of the episode lies not with the monsters, but with the characters we have all grown to love over the past ten years. The evolution of “The Party” comes to a beautiful climax. The chemistry between Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin and Lucas is more palpable than ever. In this episode we see how the traumas of the past (especially those of Will and Eleven) are finally transformed into strength. The scene in which the group reunites for the last time in the Wheeler family basement feels like a warm blanket for fans from the very beginning.

Technically speaking, this episode is a highlight. The integration of practical effects with CGI is seamless. The transformation of Hawkins – from a besieged town teetering on the brin of destruction to a place of reconstruction – is beautifully captured. The cinematography uses color to symbolize the victory of Vecna: the suffocating red and gray tones of the Upside Down slowly give way to the warm, golden light of a new morning.

Millie Bobby Brown really shines in this episode. Eleven’s confrontation with the ultimate evils is not only a display of brute force, but one of emotional maturity. The way she protects her found family perfectly completes her arc as a character. I loved the more intimate moments she had with Mike and Especially Hopper. Another actor I really want to spotlight is Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna/ Henry Creel/ Mr. Whatsit. His performance really blew me away and he was cast perfectly. Is it crazy to say he should win an Emmy for this?

There are so many moments in this episode that really got me, emotionally. As previously stated, the scenes between Hopper and Eleven really moved me. That moment were Steve fell, I literally stopped breathing. And how perfect was it that it was Jonathan, of all people, who caught him. The final battle was epic. Nancy really taking the lead in this, she was so good. And I felt like the Duffer Brothers choose the perfect character to finish Vecna off: Joyce. She got her moment and took it with both hands. And Eleven sacrificing herself to save everyone, was the way it was meant to be. Aside from her (and Mike), everyone got a happy ending.
The part that got me the most, was that final epilogue, which was about 50 minutes of this finale. This part will only really hit you if you’ve been part of this fandom since the beginning and you feel emotionally connected with these characters. From the heart to heart between Hopper and Mike, Dustin’s graduation speech (with an ode to Eddie, Dustin did exactly what Eddie wanted to do. And they played “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden), finding out Steve is a teacher and little league baseball coach, Hopper and Joyce finally having that Enzo date and the final toast that Jonathan, Nancy, Robin and Steve made agreeing on meeting each other once a month. Non-stop cries. But that very last scene is what hit me the hardest. Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will and Max playing one final game of Dungeons & Dragons. The show ends where it all started in 2016. And I know these kids can cry on cue, but I believe that everyone was actually showing their genuine feelings right at that moment (same for the rooftop scene by the way). And I couldn’t stop crying either.

The music was also on point. Off course the iconic synthesizers of Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. But they chose some epic songs; “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain” by Prince, “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac and using “Heroes” by David Bowie for the end credits (which are also worth watching until the end).

People who complained about this show’s final season, surely watched a different show and never really cared for these characters. “The Rightside Up” is more than just the end of a series; it’s a tribute to friendship, growing up and the power of hope against darkness. The episode takes the time for an extensive epilogue, allowing us to truly say goodbye to Hawkins”. Stranger Things” end here, but it will leave a lasting impression on my life.

TV Review - Stranger Things (Season 5, Volume 2)

Season: 5 – Volume 2
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror
Number of episodes: 3
Year: 2025
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Priah Ferguson, Bret Gelman, Maya Hawke, Cara Buono, Linda Hamilton, Nell Fisher, Jamie Campbell Bower

Description: The gang hatches an electrifying plan to reconnect Will to the hive mind. Tensions flare during a search of the Upside Down's Hawkins Lab.
 
Review: “Stranger Things” season 5, volume 2 is an odyssey through trauma, nostalgia and cosmic horror. I am shocked about the amount of negative reviews, we obviously watched a different show, because I loved episodes 5-7 very much.

WARNING! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

The first four episodes of season 5 were amazing, I rewatched them already and I couldn’t really fault them. The second volume does have some flaws, but every season has.

