That’s a long time away from the beleaguered burg of Hawkins, Ind.
especially since the last three years took at least two decades to pass.
Season 3 ofStranger Thingswas an improvement over the draggy season 2.
Eduardo Franco, Charlie Heaton, Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, and Finn Wolfhard in ‘Stranger Things’.Netflix
(I’ll pause while those of you who disagree yell at your screens.)
Still, the fun felt a little faded, and Hopper’sleft-turn into toxic masculinitydidn’t help.
What a pleasure it is to be wrong.
Gaten Matarazzo, Joseph Quinn, and Finn Wolfhard in ‘Stranger Things’.Netflix
It’s 1986, and the gang is scattered.
(Quick note: This review is spoiler-free, beyond what’s already been revealed inthe trailerandother previews.)
It all leads to a satisfying reveal about the Upside Down, though plenty of questions remain.
Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten Matarazzo in ‘Stranger Things’.Netflix
This is stillStranger Things, so there are a few kooky and unnecessary side capers.
The dialogue sometimes defaults to Scooby-Doo silly (“Are you out of your mind?
Flying solo with this Vecna creep on the loose?
No, it’s too dangerous!")
even as the mythology becomes more complex.
But when it comes to TV, easy is often the enemy of good.
This season,Stranger Thingsis working harderandsmarter.B+.
Stranger Thingsseason 4, volume 1 premieres Friday, May 27, on Netflix.
