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Pony Talk => Off Topic => Topic started by: Sunset on July 05, 2019, 12:46:03 PM

Title: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Sunset on July 05, 2019, 12:46:03 PM

*************Warning!  Here there be Spoilers! *************

I’d like to dispense with having to use spoiler tags in this thread so if you haven’t seen *all* of season 3 please come back after you have seen it.







****************************************************


Ok, so to start us off.  Am I the only one who thought the Never Ending story reference was epic?!    I’ve already gone back to watch that part a few times now and it just makes me smile and laugh every time.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Nemesis on July 05, 2019, 04:19:01 PM

I sang along with Dustin and Suzie. XD That song always makes me smile. X3

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Sky_Rocket_Sammie on July 05, 2019, 06:46:17 PM

Because I have epilepsy and one of my triggers is strobe lights I have to watch episodes slowly but it is doable. So, I've only watched the first episode. Loved it, seems like the season is off to a great start.

Can I just say I love the warning about strobe lights at the start of the episode, more TV shows need to do that.
 

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: poniesthatsparkle on July 05, 2019, 07:40:29 PM

I watched the whole season in one sitting. It's probably my favorite season yet! The Neverending Story part got me so excited.

Erica is probably my favorite character in the whole series. I was cracking up at just about every part she was in. Plus she likes ponies so it's hard to dislike her.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Sunset on July 05, 2019, 08:13:55 PM

So do y’all think that Dustin is a secret pony fan? Or is it his new girlfriend that introduced him to mlp?

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: poniesthatsparkle on July 05, 2019, 08:19:56 PM

Quote from: Sunset on July 05, 2019, 08:13:55 PM

So do y’all think that Dustin is a secret pony fan? Or is it his new girlfriend that introduced him to mlp?

I feel like he's secretly a fan  :biggrin:

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Nemesis on July 05, 2019, 08:23:48 PM

Quote from: poniesthatsparkle on July 05, 2019, 08:19:56 PM

Quote from: Sunset on July 05, 2019, 08:13:55 PM

So do y’all think that Dustin is a secret pony fan? Or is it his new girlfriend that introduced him to mlp?

I feel like he's secretly a fan  :biggrin:

I agree. :D I think if it were supposed to be Suzie’s influence, there would have been ponies visible in her room. It might even be a subtle nod to the more recent brony subculture... and/or the fact that lots of boys liked MLP on the sly back in the 80s, too.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Beldarna on July 05, 2019, 11:44:34 PM

We have seen six episodes so far and I love all the references.. but I don't recall any Neverending Story reference? Where was it, or has it not been yet? I loved the My Little Pony scene. Dustin is a nerd and he concluded that MLP is a nerdthing so if course he is a fan! :D

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Nemesis on July 05, 2019, 11:59:57 PM

Quote from: Beldarna on July 05, 2019, 11:44:34 PM

We have seen six episodes so far and I love all the references.. but I don't recall any Neverending Story reference? Where was it, or has it not been yet? I loved the My Little Pony scene. Dustin is a nerd and he concluded that MLP is a nerdthing so if course he is a fan! :D

It’s in the last episode... Trust me, you can’t miss it. :biggrin:

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Elva on July 06, 2019, 02:33:27 AM

Quote from: Sunset on July 05, 2019, 08:13:55 PM

So do y’all think that Dustin is a secret pony fan? Or is it his new girlfriend that introduced him to mlp?

I thought of this too! When Suzie wanted Dustin to do something on the radio and he was all awkward about it, I was like 100% sure they're going to sing something MLP related :biggrin: But I wasn't dissappointed in Neverending Stoooooo-ryyyyy being sung by them, it kinda made me cry.
I loved how much Dustin knew about MLP and how he "proved" that Erica was a nerd after all. It was a funy scene, I just love those two!

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Zapper on July 06, 2019, 05:25:52 AM

Unpopular opinions and ranting...

every time this show hamfists the 80ness I just laugh. I don't find it charming.
The only comics Max reads are Wonder Woman? And they lie neatly draped over her sheets? Please :lol: Max would have read more than just the only female superhero movie nerds acknowledge nowadays.

With all the "Back to the Future" talk and the Neverending Story bit I was expecting a twist that included time travel or time loops but it was just there for the 80ness, or so it seems.
Unless

Spoiler

Hopper got teleported back in time in the end.

I loved that the mall was one huge set. The mall was honestly gorgeous and so detailed. It looked really great! You can see this show prints money because everything looked very good, special effects included.