Hopper and Eleven broke into the military base in the Upside Down, discovering it wasn’t Vecna they were holding captive, but Kali, whom we met in season 2. Max and Holly are in Henry’s subconscious, trying to find a way out. Dustin, Steve, Nancy and Jonathan are in the Upside Down. And episode 4 ended with the most epic moment, with Will having powers and defeating three Demogorgons, saving his friends. Episode five picks up where we left off.

Episode 5-7 are a journey to get to that final battle. And they take their time for all the characters. Many things get resolved and explained, with some surprises here and there. The people who are calling this volume anti-climactic are missing the point. These episodes weren’t filled with action, but had a lot more build-up and character driven moments. We need certain things to be resolved before the end. And because the stakes are going to be high in the final episode, there will be no time in that final episode, which most likely will be action packed. People who didn’t like this volume probably have the attention span of a toddler.

The actors are doing a great job. Gaten Matarazzo, as Dustin Henderon, definitely stole the show in these three episodes. Especially the scenes between Dustin and Steve, which were very important and necessary, were a highlight of volume 2. Noah Schnapp, who already shines in volume 1 as Will, also deserves praise. His speech touched me to the core and his performance overall is strong. Also Nell Fisher and Sadie Sink, as Holly and Max, deserve attention. That one scene in the Mindflayer’s Lair was so good and both had a convincing performance. Rooting for both of them constantly. The moment Max and Lucas reunite was a favorite moment as well. Emotional and long-awaited. Episode 7, The Bridge, was overall a very emotional episode. One of the most memorable moments of this volume was where Karen Wheeler saved Robin, Vicky, Lucas and Max. Momma Wheeler kicked some ass again and I absolutely did not see that coming, until I saw the gas tank in the dryer. What a moment! And the return of Mr. Clarke, and a bigger role as well, also made me very happy.

I only had two problems with this volume. One being the scene between Jonathan and Nancy. Although a beautiful moment between the two, which was clearly a break-up (lots of people seemed to have missed this part, but I thought it was pretty clear), it would have been more logical if at least one of these characters didn’t make it out alive. Not that I wished for them to die, but they previously saw several people who died in the melting matter, but Jonathan and Nancy don’t. The second problem is Kali. I do like the fact that they are given that one episode from season more purpose. But I don’t think they are using her character like they should. I think we are now meant to believe Eleven will sacrifice herself to save everyone, but it will not play out like that. Unnecessarily trying to lead us to a certain path.

The people hating on these episode are, again, clearly missing the point. The fact that a main characters has yet to die is one thing that people are mad about. Because over all the seasons, they only killed off secondary characters, that were introduced to us in that season. But the Duffer Brothers have been very clear about the fact that “Stranger Things” is not like “Game of Thrones”, where they are going to kill off several main characters. It’s not that kind of show. Haters gonna hate. They are going to be mad if they won’t kill off anyone, they will be mad if they only kill off one character, and when it is their favorite character that dies they are going to be mad about that. You’re never going to do it right for everyone. But the hate “Stranger Things” season 5 volume 2 is getting, is unjustified.

So, to all the negative people. You are entitled to your opinion, but you’re clearly missing the point of it all. What the Duffer Brothers did for episode 5-7 fits the tone and atmosphere of the show. It has some flaws, but it’s definitely still very good. And I can’t wait for that final episode. Luckily not that long of a wait this time.

TV Review - Stranger Things (Season 5, Volume 1)

Season: 5 – Volume 1
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror
Number of episodes: 4
Year: 2025
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Priah Ferguson, Bret Gelman, Maya Hawke, Cara Buono, Linda Hamilton, Nell Fisher, Jamie Campbell Bower

Description: November, 1987. The gang evades the military to scour the Upside Down for Vecna, but fails to notice a threat lurking closer to home.
 
Review: After the long wait (3,5 years), “Stranger Things” fans can finally travel back to Hawkins, Indiana. The final season is here, or at least the first 4 episodes. Here is my in depth review for Season 5, volume 1.

WARNING! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

Like last time, Netflix decided not to drop the entire season at once. The first four episode dropped, another three will be available on Christmas, and the long awaited finale will be airing on New Year’s Day.

