At what point does one stop being a kid? I guess the answer to that question is different for everyone. When I would answer it for myself, I would say that I have never truly grown up, and I have this feeling I never will. Does that make me sound weird? Eh, I guess a little bit. The thing is, I still feel like a kid at heart. I can have a kid’s enthusiasm when I get excited about something totally geeky. Like a new trailer for the latest science fiction movie. Or a new comic book. Or…well, you get the idea right? I am now 43 years of age, and I honestly don’t ever want to have that feeling taken away from me. But when all things are said and done, ofcourse it’s not the same as being a real kid. Things always seemed simpler then. Sure, you probably had you fair share of troubles when you were a child, just like everyone did. Like avoiding your bullies, trying to get over that teenage crush, finishing your homework, you know kid’s stuff. As an adult though things are much more difficult, and sometimes the responsibilities as an adult can become overwhelming. It’s good than to, at moment like that, feel like a kid again, and unleash your inner child. Don’t deny it: it’s still in everyone. And what better way to set it free by bingewatching Stranger Thing’s new season.
Yes people, the hit Netflix series is back after two years, with it’s third installment. Now at the time of writing this post I literally just finished the series. It’s now the 6th of July, and it was released two days ago. Trust me, I could have finished it in one day if I had wanted to, but I wanted to savour it just a little longer. Like a really good and tasty desert. Expectations for the new season were high, and as such the pressure for the creators of the show must have been equally high. As we all know, sometimes having high expectations for something can really backfire. One only has to look at the final season of Game of Thrones. Or rather let’s not look at that final season again….ever. So, what about all things strange? Did they hit it out of the ballpark with this third season? Or did it all come crashing down, another succesful series totally wasted. Well I know most of you probably already scrolled down this post to look at the grade I gave it. So, having that question answered, can we now continue with the post itself? Everyone back? Cool. So, let’s sharpen our swords, get out our mage staffs, dice, pencils, papers, and delve right into the campaign. Erm…sorry this is not D&D, kind of forgot about that. Moving on!
Our favorite group of kids are slowly adjusting to life being normal again. After Eleven closed the gate in season 2 one could even argue things have become boring. The biggest change however is the fact that they are all really growing up. Some of them faster than others though. Will for instance still wants to play Dungeons and Dragons, but his friends especially Mike don’t seem all that interested anymore. Mike even says so at one point: “We are not kids anymore”. As usually happens with kids at these ages, romance also is beginning to throw a wrench into things. Mike and Eleven pretty much spend every minute together, much to the annoyment of Hopper. But this being Stranger Things you didn’t expect it to stay normal for long right? It seems the age old foes of the Americans, the Russians have been experimenting on their own, causing the gate to open again. Once more Eleven and her friends, along with some new ones, have to band together and stop the spreading evil. But this time it might not be so easy, as danger lurks around every corner, and everyone of the group has their own foes to fight. The threats are bigger than ever before and come in both human and inhuman form. The end of the world has never been this close……
When I started watching the season on the day of it’s release and had finished the first two episodes a sense of unease began to creep over me. It just felt…off. The episodes were incredibly slow, even bordering on boring, and the characters themselves just acted weird and didn’t all feel the same. There was some very forced humor, sometimes one might even say cringeworthy humor, and the whole romance subplot just made it feel I was watching another one of those teenage shows that I used to really hate. I don’t mind slow. I even don’t mind spending extra time with some beloved characters. As long as it all has a point and the plot moves forward. I really began to worry that I was in for a major disappointment. The next day though, it changed for the better and my mind was put at ease. The third episode began to pick up the pace, and finally that old nostalgic feeling that made the previous two seasons so much fun to watch was there again. What began as a slowburn quickly turned into a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions and has made this the best season to date. There was so much cool stuff in this third installment that it’s impossible to adress everything. That is I could, but that would make this review way too long.
The characters really have grown up, both physically and mentally, and you don’t really see them as kids anymore. Well, maybe not just as kids anymore I should say. As with last season a few new faces are added to the existing cast, with Robin being the best newcomer. She is a really fun character, that has great chemistry with Steve. The two of them just really play well of each other, and Maya Hawke who brings Robin to life has an incredible enthusiasm. I definitely hope we will get to see more of her in the future. Winona Ryder’s part in this season was much bigger than in the previous two installments, and I really loved her role. Her character that had always been a lot of fun, just gets much more chance to shine here. It’s also pretty obvious that this season has a way bigger budget. The special effects, especially on the part of the creatures look absolutely terrific and the whole show just feels much larger, almost coming close to a great summer block buster movie. Don’t let the two first episodes fool you. It all pays off in the end, and after finishing this season you will only have one regret: why is it over already? Oh well, at least for now it is. Season 4 is coming, but we will have to wait a while for that. Guess we have to find other things to unleash our inner childhood again until then.
