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Week 8 [04.12 - 10.12.2017] Stranger things


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Have you heard of a TV-series called Stranger Things? It’s on Netflix. It takes place in the ’80s and blends horror and science fiction and nostalgia together in a mixture that may strike a chord with you.

 


Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana in the 1980s, the first season (there are 2 now) focuses on the investigation into the disappearance of a young boy amid supernatural events occurring around the town including the appearance of a girl with psychokinetic abilities who helps the missing boy's friends in their own search.


Why is Stranger Things such a hit? It's the nostalgia with the combination of Stephen King and Steven Spielberg-like material and, of course, charming characters. Duffer Brothers created a cast of highly likable, relatable characters, cast them perfectly (from 1000 candidates), and then had them work together.

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In a small town Hawkins where everyone knows everyone, an incident starts a chain of events that leads to the disappearance of a child. Local police begin to understand that there's more going on than meets the eye, while supernatural forces and government agencies are doing dark deeds.

A boy called Will Byers suddenly goes missing. The whole town of Hawkins turns upside down. Mother, his brother, friends, and police are looking for him. But one thing leads to another. And things get even more confusing and scary when a little girl with a shaved head comes into the town.

After the mysterious vanishing of Will, the people of Hawkins begin to uncover secrets of a government lab, the world called "Upside Down", an alternate dimension discovered by Hawkins Laboratory scientists, where monsters live. The boy's mother desperately tries to find him and is convinced he is in danger. The boy's friends go in search of Will and discover a strange little girl, who is on the run from scientists.

Stephen King shared his thoughts on the series on Twitter. See what he thinks about Stranger Things below.

https://twitter.com/stephenking/status/754865415587758080

https://twitter.com/stephenking/status/754699429047836672


There are two seasons filmed (1 season - 8 episodes, 2 - 9) and the third season comes out in November 2018.


Questions:

  1. Have you seen Stranger things? If no, would you like to watch it?
  2. If you watched it, what did you like the most about series? Do you think it's scary and do you like horrors?
  3. What TV series do you watch now or want to watch?



Sources:

Comments

Magdalena Popek said…
I've never watched any TV series so I haven't seen Stranger things. If it was a movie I would like to watch it, but for me watching a series is a waste of time (it's just because I know I wouldn't be able to watch just one episode so I would probably waste the whole day to watch a series. And that would be a waste of time). I prefer to read a book or watch a movie instead.
Marcin Mróz said…
No, I haven't seen Stranger Things, I'm not really a 'TV series' type of person, I don't have a habit that whenever I have free time, I watch TV series. I've watched only Game of Thrones and some episodes of House of Cards. I heard that people are very excited about Stranger Things, so maybe I'd give it a shot, if I had more free time.
Horrors for me are usually funny, just because the plot in most of them is poor and they just seem to try hard to be scary.
As I said, I don't watch any TV series at the moment, I don't have enough spare time and additionally it doesn't excite me so much. I prefer watching football matches during weekend. :)
Unknown said…
Yeah, you're right about horrors. There are many of them with a bad plot, special effects, and terrible acting.
There are a lot of buzz around Game of Thrones too. So, In my opinion, if a TV series or film is good, people will find time to watch it. Anyway, Stranger Things have only 8 series in the 1 season and 9 in the second one. It's not that many, compared with other series. For example, Supernatural has 13 seasons, and each has about 22 series :) But I get your opinion. Thank you for the comment.
Unknown said…
I understand you. It's quite tough to not to watch all of the series at once.
Marcin Mróz said…
Oh, I forgot about Breaking Bad - this is the only TV series I watched from the beginning to the end and I must admit it was really good. :)
Personally I'm avoiding TV series like a plague for reasons already said above, so I sadly didn't watch this one, even though it seems really interesting. I kinda want to watch all those cool movies I stumble upon, but at the same time I'm trying to limit my time being "wasted" on watching movies, and TV series is on the bottom of the list due to being filled with "placeholders" where you could just merge 10 episodes into one longer movie and not miss a thing.
Unknown said…
I've seen it. I loved it. I can't wait for the 3rd season which has recently been announced. It will most probably be aired on halloween next year, which will be a nightmare to wait for (like the wait for the second season was). Of course, when it came out on Halloween this year, we binge watched it in two sittings.

If I have to choose one thing I like the most about the series, it would be the attention to detail, how thought-through the series is. Apart from that, I just love the series' 80's style and how good they actually managed to execute it. Also, the actors are great, I cannot imagine choosing them any better.

I didn't think it was scary especially that horrors don't scare me in general. I like them, but they just do not work on me.

If you watched the series and didn't watch the "Beyond Stranger Things" program on Netflix, I strongly recommend you to do that as they state many interesting facts about the series there.

