There wasn’t too much buzz going on around new Stranger Things season. And I think I know why that is. Since literally everyone already new that Stranger Things is on ridiculously high level there was no need to talk about it. Watching it was enough, and global rating confirmed it. If my Google search is correct over 40 million viewers have watched it since the premiere day.
When we talk about Stranger Things 3 there are always so too many cool easter eggs and tiny little details to even try listing. But I’m gonna point out below the coolest stuff I noticed in third instalment of the Netflix series.
1. Two Keys
Scientist use two keys to fire up the dimension opening machine. This has been used in multiple films seemingly as part of defence system that is guarding secrets of atomic programs. Notice how the keys look very different from any we ever seen on a screen – almost razor like. Perhaps implying that dimension opening machine may be more dangerous than atomic bomb.
2. The Evil Stargate
Notice how the opening scene showing gate opening in Kamchatka is similar to opening of the Stargate – only in much darker, vile version. We have the scientists, the military overseeing the procedure etc. Even the first shot of the machine shows us elements rotating much like the Stargate was rotating when setting its navigation. Not to mention that the moment when the machine started breaking down we saw coffee cup rapidly moving, and the building started shaking almost the same way the the office trembled when Stargate was first opened. And in both cases these were secret government projects that were to open doors to another world.
3. Terminator
That is I believe self explanatory. Even the Mayor of Hawkins, when Hopper is beating the crap out of him says “It’s Arnold Schwarzenegger”.
4. Shortwave transmitters
Right after start were shown that the balance that existed in the group before exists no more. There is no party like in the old times anymore and shortwave transmitters are used to support relationships rather than friendship. Eleven and Mike use one and Dustin builds Cerebro just to call Suzie. This is the first sign how group fell apart after the last events.
5. Scopes Ahoy uniform looks like Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters
6. When Lucas and Max learns about Dustin having a girlfriend they rush out of home without turning of the water
7. Karen Wheelers makeup always matches her current outfit
8. Cerebro
When kids pull Cerebro together show uses the same music that was played when it presents cooperation on screen (pool building scene from 1st season for example). Perhaps hinting that it will come in handy to resolve their crisis later on.
9. Battle of the Champions
The show states that this time all events are consequence of the fight between Mind Flayer and Eleven. Of course we don’t know that, but it’s safe to assume that hivemind can feel anger and hate – and because of that the monster has recognized Eleven as its enemy. Using flayed people it gained ability to contact Eleven, talk to her, and engage in direct fight with her. This is truly the classic battle of the champions: between knight of good and knight of evil. We feel the tension, and sense the conflict since the first time Eleven mets Billy. The build of this conflict is genius..
10. Dacre Montgomery acting was perfect!
When Billy’s character started in Stranger Things I genuinely hated him, and it all changed this season. The primary reason for that was Dacre Montgomery acting. His character stared of as smug bully. But he went quick transformation when the accident happen. While playing as one of the flayed, he got me completely convinced, even more than Will did last season. Especially the scene when Mind Flayer uses Billy to talk to Eleven and tell her that his gonna “end everyone”. The face mimic Dacre Montgomery shows in the scene it’s a cherry on Stranger Things cake. It was emotional, convincing and showed deepth to Billy’s character. There was this defining moment when his his face was smiling but one of his eyes has been crying. It made me care for this character and I was really sorry he died – though it was an honorable death.
11. E pluribus unum
Out of many one – which is the best name possible for this episode. Firstly the episode takes place in 4th July, and this quote was the unofficial United States motto before 1956. And of course there is the reference of obvious merging the bodies into one big monster thingy. What is also cool is that this is the first episode that we can actually hear and understand Mind Flayer – and not surprisingly the monster refers to itself as “We”. The music for this final scene is Glass – Satyagraha – Act II: Tagore one of the best chosen themes in Stranger Things. This beautiful music comes from the opera Satyagraha. A title that translates to Gandhi’s concept of nonviolent resistance to injustice. Whether it’s deliberately set as sarcasm we don’t know.
12. Classic “Do you guys hear that?”
This is most classical quote that refers to the monster finally appearing on the screen for the first time. I couldn’t imagine monster reveal without it. I also loved how they were quickly able to fortify themselves in the cabin. Well they had some practice before, haven’t thay?
13. Our heroes reunited
Show sets another of cool moments we love the most. The characters work as separate groups all of them in accordance with their abilities. And in one way or the other they reunite at the end of the season each time marking great emotional bond they have between them. These are a group of awesome people with grate individual traits who care about their country, their town and of course there care about each other. That is why seeing them working together at last brings great satisfaction every damn time.
14. Lighting
One of the biggest traits of stranger Things strikes again.. The Starcourt Mall in this season is basically an effusion of neon lights of pink and blue. It gives the feel of the 80’s even better than the clothing of characters. And that is something very cool to achieve. Props for lighting crew – as always.
15. Who the hell is Murray Bauman?
Am I the only one whos been wondering who the mystery reportes is, and what is his story? He speaks fluent russian, has a affinity for vodka, and looks surprisingly similar to Smirnoff. Not to mention the fact that he’s intelligent and understands society and politics better than any other character. Is really the show deliberately not answering this question? After all you don’t have to be an American to join the fun 😉
16. Weathertop
The fact that the party still uses its child names of locations in Hawkings is truly sweet. In the same time I think that the party mapped the Middle Earth on whole Hawkings – which is seriously cool. But the coolest thing is that Dustin choose this location to communicate with his love. After all the Weathertop, also known as Amon Sûl was one of places that Humans of Numenor kept their Palantirs – seeing stones. that were used for communication.