Spoiler

It looked like the writers had learned from the criticism about there being no functioning female relationships in the show because not only did we get Max/El friendship but also an important mother/daughter moment. But then again Kali from last season was completely absent because that episode was universally hated for some reason. Kali/El was so important for El's growth and now Kali and the other gifted children are just not important anymore.
And for some reason Billy's crazed behaviour last season wasn't brought up as well. He was acting like a lunatic towards Lucas and Max but now Billy needed a redemption because fans loved him. This show is so fanservicy.

I hated Hopper and his outbursts this season and I did not cry at all at what happened to him. I did cry however at the super brief flashback to Bob. Damn. This show just wants Joyce to be as miserable as possible and loves killing off men as soon as they show vulnerability or softness.
Cases in point: the guy who finds El and gives her food and shelter, B O B, Alexi the only positive Russian character, Billy but only as soon as we see his childhood full of abuse, Hopper - allegedly - the moment Joyce starts liking him and we learn about his letter "post mortem" to really drive home the fact what an angel Hopper truly is.

So I admit I am not well versed in hetero shenanigans but usually when a grown adult man is constantly belittling and lying to a grown adult woman and she retaliates and they both scream at each other I am not inclined to believe they are in love.
I just knew Hopper/Joyce would happen eventually because they killed Bob, who was the perfect man for her. So predictable. With all the mess Joyce went through you'd think Hopper would relate to her but he kept going on and on about his dead daughter like Batman and his dead parents. Joyce lost Bob and Hopper was just happy she was available again to be his wife replacement.

I know this sounds like I hate Stranger Things :lol: I just wanted to rant because everyone is talking about Saint Billy and Saint Hopper and I just don't see them that way :lol:

I also did not realize Nancy's druggie BF was still in this. I am telling you, this guy will bite the dust next season. Why? Because he is Joyce's kid and Joyce only exists to suffer. Also the actor was worse than last season. Don't do drugs, kids.

More things I loved: Dustin's cuteness (he is best boy), Erica's smarts, all of Robin, Max/El bonding, that one moment Hopper wasn't a ragefilled idiot, Karen/Nancy moment, Billy flashback that explained his behaviour a tiny bit but I am still not hopping on the Saint Billy train :P
And of course: Erica being an MLP fan and rocking the watch and backpack. I am so tempted to get an Erica Funko Pop. She was the best recurring character and they should keep her in the main group going forward.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Icey on July 06, 2019, 02:53:15 PM

Loved it! I seriously love this show. I came to the game late. I had never heard of it until last summer. My brother convinced me to watch it by telling me it was not scary. I binge watched both seasons hoping season 3 would be out LAST summer. Obviously that was not the case.

I actually just posted this on their FB page:

I loved season 3! You know I almost did not take a chance on this show, but my brother convinced me to watch it. He told me it was not scary because he knew I really did not like scary things. I binge watched the first two seasons last summer thinking season three was coming out. Then it didn't and I almost gave up. I was going to cancel my Netflix (because I really do not use it much) when I heard season three was coming out. I was NOT disappointed. Well, not with the show. I am disappointed that my brother could not watch it, we lost him at the end of January to stage four cancer. He would have absolutely loved this season, so you can imagine that I pretty much bawled through the finale. It is rare these days to feel so connected to a show, especially one whose cast is so young. Well my brother and I grew up in the 80's, so I can see myself in the kids. I am now a Mom, so I can see fragments of myself in the parents. The show is familiar, yet fresh and amazing. You invest in the characters, you almost become another citizen of Hawkins. The Duffer Brothers are a perfect mix of Geek, Fan Boy and Creator. The cast does an amazing job. Every single one of those kids is just phenomenal. The kid who plays Billy really deserves a standing ovation. It is not often you cry for a villain. Looking forward to Stranger Things 4, I hope my brother Gary is watching from heaven.

One of my favorite characters this season was Billy. He was such a d-bag last season and now we know why and it is just heart breaking. It just goes to show you cannot judge a book by its cover. I did not have the best childhood and I grew up with an abusive Father, but unlike Billy it made me want to be a better person. I did not become a statistic like him. In the end though I am glad he was redeemed.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Nemesis on July 06, 2019, 04:30:30 PM

Icey: I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother... Perhaps, as you said, he is watching the show with you from a better place. :hug: :hug: :hug:

In season 2, I absolutely couldn’t stand Billy. He reminded me unpleasantly of various toxic people I have known in passing, and whose words and actions have hurt me. I was initially disappointed that Billy had returned prominently in season 3, but I’m very satisfied with the way he was handled. In the end, we see the root of his behavior, and where he learned it. It doesn’t make anything he did OKAY, and it doesn’t mean he never had a choice to be a better human being... but it does make him sympathetic.

