TV REVIEW: STRANGER THINGS - Season 4 (Vol. 2)

 

4/5

When You're Strange.

2 Episodes. Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Mattarazo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Pria Ferguson, Joseph Quinn, Edurado Franco, Dmitri Antonov, Cara Buono, Brett Gelman, Matthew Modine & Paul Reiser. Created By: The Duffer Brothers.

Papa's got a brand new bag. And Netflix have just received it like an NBA free agent this Summer. Over a billion served like McDonalds. I guess they got their subscribers back. Because so many servers crossed the streams on the release day of 'Stranger Things' Season 4, Volume 2, that the site crashed. Like Eleven spinning a helicopter right round like a Kate Bush record 'Running Up The Hill'. Bringing all its blades down to the ground before they burst the clouds. Headphones back on, we're delving deeper into the Upside Down one more time before the fifth and final season. Better hold on to those bedsheets as you binge. Because this really is like a movie. The last episode clocking in at 2 hours and 20, it may as well be three. But believe me you'll be hooked and won't be able to tear yourself away from a single second of nuance and nostalgia. And this isn't because it's the flavour of the month. Legendary like Bush, this is another one of not only Netflix's best, but one of the greatest shows of all-time coming to a close (see also the two set of episodes finale of the outstanding 'Ozark', for more dark designs lost in the woods of a runaway American dream). But really this is spilt into three...or four...or Eleven. As our superhero and all out local ones are spread out all over the map. From Hawkins to Mother Russia. And only a pizza delivery will connect them like Uber Eats. But that hasn't been invented yet. So join the new Goonies of Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Mattarazo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke and Pria Ferguson. Joined by new favourites Joseph Quinn and the dude Edurado Franco. Not to mention another 'Game Of Thrones' standout in Dmitri Antonov joining David Harbour, Winona Ryder and Brett Gelman's flame throwing prison break. And of course cult legends Cara Buono, Matthew Modine and Paul Reiser. And what The Duffer Brothers pack in your duffel bag is enough to travel with until we get Strange again over a year from now. In epic conclusions, spin-offs and even stage shows for a Netflix show that can only be beaten by the South Korean BTS like juggernaut, 'Squid Game'. Red light. 

Green light. And all the colours of the rainbow. We live and love in a more LGBTQ inclusive world these days. Or at least we are trying to head that right way to the letter in hope and dreams for this land. People can be who they want to be and love who they want to. Like they always should of. If only woman's rights when it came to abortion and their choice belonged in 1973 and not these dark ages. The right to identify with your real self and fall in true love is being reflected in society and what we stream. From sounds on Spotify to Netflix's own latest seasons this month of hit shows 'The Umbrella Academy' and of course these 'Things'. Now complete with a closeted character. One who I won't out, because that's spoiler territory, despite a member of the cast's tweet being exactly that too. Leaked like Doja DM's. And that's another crazy thirst trap story. But a backseat car confessional moment that said character does in subtle shades is monumental as much as it is brutally beautiful. And turning away into hand over the mouth stifled tears that we can only see on reflection, it's a vulnerable, private moment of speaking your truth. Not just to declare your love, but more to help a friend express theirs. And that's the real deal, because friends like the catchphrase t-shirt says, don't lie. And for all those in this open embracing world who are putting the pressure on the show and stars character to truly come out need to understand another thing. Living and loving in your truth is beyond a beautiful thing. But choosing to keep it close to your chest as your heart chews on your sleeve as excruciating as it is needs to be respected. Sure it's a choice based on the cruel confides this prehistoric age of the 80's and the world we still live in now puts on people. Afraid to be seen as not normal (they love, they couldn't be closer to the core of normal, but living in a lovely world of heart that's anything but ordinary), or much, much worse. But encouraging people with open arms is the best gift you can offer. Pressuring with a pointed finger is not as bad as those who clench a fist with angry words...but it's not too far away either. You have to allow people to be what they want to be...when they are ready to be so in their own good time. And this show is no stranger to that. 

Metallica's most metal 'Master Of Puppets' pulls all the 'Hounds Of Love' iTunes chart strings as Joseph Quinn's Eddie 'The Banished' Munson thrashes on the top of a trailer. Honoring the rock God's with his own Hellfire to keep Vecna's BAT'S (BTW F, Vecna, the massive scab) at bay as he and Dustin (looking like a Knight of Camelot with that headband pulled over the hoodie) club these winged creatures. It's a huge moment in a nostalgic show as such that just rocks with a full tongue out. Quinn's Eddie has been the fourth season stealer (both volumes) since he welcomed you with open arms to a game of dungeons and dragons. And how about his pop ('Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.' actor Joel Stoffer)? More range than Natalie's Nancy with a hacksaw and a shotgun. Joseph's Munson has so many a moment for your memes. Like his improvised car pool pass to the best babysitter in the world Steve Harrington. Who he also hilariously tells to put a shirt on after he falls into the Upside Down, lying down and giving us the new bare chest Jeff Goldbum in 'Jurassic Park'. But Doctor of rocking out, Quinn's character has more meaningful medicine than that as he cures our broken hearts. Wishing he could have saved the cheerleader as he saves the world. He prescribes Iron Maiden to us, saying it's music like we do this shows theme. One small but significant moment play-fighting with Dustin like he was about to take over the new best friend role now the one with the bat and nails has traded it in for a Scoops Ahoy cone is just, a word I know I've used too much this review, but just as true...beautiful. "Never change" he says and once more with feeling and look who's talking. The kind of way we wish someone would have done to us back in high school (thank you, headteacher) and maybe we would have stayed the same too (I hope so). It's scenes like this in this cinematic, supernatural and thrilling, cult, classic science-fiction fantasy that really come of age and show us what the show is all about. Between bunkers of lifting up space pods or battling with monsters with swords. Lile Steve's stories of a brooding dream. It all feels believable and not barely, because of the genuine feeling given to these characters by these young, but emotionally mature actors. Reminding everyone of the lost youth of us boys and girls. Especially as most of us who watch this, grew up in this time and are now staring down the hairline...I mean barrel of our forties. To be young again, hey. Well, wonder about those years no more. The thing is when it comes to this show, we're right back there once more. Even if by the time the next season rolls around puberty will be long gone for these new Hollywood stars as they start applying for their mortgages. The ultimate feel old yet meme. You do. Don't you...big boy? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Stranger Things','Stranger Things 2', 'Stranger Things 3'