I give Stranger Things Season 3 a 9 out of 10 score.
We’re 6 episodes in now and I agree with the beginning of this season being… off. Didn’t like it at all. It was nice seeing the beloved characters again, but… nothing happened. Indeed some forced comedy and no excitement at all.
Now it looks like they needed those episodes to build up to the good stuff… which is… good. But I’m still not loving it. The feeling of this cool new series that I had in the first season has gone and I’m not having the same sence of danger of this mysterious other dimension and its creatures.
Now, that being said, I do like this season better than season 2. And I still have to watch the last two episodes which should reach to a climax right?
Oh, and growing up is something you have to do to survive… but I love being a kid at times :p
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Yeah, the beginning of the series really felt strange to me. (Excuse the pun). It just took it’s time, and felt completely out of tone with the rest of the show, or at least what came before. That said…..Just wait till you see the last two episodes. Everything will fall into place then, and the last one especially is really terrific! True enough though, I understand what you are saying, the orginal feeling of freshness is kind of gone.
Lol…so true about the growing up part! But eh…I feel like I will never grow up fully 😂😂
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I still haven’t seen one episode of this, and everyone loves it! I will have to try to find episode one, and see if it grabs me too. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Well: if you love the 80’s I have a pretty good idea that you are going to like this one too. And you wont have to look far to find it as it’s a Netflix original. I really hope you will enjoy the show Pete. Would love to hear your thoughts on this one. It’s really good 😊😊
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Argh I don’t have Netflix but I really want to see this!
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This is one show I know you would love😊😊😊 Well: Netflix these days sells prepaid cards so it’s easy to get it😊 And you can even register for a free month trial. So plenty of options😉
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Ok! Cheers Michel 😊
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I had that free trial a couple of years ago. I just cancelled after one month. 🙂
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Sooner or later, I’m gonna have to start watching Stranger Things. One of my teens loved the first season but wasn’t as sold on season two.
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You definitely should 😊 I think you will really enjoy this show, especially it’s characters 😃 Have to admit season 2 has a slightly different tone and is probably the weakest installment. But overall though it’s really a great series!
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The problem is finding the time to catch up. There are so many shows that have led me by because of that.
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Haha…time is definitely the age old problem, that’s for sure 😊 The good thing about this though: they are relatively short seasons, so you are able to finish them quite quickly 😊
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Yes, they’re like 8 episodes or something aren’t they?
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Yes, that’s correct, except for season 9 that one has ten episodes 😊 So…you’ll be able to bingewatch that in no time…well…almost that is lol😅😅
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I’m one of those rare people that never really got into/enjoyed Stranger Things. Stopped watching part way through season 1.
I did think the trailer for season 3 was hilarious, though!
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Really? Haha…well, that’s what I always love about movies and tvshows, everyone has different tastes, and that’s what makes it so great to talk about it! 😊
True, that trailer was really funny! 😊
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BRILLIANT review my friend! I agree about the first two episodes. They were definitely shaky. But then, wow did the season take off! This wound up being my favorite season so far. And while Mike and Hopper got on my nerves occasionally, I agree, Joyce really found her mojo. I think my favorite part of all was the scene in the last episode with Dustin and Suzie singing the theme song from the Neverending Story. In a season that was exceptionally dark, it was an unexpected moment filled with sweetness and levity.
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Aww, thanks as always for the kind words Kim😊 I completely agree, in the end this also ended up as my favorite season too. Despite the slow start, things became so good later on, that I pretty much forgot about that.
That scene between Dustin and Suzie certainly was the highlight of this entire season. It almost makes me want to watch that original movie again….that said, maybe I will and do a post on it 🤔🤔🤔
I’m glad you enjoyed the season as much as I did. Let’s hope season 4 (which is rumoured to be the last one) will bring the series to a satisfying conclusion 😊
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I heard they’re starting filming in September!