I have known many people who survived similarly terrible circumstances... Some became wonderful, caring people with a strong sense of compassion and empathy. Those people were incredible friends, and taught me so much about life, and finding the good in the world. Others became some of the toxic individuals I mentioned earlier... But though I have had to distance myself from those toxic people for my own well-being, I never stop feeling sympathy for them. And I never stop hoping that one day they, too, might find a way to change for the better. So I’m also glad that Billy was redeemed, albeit at the very end.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: BethyVic on July 06, 2019, 06:28:58 PM

Wow, I watched all three seasons in the span of two weeks.  I started watching when I heard about the ST Applejack.  I am so glad I did.The show is awesome and I love it.  I love the 80s and it brought back a lot of memories. I wish I watched it sooner.  I cried at the end of the last episode, I didn't think they would kill Hopper.  Billy was a great character.  And the actor who plays him is really hot! I wish he could have had a little more time after apologizing to Max.  I don't like the fact that Joyce and family moved away, but I guess it made for a more emotional ending.  Suzie was a fun character as well.  The duet was so sweet.  I really loved Robin and all the Scoops Away parts.  Robin added so much and she was very funny.  I was thinking maybe she and Steve would end up together, but her being lesbian added depth to her character.    Being in a 80s mall is like a dream of mine.  I would like to travel back in time and hang out in one for a week.  So I loved all the scenes in the mall.  I really hope they make another season. 

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Sunset on July 06, 2019, 06:36:35 PM

I’m so sorry to hear about your brother, Icey :(  But I’m glad you have good memories of him and can still enjoy something y’all enjoyed together.



On a different note, any speculation on who the “American” is in the end credit scene?  I feel like it is Hopper.  Or at least, I’ll be very upset if Hopper isn’t back next season.  Maybe he wasn’t at his best this season but I adore his father/daughter relationship with El.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Nemesis on July 06, 2019, 07:40:30 PM

Quote from: Sunset on July 06, 2019, 06:36:35 PM

On a different note, any speculation on who the “American” is in the end credit scene?  I feel like it is Hopper.  Or at least, I’ll be very upset if Hopper isn’t back next season.  Maybe he wasn’t at his best this season but I adore his father/daughter relationship with El.

My first thought was Hopper. We never SAW him die. We saw the scientists in the hazmat suits being torn apart by the blast, but not Hopper. To me that’s a giveaway, unless the writers were deliberately trying to be misleading or stir up audience speculation. I feel like they at least left some wiggle room to bring him back in S4.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Sunset on July 06, 2019, 07:59:49 PM

Quote from: Nemesis on July 06, 2019, 07:40:30 PM

Quote from: Sunset on July 06, 2019, 06:36:35 PM

On a different note, any speculation on who the “American” is in the end credit scene?  I feel like it is Hopper.  Or at least, I’ll be very upset if Hopper isn’t back next season.  Maybe he wasn’t at his best this season but I adore his father/daughter relationship with El.

My first thought was Hopper. We never SAW him die. We saw the scientists in the hazmat suits being torn apart by the blast, but not Hopper. To me that’s a giveaway, unless the writers were deliberately trying to be misleading or stir up audience speculation. I feel like they at least left some wiggle room to bring him back in S4.

I agree.  Though I suppose that it could turn about to be someone else (lots of discussion elsewhere puts Brenner as another possibility) only to have Hopper pop up some where else unexpected.  And your right.  When people die on this show there is no ambiguity.  So not seeing the actual death is very suspicious.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Nemesis on July 06, 2019, 09:31:02 PM

You know, it’s occurred to me... Benny, Barb, Bob, Brenner, Bruce, Billy... If your name starts with a “B” in this show, your days are numbered. XD

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Beldarna on July 06, 2019, 11:01:35 PM

Quote from: Nemesis on July 05, 2019, 11:59:57 PM

Quote from: Beldarna on July 05, 2019, 11:44:34 PM

We have seen six episodes so far and I love all the references.. but I don't recall any Neverending Story reference? Where was it, or has it not been yet? I loved the My Little Pony scene. Dustin is a nerd and he concluded that MLP is a nerdthing so if course he is a fan! :D

It’s in the last episode... Trust me, you can’t miss it. :biggrin:

I saw it yesterday and oh my god was it awesome! I laughed so hard and then I sang with them and then I laughed some more. Neverending Story was one of my favorite movies as a kid, still is as an adult and I know the song by heart. I think this was my favorite part ever in the show. We actually sat the last episodes and commented on every 80's reference we could find.


