In hindsight, it seems obvious that there was no way that all of the episodes could be as good as episodes two and three. That is the case with episodes four and five of the latest season of Stranger Things. While these episodes are still extremely good, they don’t match the overall quality of the prior review simply because there are so many storylines taking place, and some of those storylines are far better than others.
Ranking the storylines is not difficult. For example, the stuff with Hopper and Joyce is difficult to believe even within the confines of the universe of Stranger Things. Even if you fully buy into all the supernatural things that have happened so far, it is still more than ridiculous to watch Hopper walk barefoot in the Siberian winter taking out countless Russian soldiers and blowing up sheds like an action figure. I get what they’re going for, but this was a better story when he was a small-town police officer coming back from personal tragedy. To go from those earlier season depictions of him to this is jumping more than a few sharks. Likewise, seeing Joyce and her traveling companion superstar from last season using karate on a Russian con-man pilot is silly. It pulls the viewer out of the seriousness of the show.
On the other hand, everything to do with the curse and Hawkins is fantastic. I couldn’t help but think about actresses who have a difficulty crying when I was watching the young lady who plays Sam do such a marvelous job with her emotional scenes. Wondering if she would die or not was some of the most thrilling television you can watch. Although I do have to say that the writing for the boys again was not up to par, as it didn’t make sense for their characters to constantly be so aloof with her well-being.
Finally, with the stuff going on in California and the, I’m assuming, Nevada desert… I’m really just waiting for all of that to end. All of these characters are better when they are with their counterparts, so I’m hoping that the next episode brings them back. I’m not sure what is going on with Will, and I’ve never really understood that character. I probably feel the same way about Jonathan. So honestly, let’s just get them back with El and get El back with Hawkins.
Tho uneven, episodes four and five are still deeply compelling and some of the best television out there. I’m hoping that the next episode will be as good as the first season, because I thought my last review was rising to that level again. That would be a fun ride.
For all the latest news and reviews that should be fun, keep reading That Park Place!
