Stranger Things 3 continues the story along with a few new introductions but still the general plot mechanics of the first season remaining in tack. This without really the mystery of the first season, but rather the nature of the second season which is almost procedural as our characters fight against some evil (D & D) inspired creature of the upside down. The major change in this one being the evil government force this time is represented by the Soviets, in a Red Dawnesque fashion, rather than a shadowy part of the U.S. government. In this we have a slightly ridiculous shift, in setup, with a Terminator inspired villain, and a giant Soviet secret lab below a mall. In fitting to 80's sequels I guess, the ante has been raised, the ridiculousness increased, and all with a sillier tone to boot. Within that you have the continued 80's references, which are still fun, a raised bit of technical prowess in the film's cinematography and effects (though I do wish they'd been true to 80's practicals at least somewhere), but what makes the series work are the characters once again. It's great just spending time and seeing them work the "strange thing". It is almost like the Thin Man series, where the plot matters less so, because the character interactions are so rich and fun. Each group is great fun to see interact together, with enough weight within it, the addition of Maya Hawke(who apparently doesn't fall far from the tree in terms of talent)'s Robin being a highlight. The nadir of the season then is where the interactions fall short, and that's one bit involving David Harbour's Chief Hopper who acts out of character as the stern straight man, to become a cartoonish overbearing dad. Thankfully this eventually is resolved, but it is easily the weakest aspect of the season. The reason the ridiculous plot works though, even as it is quite ridiculous at this point, is how honest the characters feel and how entertaining it is to spend time once again. The worst part of the series is when that falls short, which thankfully is only one instance. Honestly, how this season worked, they could keep the plot going to perhaps a completely ludicrous place, as long as they keep the characters so strongly intact as they did so this season.
4.5/5