Icey, I'm sorry to hear about your brother. I'm certain he's hept you company while watching the season from somewhere. :hug:

Nemesis, I did catch on on Billy in Season 2. When his father pushed him up against the wall and talked so harsh to him, you saw the fear and sadness in his eyes. That's when I knew why he was the douche he was and gained some sympathy for him. I am glad he got to redeem himself in this season. Also, you are so correct with the names. If ever I moved to Hawkins, I would never befriend anyone who's name starts with a B, lol.


Sunset, I hope it's Hopper. That's what I told hubby. None saw him die, he could've jumped through the gate before it closed and since he's been there before knew a little bit around.. the russians might have been able to open a gate on their side and found him. I hope we get to see him in the next season I'll keep my fingers crossed.


What struck me a lot this season is how grown the kids have been! When the flashbacks from earlier seasons came I just gaped. And their voices. I know kids grow fast in that age but wow. I guess I'm so used with adults playing teens and therefor never change, so seeing them evolve like this feels like an honor.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Icey on July 07, 2019, 07:18:58 AM

Thank you, everyone. He was my baby brother and best friend, so it has been a tough year. He was only 38 years old when he lost his battle and he and I were super dorks. We liked video games and comics and Sci Fi. He was a good kid and I miss him terribly. He would have loved this season as he really loved spooky stuff. That whole scene with the people walking in and melting back into the monster would have been right up his alley.

I am hoping Hopper is the American. As several people have said they never showed his death, which is usually pretty telling in media. They left doubt and that makes me think that we will see him again. I loved the scene where El read the letter, it was so touching. He is a tragically flawed person, but he had enough room in his heart for that little girl.

I always thought from the beginning of the show that we would see a Joyce and Hopper union. They are both broken people, but they are able to work together and win against IMPOSSIBLE odds. They strengthen each other. You know their back and forth was kind of cute, like two immature kids who did not know how to deal with their feelings.

I think the cast of this show is really amazing. There is not one person that I can pick out that I say 'Gosh, I wish so and so were gone.' The Duffers do a great job of writing the characters in such a way that you invest in them all, even the ones who are classic cliche arch types. You just know they have some redeeming quality and we will see it at some point. I am so glad my brother convinced me to watch this show. I do not watch much TV or media these days for a number of reasons, but I really really enjoy this show.

Post Merge: July 07, 2019, 07:22:10 AM

Also, I think the Russians have two machines. I would have to go back and re-watch it, but I thought that Alexei sort of hinted to that in one of his exchanges or maybe he was just talking about the two keys.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: BethyVic on July 07, 2019, 12:09:17 PM

Icey, I am sorry you lost your brother.  I would like to think he was with you when you watched the last season. Sibling relationships are so special and I hope the love you shared together gives you strength.  Hugs

Regarding Hopper, I have read some stuff online that seems to me that they are foreshadowing his survival.  During his last scene, Peter Gabriel's version of "Heroes" is playing. The same song played when Eleven seemed to die in the  school.  She was just in the Upside Down.  And, yes, usually we see the deaths.  Joyce's eyes were closed so she didn't see his last moments.  I hope he jumped into the Upside Down and he is the American in the prison.  That would be wonderful.  I have been watching the duet between Suzie and Dustin online over and over again.  Apparently Gaten has been in Broadway plays.  The girl who plays Suzie is adorable and I love the way she loves Dustin. 

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Zapper on July 07, 2019, 04:58:01 PM

Quote from: Nemesis on July 06, 2019, 04:30:30 PM

In season 2, I absolutely couldn’t stand Billy. He reminded me unpleasantly of various toxic people I have known in passing, and whose words and actions have hurt me. I was initially disappointed that Billy had returned prominently in season 3, but I’m very satisfied with the way he was handled. In the end, we see the root of his behavior, and where he learned it. It doesn’t make anything he did OKAY, and it doesn’t mean he never had a choice to be a better human being... but it does make him sympathetic.

I hate how the Duffer's trick is working on so many people :lol:
He was over the top violent in S2 and he was obviously racist. No way in hell he freaked out at Max being with Lucas because he was overprotective or whatever. He was a danger to his own sister. I can't find a character like that sympathetic just beause the writers did a little emotionally manipulative move by showing him as a little boy.

I thought it was kind of messed up to have Billy say these weird lines "hold still, it will be over soon" or whatever all the time and have him be violent to women, then add in that little Billy on the beach segment to make the audience turn mild on him again. We already knew his father was disgusting to him in S2, did we really need to see him as a kid?

Flashback to Billy in S2 about to beat the crap out of a little black boy and his own sister... flashback to Billy in S3 with the totally intentional se*ual assault allusions.