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Yes, that’s true! Already very excited! 😊😊
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This was such a great read! I really enjoyed season 3 too. As per usual with most series, I feel that each subsequent season isn’t as good as the previous, but as far as American series go, Stranger Things still far surpasses most.
I didn’t really find anything off about the beginning, but season 2 and 3 definitely take several episodes to get going as they seem to like to ramp up the nostalgia, reintroduce the characters, and show the new dynamics at play. And I do think that kind of set-up pays off later. I’m a fan of building up the tension in that way. So overall, a very enjoyable installment in the franchise 🙂
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Thanks so much for the kind words, I’m very glad to hear you enjoyed reading this 😊
Yeah, it’s true that subsequent seasons usually aren’t as good, though there are some exceptions😊
You are not the only one who didn’t feel things were off during the first two episodes, so maybe that is just me 😅 But yeah it was pretty slow that is for sure. But exactly as you said, it all fell into place during the later episodes, and that’s what made this season for me at least one of the best. I can only hope that the final season (4 is supposedly the final season) will bring it all to a very satisfying end. It certainly deserves that! 😊
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Reblogged this on By Hook Or By Book and commented:
You all know how much I LOVE Stranger Things by now. Check out Michel’s awesome review of Season 3!
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Aww Kim, a reblog twice in one week? What is this, let’s make Michel blush all over week? Thank you so much, this is very kind of you 😊
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Feel the love my friend!
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Aww, really I do: thank you 😊😊😊
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Great review!
I loved episode 2 for Max and El alone. I can see why people would think it would be slow but I love the lets see them be kids and a bit more of the daily life in Hawkins before the Strange stuff kicks in makes me love the characters even more and the actors are so crazy good I’m willing to give them the time where I might not on another show 🙂
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Thank you! 😊
Fair enough, you have a point there. As I usually watch each season of Stranger Things twice (one time alone, one time with my folks) I will keep this in mind on the rewatch. Now that I know what to expect in the first episodes, I might just change my mind. And you are not wrong about the actors: they are really amazingly good indeed! 😊😊 Bring on season 4: that’s what I say 😊
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I had never heard of this show until all of a sudden it was being promoted everywhere. So I haven’t seen any of it, but you make it sound so good!
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It’s a truly terrific show and one I think you will love. Pretty much everyone I know just loves this show, with maybe a few exceptions. Just give it a go, and I think you will binge through it in no time 😊😊
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I have never watched Game of Thrones, Was waiting for the whole thing to finish, so I could marathon it. After hearing how disappointing the final season was I guess it’s for the best that I never got invested in the series. Maybe I’ll read the books when/if the author finishes them.
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Yeah, it’s a real shame. I was never as big a fan of the show as for instance The Walking Dead, but did really enjoy it nonetheless. But the way that last seasons was rushed and ended, it really was one heck of a major disappointment indeed. Real shame. I have never read the books, but I might do the same once the author has finished all of them 😊
You would be better off watching this show 😀
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LOVE this review!! And love this show!! 🙂
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Thank you so much, that is very kind of you 😊 I could not agree more! This show is really cool! Can’t wait for season 4 to start! (which unfortunately will be a long while 😢)
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I agree about the slow beginning, but I guess that it being somewhat off was the point because these characters have changed since we’ve last seen them.
But definitely a powerful season with some sad endings.
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True enough😊 I usually watch the show twice (once alone, and once with my folks) and am pretty sure when I see it the second time, knowing that it’s a slow start, I will be more prepared and like it better 😊
Yeah, the ending was pretty heavy, although in some things I am not yet fully convinced that it’s really sad if you catch my meaning 😉
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I was on vacation when this came out and was already in the middle of the final season of Jessica Jones but I’m going to start season 3 today and can’t wait to see where these kids will go next. Fantastic review for this one as well. It’s definitely tough to realize how much adulting can slowly push away our kid side… to the side. I too believe that I’ll always be a kid at heart and that anyone who looks at me funny for loving geeky stuff, especially superhero stuff, can turn right and leave ASAP!
