We grew up in the 70s. Came of age in the 80s.
It was rad. So rad, we often talk about how rad it all was.
So you know, we edit, but never censor. Not language or ideas or emotion.
In this edition: Stranger Things
Max: Hello?
Zan: Hi. We’re
into Stranger Things—way in—and through
episode six. I’m still processing, but early eval equals love.
Max: Told you.
Zan: After episode
one, I wanted to hang with the four boys immediately. I like the Sheriff. And
the 80s set decoration, fashion, food, games give it depth. Allow for that
mystery I was talking about last time—not enough technology to have all the
info. Love that. All the family
dynamics were good too. Science teacher was awesome. Barb was AMAZING—in her
two minutes on film. Winona was, well, Winona—her acting leaves me scratching
my head. It’s like, non-acting acting. Which, I guess, is a style.
Max: She got
better, though, right?
Zan: The
brother—liked him a lot—he made Winona’s character more believable.
Max: What else
did you like?
Zan: I thought
the ending of episode one was fantastic…the boys finding the girl in the rain.
So good.
Max: I want to
carry the curly-haired speech impediment boy around in my pocket forever. He’s
my favoritie.
Zan: God, right?
I like all the sarcasm. I like that the kids cuss. This is my big problem with
middle grade characters—in books or films—they’re so washed out today. Hey,
world, starting in at least fifth grade, kids cuss like adults. And they’re
just words. Relax. Anywho, I liked the abducted boy too. His face when he was
waiting for the thing to come through the shed door? Brave in spite of his
fear. He wasn’t giving up. Such good kid spirit—in all the boys.
Max: Okay, this
is more than I expected. I would’ve felt terrible if you hadn’t liked it.
Zan: So,
question: Hopper and the mom know, Nancy and the older bro know, the three boys
and Eleven know, but when are they gonna join forces? And by the way, if this
doesn’t have a happy ending, I’m gonna be pissed. If both Will and Barb aren’t
alive? Well, shit. In any event, we think it’s gotten better with every
episode. See a few flaws, but overall it’s money.
Max: I only have
one huge problem with it, but it’ll have to wait until you’re finished.
Spoiler.
A few days
later:
Max: Hello, Zan.
It’s hot as balls here.
Zan: Hello, Max.
It’s raining here. Lots. And also… Why didn’t you tell me so many threads would
be left dangling at the end of Stranger
Things? This is only the first season, right? There will be another season,
right?
Max: Chill,
little addicted one.
Zan: But what is
Hop doing? Where is Eleven? What is Will coughing up?
Max: I have my
own questions.
Zan: Go.
Max: Why in the
hell didn’t the sheriff and Mrs. Byers take Eleven back to her family
immediately? They all lost children, so what the fuck? I mean, all Eleven
wanted was to go to the snowball and eat eggos? Damn it.
Zan: Oh my god.
I didn’t even think of that. You’re right. That’s fucked. They should’ve taken
her to her family. But wait…
Max: What?
Zan: I’m
thinking of something Pete said after we watched the episode with Eleven’s
aunt. How they set us up for no answers by making the mom damaged and the aunt
jaded and disbelieving. And truly, Eleven’s mom? She wasn’t exactly in the
right state of mind to care for Eleven.
Max: Well, it’s
better than death.
Zan: Eleven’s
not dead. She’s hiding out in the upside down and Hop has the secret to get her
out. For now, he has to provide for her, feed her.
Max: Oh, I
didn’t realize you wrote it.
Zan: Listen,
smartass, you got me into this and there better be a season two.
Max: I promised
nothing.
Zan: Max, I need
a season two.
Max: Zan, I’ll
wish and hope for it…as much and hard as I can.
Zan: Thanks.
Max: Word.