Stranger Things season 4 went through a delayed release due to COVID. And I forgot how much I loved it. Season 3 was superb and managed to bring together a lot of elements that season 2 messed up on. It’s ending, with the Mind Flayer, was pure cinematic magic. As was the co story with Joyce and Harper. It left a bitter sweet taste in my mouth that Hopper was dead. That is until the ‘post credit scene’ where a Russian guard says ‘not the American’, leading us to believe that Hopper is of course still alive!
I am going to try and avoid spoilers for season 4 but some elements that have been copied from other seasons are mentioned (like ‘they’ve done this before, and did it again).
Season 4 does the unthinkable and manages to somehow be better than all previous seasons. Perhaps it was the budget of some $30mil person episode? Or the delay due to COVID meant more time spent on pre-production. It’s superb. It does re-tread with some story elements though. Like adding in a new character who is sadly killed at the end. God damn you Duffer brothers, you know how to hurt your fans! I loved all the characters in season 4. Some stood out big time though.
Like Eddie. The rocker Dungeon and Dragons Master is superb. The chemistry he has with Dustin is palpable. What a team. He brings a bunch of heart and fun into a pretty dark season. Eleven learns how this all began and it’s some pretty nightmarish stuff. Of course, I don’t want to spoil anything, but the writing here is brilliant. Her character is a bit of a one trick pony though, compared to some of the other characters in this season.
Max is one of my favourite characters and the Duffer brothers have some explaining to do. They put her through god damn HELL in this season, but at the same time also give her one of the most memorable episodes. Episode 4 is called ‘Dear Billy’ and ends with a scene that has made Kate Bush famous again. No, I am not kidding. The rock star has reportedly made more money off Running up that Hill royalties since the episode than ever before! The Duffer brothers create a scene so emotionally charged people will be talking about it like they did the Red Wedding for years.
The biggest let downs here were with the parents. Now there is nothing wrong with their story line (set mainly in Russia in a prison) but for the most part, I just wanted to see what was happening with the young ones! But their plotline is loads of fun, and one scene towards the end had me shouting and fist bumping the air. Damn it, Hopper, you rock!
I don’t want to say more though, because you need to watch this season without spoilers. I stayed of social media until I did, and it paid off. It’s superb. If you liked anything about this show, you will love this season.
I give season 4 a…
9/10
All the series and all the movies couldn't put society back together again.