I wonder what would have happened to Billy if the character hadn't been so popular. Probably would have died within the first few episodes Barb style, lol.

What that beach scene told me tho, was that Billy had mommy issues and that's why he was hot for Nancy's mom while he would treat girls his own age like objects. He idolized his dead mother and it turned into his preference.
I wonder if this is also why he was able to spare Karen? He had an impulse to beat her but he resisted and picked the girl he was working with instead. He told Karen to stay away from him. Even a mindflayed Billy would still have a soft spot for his momcrush :lol:

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Icey on July 07, 2019, 05:21:14 PM

Wow, you live in a dark place :lol:

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Zapper on July 07, 2019, 05:25:50 PM

Quote from: Icey on July 07, 2019, 05:21:14 PM

Wow, you live in a dark place.

I live in the Upside Down, actually.

BtwSecondSeasonOfDARKNowOnNetflix  :lol:

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Nemesis on July 07, 2019, 05:35:06 PM

As I said, Billy’s past trauma absolutely does not excuse anything he did. His actions were monstrous, no question. But I retain the belief that no one is inherently “pure evil” or beyond redemption. I am sympathetic towards people who have suffered or are suffering—period. That is not falling for a “trick” of any kind, as that is how I feel towards real human beings, not just fictional ones. Do not confuse being compassionate for naïveté or being easily manipulated—they are not at all the same thing.

I still can’t say I “like” Billy as a character, but I at least appreciate how he was handled, and feel compassion for him.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: BlackCurtains on July 07, 2019, 05:53:00 PM

Man, I just hope Hopper isn't really dead.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Zapper on July 07, 2019, 05:53:17 PM

Quote from: Nemesis on July 07, 2019, 05:35:06 PM

As I said, Billy’s past trauma absolutely does not excuse anything he did. His actions were monstrous, no question. But I retain the belief that no one is inherently “pure evil”.

And I did not say Billy was pure evil ;) I acknowledged that in S2 it was shown his father was partly to blame for his messed up personality. I mean, his dad called him a gay slur and was all up in his fac screaming. It was obvious some of his bullying was due to that.

As Billy became a breakout character I felt like the Duffers inserted more sympathy points than needed in the first place. They did not even bring up again how horrible he was towards Lucas because that would have taken away from baby!Billy.
The show already has a reputation for following fan demand and I look at Billy's arc from that point of view.
The Duffers and Dacre were so annoying fuelling the gay rumors about Billy just because some fans wished for that to happen. Makes me thankful they put in a new and positive gay character instead of a bad and forced one (gay guy using and lusting after women doesn't make buch sense in the first place, lol).

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: BlackCurtains on July 07, 2019, 05:55:48 PM

I thought there were rumors about Will being gay? I know he had a date for the Snowball that was a girl but... that doesn't mean much after Mike saying flat-out "sorry you don't like girls"

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Zapper on July 07, 2019, 06:01:06 PM

Quote from: BlackCurtains on July 07, 2019, 05:55:48 PM

I thought there were rumors about Will being gay? I know he had a date for the Snowball that was a girl but... that doesn't mean much after Mike saying flat-out "sorry you don't like girls"

Will had gay rumors for the same reason Billy had them. He was called the f-word.

However, I wouldn't be surprised if Will was gay by the end of the show. The fans want it and so far he hasn't shown interest in girls so it would make more sense than womanizer Billy.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: BethyVic on July 07, 2019, 06:05:51 PM

I agree that Billy telling his victims to "hold still, it will be over soon" was very disturbing, and being racist against Lucas bothered me quite a bit. 

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Nemesis on July 07, 2019, 06:24:41 PM

Quote from: Zapper on July 07, 2019, 05:53:17 PM

And I did not say Billy was pure evil

I didn’t mean to say that YOU necessarily called him “pure evil”, but I can see where my quotation marks might have implied that, so I apologize for any misunderstanding. I meant more that regardless of however many terrible things Billy (or anyone, real or fictional) has on their rap sheet, they are still human and not beyond sympathy. Having sympathy for someone does not mean condoning their actions. Sometimes it means feeling compassion for someone in spite of them.

Until now, I had no idea he was a popular character. I never liked him personally, and I certainly never knew any of the fan theories or whatnot. I’m definitely glad they decided to include a positive gay character rather than go with that particular fan speculation about Billy (I’m bi myself, and representation is very important to me). ...Though I admit I found Robin a bit boring. XD

But anyway, I honestly didn’t think there were that many scenes designed to make Billy sympathetic. There was the bullying from his father in one episode of S2, and the beach flashback in S3. That’s about it. He didn’t really do anything heroic or lovable until the very, very end, so it’s hard for me to see that as over-the-top pandering to Billy fans. I suppose his heavy presence in S3 could be called that, but he was an effective villain and far, far from likable 95% of that time.