The only thing I'm watching now (or actually will start on Friday) is the new Grand Tour season :)
Unknown said…
I'm surprised at the number of people who do not watch TV shows. It's not always convenient to watch movies, because they last more than an hour. Christmas is coming, so I hope that you have enough time to watch an interesting film or series.
Unknown said…
I heard about Vreaking Bad, but I've never watched it. What is so special about it?
Unknown said…
As I’ve commented in other article about TV – I don’t have time to watch it or If I do have I avoid it because there is always something better to do. That’s why I’ve never watched Stranger things. Maybe someday I’ll decide to watch it but it will only occur when I’ll be sick and stay in bad.
Unknown said…
I have never seen before, but your post interested me, and maybe in the future, I will watch :)
I don't know what to tell about question number 2, because I have never seen this show.
Now I watching "American Horror Story", I recommend you to watch :)
This show really interesting, and will break your head :)
Unknown said…
You're the first person among students commented this post who has seen it. I thought there would be more people because series are so popular, there are many posts, arts, articles, reviews, etc about it on the Internet.
Yes, it won't be easy to wait for it. I found out about 3 seasons only a few days ago, when I was writing this presentation, and now can't help thinking about it.
I agree with you. Acting is amazing. Children act so naturally. But I read a few articles in which it was written adults didn't play well. What do you think about it? Did you like the sheriff?
Unknown said…
AHS is awesome. Actors are marvelous, considering the fact they play different roles each season and it looks so natural, their acting is great. I like the openings the most, they always look so scary.
Stranger Things is not as scary as AHS, but it's good too. Hope you watch it someday.
I’ve watched it, it’s awesome and I recommend it to seriously everyone. I’m not a big fun of horrors or science fiction but Stranger Things series is the perfect mix of everything. It’s a weave of comfort and fear - kids fighting monsters, the 80’s nostalgia but also the disappearance of a child, the psychological torture of Eleven. Stranger Things is a kid’s series for adults.
Series that I recently watched and recommend include Alias Grace and The Handmaid's Tale - both shows are based on Margaret Atwood excellent novels.
Unknown said…
I'm so glad you watched and like it. Thank you for your recommendations. As to Eleven, the way the superpowers is shown in the series is very impressive, isn't it? This looks like a fairy tale.
Unknown said…
I actually really like the acting of each and everyone\s character. The roles are just overexaggerated which might feel strange for some.

I really love the character of Jim Hopper, how he now takes care of eleven as he would of his own daughter. He's very good with her at the same moment when he can be a real douchebag towards others.

I also like the character of Joyce Byers, Winona Ryder does a great job acting there. Then we had Billy, I especially liked the scene with him and Mike's mother at her front porch. Also the newly introduced character of Bob Newby was great and really evolved during the series. I have nothing on them, really. On the other hand, maybe when I see this season for the second time I won't be absorbed that much by the story and not be so hyped and will notice some faults? :)
Unknown said…
Yes of course I have seen Stranger Things. It is one of my favorite TV series. It's not scary at all for me. It's original idea, I hope that they won't ruin it with next seasons. I like Dustin very much and his RRRRRRRRRRR and that he doesn't have teeth. It is very funny. About the first season , I didn't like the ending because they ended all threads very quickly. In the second season it wasn't like this. I can't wait to see next seasons. It's bad that we must wait one year.
Alicja said…
I'm not a big TV series fan myself, but I do watch them occasionally. I buy your argument that on weekdays there is usually no time to watch ~2 hour movie before going to bed, but ~1 hour TV series episode is perfect.

I have seen Stranger Things encouraged by my brother. We are both into American 80s suburban nostalgia and fantasy (including Dungeons & Dragons). I liked the idea of bringing back the iconic Winona Ryder who I loved in the 80s' Beetlejuice.

I was amazed by the performance of Millie Bobby Brown who is also remarkable in Intruders:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUO1He3jgAQ

Currently I watch British detective TV series Inspector Morse that takes place in Oxford. I recommend it if you like murder mystery riddles and if you are interested in British culture.
Unknown said…
I've watched both seasons of Stranget Things and I think it is good. When it comes to the main riddle, I was dissapointed a little, but the story itself is good in general. I really enjoyed personalities of main characters also. It wasn't really scary, by the way, in my thoughts.

Now I am rewatching "Babylon-5" TV-series. i strongly recommend it if you are a fan of space operas or are into sci-fi.
Anonymous said…
I have to admit - I didn't watch Stranger Things. Actually I've tried to, but I resigned after a minute. It looked like a sci-fi which I hate.
Now, when everyone are so excited about it I may consider watching it.
What I like when it comes to movies, books and TV shows are fact-based stories. I like to gain knowledge all the time even while watching or reading something. That's why I liked Narcos.
Unknown said…
Yes, his roar is so charming. To me, all the children played well. It's impossible to not to believe them.
It's quite difficult to imagine what can happen in the next seasons. But yes, fingers crossed they'd be as interesting as the previous ones.
Filip Sawicki said…
Recently I have finished watching last episode of the second season. Despite being worse than the first one, I still like this series. I wouldn’t say “Strangers Things” is a horror by genre, however it is certainly a good exemplar of a thriller and fantasy. The most appealing thing for me in this series are the 80’s and “Ghost Busters” theme, what makes me feel nostalgic. Right now I am watching “Lucifer”, “Black Mirror” and “Star Trek: Discovery”, each of them I highly recommend, great for lazy Sundays. I want to watch “Limitless” series, which is an extension of a movie with the same title.
Foodocado said…
Of course I watched it. It's one of my favorite tv series. I watched second season on one breath. The dark theme is dominating in this series, but I can not say that it's scary. I like horror films, but I don't watch them too often. I like watching tv series because the episodes are much shorter than normal movies and i can watch them during for example dinner.