The first episode, “The Crawl” opens to when little Will was captured and stuck in the Upside Down. Every fan still remembers this. Weakly humming to “Should I Stay or Should I Go” in the Upside Down. Although this seems to be his only safe place, a Demogorgon soon finds him. After a blood-curdling chase, Will is dragged away, taken to Vecna. At the end of season 4, it became clear that Vecna was the one who created the Upside Down and had been present from the beginning. It was Vecna all along.

Then we flash-forward to the present. Vecna has blurred the line between the Upside Down and Hawkins, by opening giant portals that split Hawkins in two. The army decided to quarantine Hawkins.
Of course our beloved Hawkins crew adapted to this situation. Robin started a radio show. Dustin wants to restart Hellfire Club, honoring his late friend Eddie, much to the dissatisfaction of some of his class mates. Eleven is actively training to stay out of the hands of the army, but Hopper won’t let her take actual action yet. The urgency to defeat Vecna seems to have disappeared, but not for long. It soon becomes apparent that Robin is sending clues to the crew via cryptic radio messages, and they develop a plan for a “crawl”: a mission to bypass the army and find out where Vecna is. Hopper will try to get into the Upside Down.

Apocalyptic urgency is mixed with everyday problem. Dustin is bullied because he wants to bring back the Hellfire Club, Robin has a new romance, and Holly has an imaginary friend. Will, Mike and Lucas notice that Dustin is bullied, and try to remind Dustin of the shared goal: find Vecna.

In the second episode, “The Vanishing of….” Will gets a vision that Holly is the possible target of a Demogorgon. Nancy and Eleven race to the house, but find only seriously injured Karen and Ted, while Holly has disappeared. Holly is taken to the Upside Down, just like Will in season 1. But the question is, why Holly? Will tries to understand what his visions mean, with Robin’s help. A new friendship between Will and Robin starts here, something we didn’t know we needed. But this newfound bond between the two feels so sweet and pure. I love these two together. And Eleven has entered the Upside Down, to go after Holly.

Mike realizes that Holly imaginary friend, who she calls Mr. Whatsit, may be a clue to her whereabouts. And Will realizes that he can see through Vecna’s eyes and can see what he sees through his targets.
“The Turnbow Trap”, the third episode, brings a surprising twist. Holly is not in a wet, dark environment, but in the Creel house. She gets her favorite foods, toys and clothes, where Mr. Whatsit aka Henry Creel, is trying to manipulate her. And he has already found his new target, which Will is trying to figure out who, but overprotective mom Joyce doesn’t want Will to face any danger.

The crew comes up with the perfect plan to protect the next target, Derek Turnbow, a classmate of Holly. What follows is a blood-curdling action scene in which the crew tries to defeat the Demogorgon before it reaches its target. Flickering lights, 80s synthpop, and strong acting give the scene and almost Spielberg-like quality. The crew manages to rescue Derek and finds an entrance to the Upside Down. Meanwhile, Hopper and Eleven find each other in the Upside Down, and search for Holly. Their search hits an impenetrable wall, while the army is still active. And Holly is joined by Max, who is still in a coma, but seems to be stuck with Holly as well.

The final episode of volume 1, “Sorcerer”, brings the storyline to an absolute boiling point: Max devises a plan to escape Vecna’s dream world, Hopper and Eleven reach the army base and Will and Vecna have a confrontation. What follows is an episode that feels like a finale, but isn’t. It makes sense now, why the Duffer Brothers decided to split the season like this. Because volume 1 ends in a massive, epic cliffhanger. An absolute magnum opus of the series. And Noah Schnapp, who plays Will, shines in these final minutes of the episode. I always knew he was the heart of the show somehow, and this episode is the proof.

Ending on such a high note, I’m so excited to see what else the Duffer Brothers have in store for us. It will be difficult to surpass that final episode. Fast forwarding to Christmas….

Book Review - Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down by Gina McIntyre

Title: Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down
Author: Gina McIntyre
Genre: Non-Fiction/ Horror
Published: 2018
 
Description: The official behind-the-scenes companion guid to the first two seasons of “Stranger Things” and beyond, featuring exclusive color photos and stunning concept art.
 