Quote from: BlackCurtains on July 07, 2019, 05:55:48 PM

I thought there were rumors about Will being gay? I know he had a date for the Snowball that was a girl but... that doesn't mean much after Mike saying flat-out "sorry you don't like girls"

I think that’s more about Will not wanting to let go of his childhood. This is shown when he smashes the play-fort and tears up his old drawings. He and his friends are growing up. Will just wants to play D&D and hang out like they used to, but his friends are losing interest in those things and becoming obsessed with girls and relationship problems. A lot of kids go through that, sadly... I certainly did with my own friends.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Sunset on July 07, 2019, 08:01:34 PM

Ok,  don’t know why I torture myself by ready YouTube comments.  The number of people who make a comment “If Suzie hadn’t insisted on that song then Hopper wouldn’t have died!”     Uhm no.   Hopper “died” because the writers wanted him to.  I don’t get the number of people who can’t grasp that concept.

*rant over*

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Icey on July 08, 2019, 05:55:44 AM

You know, without them ever really stating it, that Billy has a problem with Lucas because he is black. It does not make it right, but I grew up in that time in a small town and I can tell you that was pretty common place. I guess that is why I did not fixate on it, I knew it that era there was some backwards thinking about mixed race couples.

This is going to be a VERY unpopular post, but I hope they do not make Will OR ANYONE gay just for the sake of 'inclusion.' I really hate that word. In theory it is an amazing word, but it has been appropriated and typically means anything but. At least in my personal experiences. People need to stop focusing on checking off boxes and tell a good story worth watching.

I have stopped watching 99.9% of my shows I used to watch because of this whole need to shoe horn gay characters into everything. I am 100% an ally, but it all seems VERY forced and fake and pandering. Most of my gay family and friends hate it. Whatever happened to telling a good story? When writing your focus should be on THAT and not forced 'diversity.'

When Mike said that to Will I figured it was their attempt to make Will gay, but I do not see Will as interested in ANYONE. I think he just wants to be a kid. I know I was the same way at his age. I didn't want to make out with anyone or go to dances, I wanted to play with my toys on our patio. I got made fun of for it a lot, but when girls my age were getting pregnant at 13 I was still playing Barbie.

So I know some people will think I am a jerk for this post, but my point is this: Everyone wants content creators to force characters into stories so they can be represented or so they can see themselves in a character (which is pretty narcissistic). I grew up reading comics and watching 'boy' TV shows and movies and never once did I think to myself 'Oh, I cannot get into this story or these characters because I do not see myself in them.'

Entertainment, especially fantasy, is supposed to take us OUT of the boring doldrums of reality and present us with a fantastical journey to lose ourselves in. People want to ruin that with agendas and quotas and check marks. That is when entertainment ceases to be entertaining. You can see it is already taking a toll on the entertainment industry.







Post Merge: July 08, 2019, 07:24:08 AM

I was thinking about this topic a bit more while doing dishes and I have to say that I really like how they approached Robin's sexuality. It did not feel forced or shoe horned, it felt natural. I like how they sort of deflected and made you think she was crushing on Steve (poor Steve, he cannot catch a break) when she was really crushing on someone else. How many of us can relate to that? Gay or straight, that is a pretty common phenomenon.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: BlackCurtains on July 08, 2019, 12:28:55 PM

Well, I can certainly relate to Will either being reluctant to grow up and being gay... so...

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: BubbleTea on July 08, 2019, 05:27:55 PM

Quote from: poniesthatsparkle on July 05, 2019, 08:19:56 PM

Quote from: Sunset on July 05, 2019, 08:13:55 PM

So do y’all think that Dustin is a secret pony fan? Or is it his new girlfriend that introduced him to mlp?

I feel like he's secretly a fan  :biggrin:

totally  :lol:

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: gemini_pony on July 11, 2019, 03:20:56 AM

Can we all take a moment to talk about how precious Alexei was? He deserved better....*cries*. I will think of him everytime I drink a cherry slurpee (my favorite).

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Shileah on July 11, 2019, 04:15:21 AM

I've finally finished the season last night too, and I loved it! Now I finally know what scene I want to create once my STAJ arrives, hehe  :lol:

Dustin is a King Geek so of course he is well versed in the MLP universe. I'm really glad that Suzie is real, their interaction was the cutest! I loved pretty much everything about the season, the only thing that left me a bit "meh" was that it feels as if Will basically had the same two lines the whole season (kind of Jon Snow 'I dun wun it' vibe), and that no one cared that he obviously still has a bit of the mind flayer in him, at least he always touched his neck - what about that, really? Is he like a sleeper agent now?