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I’m really running behind on the Netflix marvel series. I’m still in the middle of Jessica Jones season 2, so yeah still a lot of stuff to be watching 😅😅
I really enjoyed this season despite it’s relatively slow start. But eventually it again payed off, and turned out to be the best season. Lol…and so true. I will always feel like a kid at heart, and I don’t think I ever want to chance that! Haha…and good for you: that’s pretty much how I think about it too! 😂😂 Thanks again for such a great comment! 😊😊
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Loved this season and seeing them growing up but the ending broke my heart and I hated we only got 8 episodes!!!😫 I can’t wait for the next season. Love the post, Michel!!!💙❤
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Yeah, the ending was pretty rough indeed. But…..I’m not fully convinced about a certain someone being fully gone 😊 But I guess we have to wait a long time to find out if I am right 😊 Thank you for your comment..it’s so great to see you here again 😘❤️ Glad you loved the post!
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I agree. I fully believe they left that bread crumble at the end of the show! I think it will all work out. I was also saddened by what goes on with Smirnoff & Billy. It had some major twists!😉💙
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Yeah true😊 Supposedly the final season is going to be the fourth, so I hope it is all going to wrap up in a good way 😊
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Oh no! I hope it all wraps up well too. It will be soon to cancel!!!😨
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Oh and Dustin and Suzies song together at the craziest moment was the cutest!😍💙❤
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Haha….yeah, that was such a great moment indeed. So good in fact that I pretty much want to rewatch The Neverending Story again 😂😂😂
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Same here! Love it.😁❤
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One more thing: your captions are epic!!!😅
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Haha….thank you😘 I always find that the hardest thing to do/think up 😊😊
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Well it’s definitely well worth the effort!😍❤
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I still haven’t watched Stranger Things yet what with being enveloped in reading and watching a lot of other things. But I will be starting it soon! Can’t wait!
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haha…totally relatable. I have way too many hobbies myself, and it’s always a bit of a struggle to decide as to what to do next 😊 Stranger Things though is one of those shows, where I set everything else aside. It really is that good! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it! 😊
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I have not seen it yet but I want to so I could only read this one so far in case I read too much about it nor could I read the other comments. hahahaha. I know. Why read it then? Because I just wanted a glimpse if it was good or not or worth watching! So, here I came to visit the great place to find out. lol.
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Stranger Things is pretty much one of my alltime favorite series. It’s a really amazing series, that has scares, but also a lot of great 80’s vibes and feel good feelings. I think you will love it😊😊 Haha, well I always try to write my posts without giving away too many spoilers, but I have no real control over the comments lol😂
Thank you again for all the kind words, and the likes: I appreciate it 😊
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I will have to watch it then! 🙂 I love the 80’s movies and the whole 80’s everything. Yes, it is the comments that get you more than the review but I am def going to try and watch it now! Thanks so much! 🙂
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I love the 80’s myself as well 😊 Which is why I have actually made a new feature for my blog, where I will write about many things from the 80’s/90’s 😊 Hope you will enjoy Stranger Things, but I’m pretty sure you will! 😊
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I think I will! Thanks for the input! I may start as soon as I can catch a break from work, like now but here I am on here, soooo.
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Haha…I have that same problem. There always seems to be way too little time to do stuff you like. I wish I could take a year off work and do the things I like to do😂😂
Well…don’t let me keep you from watching things: have fun, and do let me know what you think of the series, when you get around to it! 😊
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I will! Thank you! 🙂
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Wow, high ratings! Is Stranger Things that good? 😀 I will have to check it out though I’m not into horror so I’m not sure 😂
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Stranger Things is really that good! It’s one of the top rated shows on Netflix and well worth checking out. It’s horror…but not really too erm horrible so to speak. It’s an ode to everything 80’s and a trule lovely series. Could not recommend it more! 😊
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Hey! Sorry that I have been away so long time. I have missed your posts. 🙂 How have you been?
About Stranger Things 3rd season, then unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it so much as previous two. 😥 There was something, like you mentioned, off about it. And I didn’t like the romance between Hopper and Joyce. Instead I would’ve loved to see romance between Robin and Steve. They really had chemistry, as you said. 🙂
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Well, as I said in my previous comment, it’s been a very rough year for me unfortunately. I’m trying to get back into it…but eh it will take some time:)
As for Stranger Things 3, I recently rewatched it with my parents who had not yet seen it, and I have to say I enjoyed it more the second time around. Even though it starts off slow, it really picks up, and the final few episodes pretty much redeem the initial slow build up.
Yeah..it’s a bit of a shame that Robin and Steve didn’t go that way…it would have been a very cool and fun relationship I think. Well…now we have to wait until 2021 to see how the show will end with it’s fourth season. Hopefully all will be brought to a satisfying end:)
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