When the first season of “Stranger Things” debuted on Netflix in the summer of 2016, the show struck a nerve with millions of viewers worldwide and received broad critical acclaim. The series has gone on to win six Emmy Awards, but its success was driven more than anything by word of mouth, resonating across generations. Viewers feel personal connections to the characters. Now fans can immerse themselves in the world – or worlds – of Hawkins, Indiana, like never before.
 
Review: It’s “Stranger Things” season, so the perfect time to sit down with this behind-the-scenes look of the show. A show that has had me in its grip for almost a decade.
 
In “Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down” we take a deep dive into the first two seasons. The book offers a wealth of background information. It has detailed content, such as interviews, details about the costumes and sets, and insights into the inspiration for the series. It’s a must-have for any fan of the series.
 
Like the show, the books evokes a strong 1980s atmosphere, reinforced by a “worn” cover and the style of the interior. Is includes early concepts and talks in depth about the casting, characters and actors. It has some extras in the back, like a map of Hawkins and a Morse code table. Similar to those in the series.
 
This book is a perfect gift to any “Stranger Things” fan, as this book was also a gift to me from my good friend Merle. Devoured this book, really loved it. I’m hoping Gina McIntyre will also create books for the other 3 seasons, because I absolutely need them.
 
Rating: 4/ 5

TV Show Review - Stranger Things (Season 4)

Season: 4

Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror

Number of episodes: 8

Year: 2019

Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Sink, Dacre Montgomery, Priah Ferguson, Joseph Quinn, Eduardo Franco

Description: It’s eight months after the events in the Starcourt Mall. Max is having a tough time dealing, distancing herself from Lucas who has found a place in the basketball team. Dustin befriended Eddie, the leader of the Hellfire Club: a D&D group. Mike visits Eleven, Will and Jonathan and Joyce still believes Hopper is alive. When people start dying in Hawkins and Eddie is the main suspect, the young gang decides to help him and find who is behind these deaths, while Eleven goes back to doctor Brenner to regain her powers and Joycesets to find Hopper.

Review: After nearly three years, “Stranger Things” fans (ME!) can finally see how things continue for their heroes from Hawkins, Indiana. Will that long wait be rewarded?

WARNING! THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!

Netflix decided not to drop the entire season at once. The first seven episode dropped and later the final two we available as well. And the season had a very long runtime, especially the last two episodes. And I didn’t mind that at all.

The previous season came to a climax battle, where Eleven and her friends defeated the monster from the Upside Down at the Starcourt mall, while Joyce and Hopper went deep underground to thwart the Russians’ plan. The victory came at a high price: Billy was killed, El lost her powers and Hopper disappeared. The rushing army quickly laid the entire Starcour to ashes, and in cover-up, all traces of Russians, monsters, and gateways to other dimensions were carefully hidden away. Joyce moved to California with her sons Will and Jonathan and their friend El.

The big question at the beginning of season 4 is whether the whole gang will ever get back together. El writes letters to Mike from California in which she pretends that she is doing very well, but in reality she is deeply unhappy without her friends and she is being bullied. Home in Hawkins is no paradise either. Since the horrific death of her brother Billy, Max has been seeing the school psychologist regularly, but other students are also suffering from trauma. In the Upside Down, a new monstrous creature sees in this a way to manifest itself again in Hawkins.

Of course, with each new season of “Stranger Things”, fans are especially looking forward to seeing their familiar heroes again, but the creators are always introducing new characters as well. This season is no different. A big addition is Eddie Munson, a high school student with a love for heavy metal, drugs and Dungeons & Dragons. And Eddie wins all of our hearts from the first scene we meet him. Which makes the final episode extra difficult to watch.

Season 3 had a small bonus scene, where there was a hint Hopper had survived the explosion. And of course it turns out that he has. Joyce’s attempt to reunite with Hopper take up a good portion of the episodes, and with that the new season deviates considerably from all the previous ones. For the story no longer plays out only in Hawkins, but also in California, Alaska and Siberia.

