Everyone is flipping out about Stranger Things.

They should. In an era of Kardashians, distressing news stories and watered down sequels, this is the entertainment we all deserve. If you haven’t watched Stranger Things and don’t want to be spoiled, don’t go any further.

If you haven’t and you don’t care, please proceed.

The Characters Aren’t Dumb

There’s nothing worse than stupid, slow characters. Luckily, Stranger Things is chock full of colorful, smart characters who know something whack is up.

I hate TV shows where the characters just aren’t getting it. But from the get-go, Will’s friends (expertly played by Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, and Caleb McLaughlin) understand that something about his disappearance doesn’t quite add up. And though she’s partially responsible for it, Natalia Dyer’s prim, yet eventually badass Nancy, figures out that something is amiss with Barb’s vanishing pretty quickly too.

Combine that with Hooper’s (the magnificently gruff David Harbour), growing persistence to figure out what’s happening at Hawkins Labs, Joyce’s (Winona Ryder) Christmas light fixation and you’ve got a cast that’s seriously figuring shit out in a believable manner.

via thevulture.com
via thevulture.com

The Nostalgia is SO Good

The nostalgia in Stranger Things is amazing. Like, equivalent to your Mom’s mac and cheese and a warm, flannel blanket on a snowy day good. As I was re-watching it with my Dad, he exclaimed, “I had those walkie-talkies! From Radio Shack!” in the first episode.

Combined with the impeccable 80s wardrobe and props, the constant nods to classics like The Goonies and E.T. make this a feel-good series to binge on… even if it’s creepy as all hell. Shows like Mad Men and Stranger Things continue to raise the bar.

via theverge.com.
via theverge.com.

We’re Not Asked to be Patient

Nothing about Stranger Things makes you tap your feet in anticipation. The creators know well enough to make us wait for the most worthwhile plot revelations without dragging anything out.

We’re quickly shown which characters matter, and which characters don’t. It’s easy to care about them. Hopper (David Harbour) shreds through a potentially slow storyline with demands, raw nerve and one particularly bold break-into Hawkins Lab. At any given time, one of the characters is in pursuit of an answer to a question we’re all thinking.

There’s no slow trickle of information, but a flood of intrigue and mystery and moments that inspire you to look over your shoulder to make sure nothing is coming out of the wall behind you.

Winona Ryder is Choice

I’m a Winona fan – going back to her Reality Bites days. I personally love when old-school actors have their comebacks, but Ryder’s performance in Stranger Things can’t even be counted as a comeback. It’s a reminder that she’s a boss.

There are moments that feel very Winona – Susanna-esque rants, a flirtation with the Supernatural ala Lydia Deets. But there is no other choice for Joyce Byers than the unhinged Winona, throwing people out of her house left and right, going face to face with a mysterious being that kidnapped Will and demanding a free pack of cigs.

Veronica would be proud.

via ew.com
via ew.com

The Characters Aren’t Effing Around

Every main character in Stranger Things is looking for the truth… and they’re willing to sacrifice nearly anything to get it.

Winona Ryder’s Joyce is (as it appears) certifiably INSANE. She tears through a wall, lights up her entire home with Christmas lights, and nearly turns her back on her son Jonathan when he doesn’t believe that Will is still alive. She doesn’t care. She’s going to find her son.

Hopper’s daring break-in into Hawkins is similar – stick his hand into a mysterious goo portal that kind of resembles lady parts? Sure, it’s in pursuit of the truth. Jump right back up after seemingly being drugged and framed as an alcoholic? Gotta do it if you’re going to find the Byers kid.

From Nancy to Mike, each of the characters at the forefront of Stranger Things have one vibe they’re giving off: “If you’re not on Team Tulip Face Exists, GTFO.”

Then there’s Eleven – newcomer Millie Bobby Brown, who basically would choose death before returning to her role as a lab rat. She escapes through a tunnel all Shawshank Redemption style, emerging to take no prisoners and be revealed to no mothers as she telepathically forces people to get the hell out of her way. Who can forget the shot of her walking up to the canyon, eyes blazing with fury, as she holds Mike dangling hundreds of feet over the ground? And the van that she literally flips over in the air?

Every Stranger Things character is in it to win it, whatever “it” is.

No Easy Choices Are Made

How easy would it have been to spare Barb? Or to make Steve the bad guy? No, in Stranger Things, nearly every character is given a chance for redemption…but only if they really deserve it. Nancy is given the chance to track down Barb after partially being responsible for her being snatched by a monster, Luke bonds with Eleven after basically calling her a freak for the entire series, and Steve goes bananas on the monster with a baseball bat after being told to leave by his possibly soon to be ex-girlfriend.

Hopper betrays the kids (or does he?!), Nancy stays with Steve (again, how easy would it be to have her jump to Jonathan?) and although Will is returned to our dimension… he’s a littttttle different.

The writers too huge, rewarding risks here.

Everything You Think is Wrong

Eleven is actually Hopper’s daughter?

Nope.

Nancy gets eaten by the thing whilst looking for Barb in the Upside Down?

Nah.

Jonathan finally wins Nancy, getting her to ditch the perfectly coiffed Steve?

Noooooo. Didn’t even get to cop a feel.

Whenever you think you understand or know what’s going to happen next, you’re wrong.

Did I miss something? Fire off in the comments!!