As for Hopper, I'm 100% team 'Hopper is the American'. What striked me as odd was when we saw the US military entering the Russian base, there were NO Russians there anymore at all. None! They were all gone! Sure, yeah, those around the machine seemed to have been pulverized, but where were all those other Russian military dudes? The place was swarming with them when the gang infiltrated it, but no one was left. So I think they must have had some kind of secret escape way, and they took Hopper with them. I guess we will find out in the last season!

I also enjoyed how well acted everything was. Billy always stayed Billy... in his eyes. Joyce was just perfect, so very, very believable. El is always leaving me in awe, such a young actress can play such a unique character so well! And the actor of Jonathan does a great job portraying how broken and hurt he is, you just need to take one look at him and you can see it. Last season, they had an extra show called Beyond Stranger Things that had interviews with the actors and it was surreal to see the actor out of character (AND with a broad British accent lol). Erica was doing an amazing job, too - I usually don't like children that are so know-it-all, but she is know-it-all in a nice way :D One of my alltime favourites is, and will always be, Steve. I hated him with a passion first in S1, so mission accomplished, but his development was so awesome! I really hope the poor guy will win a fight and get the girl next season, haha!

Will probably start a rewatch soon. Not that I didn't already rewatch S1+2 before S3 aired, lol :) Love love love the show!

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Nemesis on July 11, 2019, 04:48:21 AM

Quote from: gemini_pony on July 11, 2019, 03:20:56 AM

Can we all take a moment to talk about how precious Alexei was? He deserved better....*cries*. I will think of him everytime I drink a cherry slurpee (my favorite).

Yes! :cry: I was so sad to see him go... even if I did kind of see it coming. :(

I got my ST 1 and 2 Blu-Ray sets the other day (which I bought largely for the epic jewel cases), so I will be rewatching the earlier seasons as well. :D

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: gemini_pony on July 11, 2019, 05:01:41 AM

Quote from: Nemesis on July 11, 2019, 04:48:21 AM

Quote from: gemini_pony on July 11, 2019, 03:20:56 AM

Can we all take a moment to talk about how precious Alexei was? He deserved better....*cries*. I will think of him everytime I drink a cherry slurpee (my favorite).

Yes! :cry: I was so sad to see him go... even if I did kind of see it coming. :(

I got my ST 1 and 2 Blu-Ray sets the other day (which I bought largely for the epic jewel cases), so I will be rewatching the earlier seasons as well. :D

I actually had just thought I'm sure he's going to die because my favorite characters always die in shows .

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Sunset on July 11, 2019, 06:20:24 AM

Yes, Alexi’s death was sad. :(

I don’t think Will has any of the Mindflayer in him, per say.  He is just super sensitive to its presence.  The touching his neck was to illustrate the proverbial goosebumps and “hairs on his neck stood on end.” 

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Shileah on July 12, 2019, 02:14:34 AM

Maybe, yeah. They definitely showed him getting goosebumps when he touched his neck! :) I'll have to rewatch the end of S2 again, I thought they showed a shot of his neck showing the black mindflayer "spores" (for a lack of better words), but that could have been in S1, too - my mind has a tendency to mix such things up :(

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Nemesis on July 12, 2019, 02:53:51 AM

The fact that Will is sensitive to the Mindflayer makes me think there must still be something of it inside him, though... Like how you develop an immunity to a virus after you’ve had it once, or even a horizontal gene transfer kind of thing. I feel like he’s not a “normal” human anymore. I almost wonder if they will have him develop powers or something down the road?

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Sunset on July 12, 2019, 06:05:48 AM

Quote from: Nemesis on July 12, 2019, 02:53:51 AM

The fact that Will is sensitive to the Mindflayer makes me think there must still be something of it inside him, though... Like how you develop an immunity to a virus after you’ve had it once, or even a horizontal gene transfer kind of thing. I feel like he’s not a “normal” human anymore. I almost wonder if they will have him develop powers or something down the road?

Will having some kind of powers would at least give him more to do in the show.  I can get behind that.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Koudoawaia on July 12, 2019, 11:21:59 AM

My husband binge watched it. He loves this show. I stuck around for a little bit because I love the 80s throwbacks but I started not being able to be in the room while it was on because it was way too gruesome for me. Horror isn't really my thing <<

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Sunset on July 14, 2019, 11:34:40 AM

https://youtu.be/KRG3QCfo8Z8 (https://youtu.be/KRG3QCfo8Z8)

This is most interesting....   