The tone of the series is also markedly different this season. Previously, “Stranger Things” breathed the atmosphere of the Spielberg films and Stephen King movies of the 1980s, but now the emphasis is firmly on horror. Characters are killed off in some pretty shocking ways, which may make this season’s 16-and-over predicate justifiable. Again many references to popculture, like “A Nightmare on Elm Street” ( with a cameo from Robert Englund), “Halloween” and “Carrie”.

Max has a bigger role in this season, which I really loved, since she is one of my favorites. And she is, together with newbie Eddie, one of the highlights of season 4. Can they please give Sadie Sink an award for her performance, because it was incredible. And with that the characters of Max and Eddie both had an epic scene, which eventually became the most memorable moments of season 4 (Max escaping Vecna for the first time and Eddie’s guitar solo in the Upside Down).

All the familiar and new characters, references to previous season and well-known genre films, music from the eighties and he now familiar formula of the Duffer Brothers ensure that you step into a warm bath with season 4. Is more always better? In the case of “Stranger Things”: absolutely! Now we wait for season 5, which will be the final season. Time to rewatch season 1 to 4 now.

TV Characters Everyone Loves

Each TV show has a character you dislike, you relate to, that makes you laugh the hardest. And there is always a character that you like the most. But there are also those characters that everybody just loves, and you simply can’t hate him or her. Here is a lost of those we all love and we can’t help it.

Joey Tribbiani (“Friends”)
Joey might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he’s not just a pretty actor that knows how to get girls. Somehow his love for sandwiches is relatable, he is reliable since he is probably the only one on “Friends” that can actually keep a secret, he is sentimental, selfless and he would do anything for his friends.

Dean Winchester (“Supernatural”)
Aside from him being an absolute perfection of a man with endless charm, there are many other reasons why we all love Dean Winchester. He is incredibly caring, has a great taste in music, he’s a badass and can I mention his love for his brother Sam. Isn’t that just every woman’s dream?

Tyrion Lannister (“Game of Thrones”)
Even though Tyrion is only 4’5, he could easily kick your ass. He even embraces the fact that he is an imp. As Tyrion states himself: he drinks and he knows things. In fact, he would drink you under the table. And even when people think he is just a drunk, he can make one hell of speech to charm a lady or to cheat death. With that, Tyrion is without a doubt the smartest person on the show and he doesn’t need dragons. Because his weapon is wit and intelligence.

Daryl Dixon (“The Walking Dead”)
Aside from Daryl being the most badass person you will ever meet, I would definitely stick with him during a zombie outbreak. He has some serious survival skills. And although Daryl is super badass, he is a very chill person. Laid back, even a bit of an introvert you might say. Daryl is also very loyal and would do anything to keep the ones he loves save. In the groups he often functions as the voice of reason. He doesn’t want unnecessary deaths and he believes in saving everyone he can. Oh, and he knows how to work a crossbow.

Dustin Henderson (“Stranger Things”)
While at first sight, Dustin might look like the geeky outsider, he is definitely the smartest one of the bunch. Dustin is nothing if not whip-smart: while other fumble around for explanations, he draws on his scientific knowledge to point our crucial details. When you thought Dustin is only the goofy sidekick, think again. He is the most important member of the gang, their emotional glue as well as the only one who knows how a compass actually works. And yes, he is a nerd, and proud of it. Dustin is sensitive, but never weak and simply an amazing kid.

Jake Peralta (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”)
Jake Peralta has a great sense of humor, which is obvious. But he can also kick some serious ass, is romantic, kind-hearted and basically the moral compass of the Nine-Nine.

Marshall Eriksen (“How I Met Your Mother”)
He has quite a unique relationship with Lily and he is the best friend. Definitely the best of the bunch. Let’s face it: we all want a friend like Marshall. And I know he is a lawyer, whom are mostly douchebags, but Marshall is the exception on this rule. Because he actually cares about the causes he fights for. His imagination can get crazy at times and he is a die hard “Star Wars” fan, but those things make me love Marshall even more.

Kimmy Schmidt (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”)
Kimmy is first and foremost a loveable, cute and enthusiast young woman. Half the stuff that come out of her mouth make no sense, and the other half is 15 years out of date. But her endless optimism and self-confidence makes up for all that.

