Stranger Things

One night last summer, my mom and I were browsing Netflix, and I suggested that we watch a little show that people had been raving about called “Stranger Things.” Boy, oh, boy, were we in for a ride.

We were so hooked, we finished all eight episodes of the series in two nights.

Here's a spoiler-free plot synopsis: Stranger Things is the story of four best friends. One of those best friends goes missing. The town gets involved in his search, but what they find is far from what they expect.

Now, I normally don’t like horror. I usually stay away from things that may keep me up at night or anything with jump scares. I also stay away from horror just because I’m not a big fan of the stories behind them; I usually walk away from a horror movie thinking that the story was written around scares, not the other way around.

However, Stranger Things is a different ballgame entirely.

For starters, it’s centered around kids who are not only portrayed by talented actors, but are also extremely relatable on-screen. Not only are they having to deal with all the typical middle and high-school stuff, but they are also having to deal with the strange things going on in their hometown that may or may not be of this world. As a viewer, I really get a sense of what the main characters feel, and I’m rooting for the good guys to win the entire time.

(Speaking of main characters, I especially love the way they portray strong female roles in this series. There’s a reason why both leading actresses were each nominated for Golden Globes.)

Then, at the end of the day, it’s just a great story. I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to have a well-written story in the face of TV that’s felt shallow or, at the very least, repetitive. Though Stranger Things is inspired by 80’s movies, it doesn’t feel like it rehashes them. If anything, it’s a tribute to them. And let’s not forget that soundtrack (which, by the way, The Clash’s song “Should I Stay or Should I Go” is a HUGE part of the show…my fellow fans will know what I’m talking about). And though it does get intense at times (thanks to the show's main monster), I don't mind it in the long run.

Season 2 doesn’t come out until Halloween. Until then, I may or may not go buy a box of Eggo waffles.