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: NovelNerd on July 14, 2019, 12:54:26 PM

Did anyone call before it cut off to confirm?

Never mind the number still works.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: BethyVic on July 16, 2019, 08:23:13 PM

I too wonder if a Will is going to powers. And I am curious as to whether Eleven’s powers will change.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Harmonie on July 18, 2019, 08:29:44 PM

Quote from: Zapper on July 06, 2019, 05:25:52 AM

I just knew Hopper/Joyce would happen eventually because they killed Bob, who was the perfect man for her. So predictable. With all the mess Joyce went through you'd think Hopper would relate to her but he kept going on and on about his dead daughter like Batman and his dead parents. Joyce lost Bob and Hopper was just happy she was available again to be his wife replacement.

Yeah... Where they were wanting to go with Hopper felt all over the place. I felt like he would pair up with Joyce from season 1, and I still wasn't shocked when Bob was written out so that could happen. But certain scenes going back to season 1 also made me feel like Hopper had death flags on him. When it didn't happen, I was thinking that they were going to keep him as a recurring character throughout the series.

Poor Joyce. It just becomes frustrating at a certain point that she just can't have happiness. It was really nice in the first season when she got Will back, but it feels like that's the limit of the happiness she is allowed.

Also yeah, Hopper and Joyce's fights just didn't feel right. He seemed like a better man than that in earlier seasons (from what I can remember - the only thing I really remember souring my opinion of him earlier was when he sold out the location of El to the people in the lab).

It's nice to see a wide variety of flawed characters, but when those flaws feel forced it's different.

Quote from: Koudoawaia on July 12, 2019, 11:21:59 AM

My husband binge watched it. He loves this show. I stuck around for a little bit because I love the 80s throwbacks but I started not being able to be in the room while it was on because it was way too gruesome for me. Horror isn't really my thing <<

Agreed. I got myself watching this for some reason, but I absolutely hate horror. I don't know why I watched it. Oddly enough while Season 3 was very gross, it felt like a different kind of horror than the first two seasons. That made it a little easier to watch, but no, still too gruesome.

TBH, the horror actually feels tacked onto this series. They mention numerous times that the Mind Flayer has a more nuanced goal with what it wants to do in the world, yet they still have to have the horror human-eating monsters. As I said, that just feels tacked on to me.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: BlackCurtains on July 18, 2019, 10:11:37 PM

From outside stuff I've read including some interviews with the dude himself, I think they know Hopper is in an uncertain place character-wise right now. I also think that they intentionally left his fate up in the air incase he didn't return to the show.

I'm guessing that his time spent in the Upside Down and then as a prisoner (if that's indeed what happened to him at the end) is going to be an excuse to rewrite him. His character is probably going to change or finally get a solid "this is what Hopper is about" feel.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Sunset on July 19, 2019, 03:56:30 PM

I really like Hopper over all and I hope that any changes in the future are for the better and that he doesn’t come back as the villain or as a ghost or something.

But it occurs to me some benefits to this turn of events for the show.  Next season there will be, literally, a new sherif in town.  And the kids will no longer have an authority figure who is looking out for them, covering their tracks, or helping with investigating.  So it might return more of that “something weird is going on and no one believes us” vibe.  And the kids, Joyce, and Murray will have to get more creative in their investigating skills.

I’m very curious if the plan is to follow El and the Beyer’s family or stay in Hawkins and follow whoever is left there.  Or will they flip back and forth till they come together at the end?  Or not start the story until they are all together for a holiday?

I feel like the most story potential is with El and Will.  El starting school for the first time in a new town would be rife with both drama and comedy potential.  Especially considering she would have trouble adjusting socially and won’t have a built in group of friends to fall back on.  And Will would have his own troubles fitting in most likely.

My last thoughts are that in the last season ( whether it’s 4 or 5) I want more of the adults to get caught up in the shenanigans.  In particular, Mrs. Wheeler, Dustin’s mom and the science teacher.  In fact, I can just see a small side story where Dustin’s mom and the science teacher go through something trying to save the kids and then end up together romantically.

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: pawpatrolbab on July 19, 2019, 04:12:38 PM

My heart broke the last episode, especially El reading Hoppers letter. I really hope he's not dead

Title: Re: Stranger Things 3 Spoiler discussion thread
Post by: Kiwi on July 21, 2019, 08:33:47 AM

We saw it yesterday and really enjoyed it. Looking forward to Season 4.

Hubby laughed when I dubbed the Russian hitman guy as the "Fake-inator" :D it's pretty obvious he was supposed to be Arnie-like.