Jesse Pinkman (“Breaking Bad”)
Sure he cooks meth, but it’s not hard to like Jesse despite of this. And it’s also not very hard to miss those gorgeous eyes. Jesse shows flashes of genius and makes the team with his partner Walter White complete this way. He is unpredictable, sensitive and even though he deals drugs Jesse often wants to do what’s right. Jesse feels like a real person.

Abed Nadir (“Community”)
If I wanted one of the characters on this list to be my roommate, I want it to be Abed. I know, he is different and a bit weird, but he knows it. And that alone is what makes Abed such a great person. He is who he is and is never ashamed of it. He is incredibly patient, he constantly quotes and refers to movies and TV shows, he is an optimist, he turns into a child during Christmas and he is a great friend. And I just realized I’m all of the above….

Cosmo Kramer (“Seinfeld”)
His friends refer to him as just Kramer. Kramer is generally caring, friendly and kind-hearted. He often goes out of his way to help total strangers, and tries to get his friends to also help others and to do the right thing even when they don’t want to. He is confident in his own unique way. Kramer can also be neurotic, but overall is a quirky guy with strange ideas.

Sophia Petrillo (“The Golden Girls”)
Sophia is best known for her wisecracks. Often commenting on Dorothy’s unmarried state, Blanche’s promiscuity and Rose’s cluelessness. However despite her sharp criticism of her daughter and roommates, she loves and cares for them deeply.

Sheldon Cooper (“Big Bang Theory”)
Okay, he is self-centered, annoying and rude. But still we all love Sheldon so much. Well, first, he is honest. He says what’s on his mind and lying clearly makes him uncomfortable. He doesn’t understand sarcasm, is always polite enough to knock on a door instead of barging in and he always stands by his believes no matter what anyone says.

Eric Effiong (“Sex Education”)
Eric is an openly gay black guy in a small English town. I think a lot of people can relate to Eric in some way. He always wants to try and be friends with everyone he meets, he is charming and funny and is hardly ever ashamed of who he really is. And definitely not afraid to show it. Eric is a very inspiring character.

Christina Yang (“Grey’s Anatomy”)
Christina is a brilliant mind and not afraid to let everyone know about it. She knows what her priorities are, she will beat you at your own game, she thinks ahead, gives the best advice and is a very loyal friend. Although it sometimes feels like Christina has no emotions, she does, but she never lets them get in the way of what she wants.

Leslie Knope (“Parks & Recreation”)
Leslie has a range of loveable traits. First of all, she founded Galentine’s Day, which is perfect for those women who hate Valentine’s Day and just want to celebrate friendships. Lesie is a supporter of local businesses, she is half of a great power couple, a role model, a feminist and she believes in herself. But most of all Leslie is an optimist and a fantastic friend.

Jim Halpert (“The Office”)
Jim is your ‘everyman’, the charming guy working a mediocre job. Most importantly, Jim plays the straight man to comical unknowingly politically incorrect but well-meaning and loveable boss Michael Scott. We all love Jim’s pranks (which are really good btw), he is a romantic (probably the perfect husband) and we all have a little bit of Jim Halpert in us.

Hugo “Hurley” Reyes (“Lost”)
First of all, everyone on the show loved Hurley, so I am not wrong. He looks like your standard comical relief and the most unlikely hero. Hurley is a loveable, kind-hearted man who just wants to help everyone.

Best Moments of "Stranger Things" (Season 3)

We've waited for a year, only to enjoy it for three days. Season 3 of "Stranger Things" was again great. It brought us a lot of amazing, heartfelt, funny, heroic and epic moments. I will count down my eleven favorites (eleven, since it is "Stranger Things").

11. Operation Child Endangerment
Remember when “Stranger Things” season 2 premiered and it took us 0,02 seconds to fall in love with Erica? I was so happy to see that she had a big part in season 3. In this season, Erica is all about hanging out at Starcourt mall with her friends. Having a good time with her friends and ignoring her nerdy brother and his friends. Because Robin, Dustin and Steve need someone small enough to crawl to the vents, Erica is the perfect person for this. Erica call is “operation child endangerment”. The task is difficult and the danger great, but Erica manages to pull it off.

10. Steve and Dustin reunite
Season 2 brought us an unlikely friendship: Steve and Dustin. And it’s a great bromance. What started in season 2 is no a full-on friendship. There are two moments between the two that I really loved. The first is when Steve and Dustin reunite after spending the summer apart and it’s the most adorable thing. And the second moment is when Dustin tells Steve he won’t leave him behind, when they are cornered by the Russians. In fact, he says: Ïf you die, I die”. If that isn’t friendship!

9. The mayor’s unexpected meeting
If you live in a small town and your mayor is a moron who will ruin your summer, you better hope that your Chief of Police has the guts to stand up to him, like Hopper did with Larry Kline. Mayor Kline was helping the Russians with their secret plans. The beating Hopper gave him, while Joyce prevented the secretary from stopping it, was one of the most satisfying moments of the season

8. Robin cracks the code
Robin is a great new character in season 3. She is funny, smart and a welcome addition to the stellar cast. Not only does she stand out on her own, her friendship with Steve made the season even better. Robin doesn’t only bring more humor to the series, but her intelligence plays a big role in figuring out the season’s big mystery. After Dustin intercepts Russian transmission on Cerebro and Steve realized the transmission is actually coming from Hawkins, it’s Robin who figures out what everything means. She translates the Russian transmission and has an epiphany about it as she darts around Starcourt mall.

7. Nancy cracks the case of the Mindflayer
Nancy has a jo at The Hawkins Post and her coworkers aren’t treating her well. But that stop her from doing her thing. Against the wishes of her supervisors, Nancy looks into the case of the rabid rats all over Hawkins. She knows something is up and gets Jonathan to help her. And I’m glad she did. Because apart from Robin, she’s the only reason why anyone managed to survive through season 3. The women really dominated this season. Thanks to Nancy’s detective work, everyone found out that the creepy collection of rats at the start of the season were combining together to form the Mindflayer. But that’s not all. This revelation also taught everyone that it wasn’t just rats being used in this manner; humans were also a part of it.

6. Murray calls out Hopper and Joyce
Paranoid underground investigator Murray Bauman helped Jonathan and Nancy get over the relationship hump in season 2, and he tried to work his Cupid magic again this year. Only, he didn’t mince (his very loud) words when it came to calling out Hopper and Joyce obvious sexual tension, during one of the most hilarious scenes of the season. It only got better when Alexi asked what all the yelling was about.

5. Billy’s sacrifice
Billy was introduced in season 2. Not one of the most liked characters and that sure isn’t going to change at the start of season 3. His character arc took off in a big way in this season. After being taken over by the Mindflayer, Billy goes through a drastic transformation that takes him from agressice asshole to murderous killer. And although he was crossing all kinds of lines, we also got to see a tender side of him. When trying to find him, Eleven sees a young Billy at the beach with his mother. A very sweet moment we never expected. Billy was the Mindflayer’s tool, but he also got a connection with Eleven. And in the final moment, Billy sacrificed himself to save her life. And finally he did something nice.

4. Robin comes out to Steve
Robin and Steve were probably one of the best duos of the season. Their best moment was also their most tender moment, even if it did happen on a public bathroom floor. When Robin came out to Steve is was powerful and moving. This moment showed the strength and vulnerabilities of the characters as the two solidified their friendship in the middle of chaos.

3. Neverending Story
Dustin went away to camp for the summer and he has a girlfriend: Suzie. But no one believes him. We get to see her at the end of the series, when Joyce and Hooper need Planck’s constant to open the Russian safe. Dustin thinks Suzie might know and tries to connect with her through Cerebro. And there she is. She does, but she won’t tell him before coaxing Dustin into singing the theme of “The Neverending Story”. I’m not much for a random musical number usually, but this is the cutest thing ever!!!

2. Joyce and Hopper’s final moment
It’s been three seasons, but Jim and Joyce finally get their moment in season 3. Sort of. Joyce asks Hopper out to sinner, tells him he can pick her up and it’s adorable. Not knowing yet what will happen next. The attraction between the two has build up over the course of the season rather than being forced. And while we didn’t get any declarations of love or even a kiss, their final moments together are enough to satisfy our ‘Jopper’ – loving hearts.

1. Hopper’s note to Eleven
To be honest, I’m still not over this. It’s a beautiful heartfelt moment and I balled my eyes out. At the end of season 2, Mike and Eleven became a couple and when season 3 starts, they can’t seem to get their hands off each other. Hopper isn’t too pleased with all this behind closed doors and insists they keep the door open at least three inches. Hopper isn’t that great with emotions, so he can’t tell Eleven how he really feels. Joyce advices him to write it down. Hopper never gives the speech, but Eleven gets to read it after Hopper dies. And there I go again, tears. Lots of tears! Oh, and I refuse to believe he’s actually dead.

TV Show Reviews - Stranger Things (Season 3)

Season: 3
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2019
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Sadie Dink, Dacre Montgomery, Priah Ferguson

Description: In the summer of 1985 in Hawkins, the new Starcourt Mall has become the focal point of the town, driving other stores out of business. Sherriff Jim Hopper is conflicted over Eleven and Mike’s budding relationship, while Joyce considers moving out of Hawkins for better prospects, leaving the state of the children’s friendships and her own relationship with Hopper in the air. However, strange power fluctuations trigger Will’s awareness of something otherworldly, and Eleven and Max sense something is off about the town’s residents. And despite having closed the portal to the Upside Down, fears that they are all in danger from it still.

Review: For a series with nostalgia as its biggest drive, we are looking back with nostalgia to the first season in 2016. When we didn’t know the Duffer brothers and all the young actors of “Stranger Things”. It was such a pleasant surprise. A strong horror show, with 80s galore and pop culture references, fun characters and a great story. A series that could have easily been created by Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter or Stephen King.
The second season, although still very good, never lived up to the first season. But there was enough hope for season 3.
Season 3 premiered on July 4th: Independence Day in America, the start of the summer season. And besides the fact that the young cast grew older and are caught up in teen love, the most stylistic change is the fact that its set in the summer.
The series is set for a large point in and around the new large Starcourt Mall. Which looks amazing. The 80s atmosphere is brought back to life so well. And again a ton of references to films, series and music from that period. Love it! Especially a scene between Max and Eleven, in that Starcourt Mall, with ‘Material Girl’ by Madonna playing, is the 80s summed up perfectly.
Like I stated before, the young kids are now teenagers with teen problems and it starts to have a certain effect on their friendship. Mike and Eleven are in love, Max and Lucas are in love, even Dustin has a girlfriend. Although nobody believes she is real. And Will is looking from the sideline, still wanting to play Dungeons and Dragons in the basement and read comic books. Hopper is really not that happy about Will and Eleven, but he himself is having certain feelings. For Joyce.
At the end of season 2, the gate to the Upside Down was closed. But the darkness isn’t over. In the beginning of season 3, it’s mostly drama, love, relationships and such things. It takes its time to start. And horror is very far away. But each episode it becomes clear that something is still brewing in Hawkins. The gate might have been closed, but something from that underworld has settled down in Hawkins. And it’s looking for back-up.
A monster in Hawkins, it sounds like the same thing. Something mysterious happens, various groups investigate and eventually they will all come together. But does this bother me? Not at all! Because we’ve come to love all the characters so much and we love the tension, it’s still a lot of fun to watch. Each episode a little more of the horror is revealed.
The creators showed more ‘guts’ by making bold choices. Like the role of Erica in this season. She has a very important role in this season and for a young actress like Priah Ferguson, it could’ve easily gone wrong. But it didn’t. And the introduction of Robin, and what her character is all about. Also very bold. Billy also got a more important role, one of the most important ones actually. And I don’t think any people really liked his character, until the end of this season.
With the third season of “Stranger Things”, Netflix hits another bullseye. Even though it takes a little while to really get interesting, each episode is still worth watching. And that last episode made me cry so hard! Let season 4 come!