Recently I started watching Peaky Blinders. I am in love in it. I recommend to watch it, because it's as good as Stranger Things (or even better).
I haven't watched ST yet but I'm looking for occasion to watch it. My sister has recommended it to me and she want to watch it with me because she is too scared during the show to finish the first season. So when I finally find some free time I will help her with this problem :D
Now I'm free from any TV series but I'm waiting for new season of Black Mirror (end of december).
Magdalena Popek said…
Yes, and that's why I just prefer not to start :P
Unknown said…
I've heard that "Stranger Things" is a really good show, so one day I will watch it. The biggest problem is that I don't really have time to do so ;)
In November History channel launched the 5th season of "The Vikings" series. Unfortunately, it's not available on Netflix yet and I don't like to watch it illegaly online so I have to wait. Fortunately, there is also next season of "Mr. Robot" on Amazon ;)
Marcin Górski said…
I have never seen "Stranger Things" but I'm preparing lists with movies which I should watch! I have Netflix account and I can see that is available so... first place on the list is reserved!
When I have some free time, I'm watching "Belfer". In my opinion it is the best polish criminal tv-series I have ever seen :)
I havent watched Stranger things due to lack of time for TV shows lately.

I watched most of the released Supernatural Episodes, just like Poirot Agatha Christie's inspired TV series which started in 1989.
For everybody who likes criminal, mystery based TV shows i would recommend watching Poirot Series, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes both versions one portrayed by Jeremy Brett from 1984 and second portrayed by Vasili Livanov from 1979. And lastly overlooked by many TV Series Columbo from 1968:)
Jakub Lisicki said…
I've been watching some of the "Stranger Things" episodes, but I didn't have time to finish the first season. I'll probably get back to it after some time, It's a pretty good TV series.
What I enjoyed the most of it is the excellent work put into creating the climate of the story. It's really fun to watch, it's nostalgic and it's not boring. I don't think it's scary at all. It was nice to watch and I don't like watching horrors at all.
Right now I'm watching a TV series called "The Crown". It's a british series about the reign of the Queen Elizabeth II, her life, and the historical events that took place during her life.
Unknown said…
My friend told me a few days ago that The Vikings is a great series. Hope Stranger Things is uploaded to Netflix soon so you can watch it.
Unknown said…
I've heard of Black Mirror, many people say that this is a good show. It's in my "want to watch" list.
Of course, you should help her and watch the series with her, because there are scary monsters. I wonder how old your sister is. Other students wrote the series isn't scary for them. So, it's interesting why some people find it scary and others don't.
Unknown said…
The same. I can't imagine how people can not to like series and what they watch then.
I haven't heard of Peaky Blinders, but I've just watched the trailer. And it's cool. The lightning and colors look so nice. Thank you for the recommendation.
Unknown said…
What do you think about the third season? Do you think it will spoil the series or it can be good anyway?
Wow, you're watching all 3 at the same time? You probably have the superpower to remember all and no to get puzzled. That's cool.
Unknown said…
Then maybe you won't like it even the second time. There are scientists, experiments and also superpowers (telekinesis, etc).
Unknown said…
Yes, others said this wasn't scary for them too. I would like to know what you and others find scary, which movie or series is really frightful.
Thank you for the recommendation.
Unknown said…
Haven't seen it but i might watch it. If there won't be anything INTERESTING left to watch. Currently i don't watch anything as everything bores me to death. But i'm planning to give Lucifer and Vikings a try.
Unknown said…
And also there are series one episode of which lasts 30, 15 or fewer minutes. And cartoons too.
I haven't watched Intruders, but the video you linked is amazing. Millie Bobby Brown has a talent for roles like this. Her acting is so believable.
Unknown said…
Hope you find all of the series you want to watch interesting. It's sad that nothing appeals you now. In the comments above you can find some recommendation for the series, try to choose some. Maybe you'll find some interesting for yourself.
Unknown said…
But, maybe, Stranger things are not that good if you chose "The Crown" over them now, when you have some free time? :) Or you just don't have the right mood for it.
Unknown said…
Wow, Supernatural! I've almost forgotten about it. I Should watch the 13 season.
Thank you for the recommendation. I have a friend who also likes to watch old series and films, so I'll tell her.
Unknown said…
Hope you can watch it soon, fingers crossed :)
Unknown said…
Or maybe you'll find some free time to watch it on holidays.
1. My family loves it. I've only seen a few fragments while they were watching, but I thing it kind of spoiled the story for me. Plus I'm not really into this kind of shows.

2. Nope, Nope and Nope. I don't like horrors, they've never appealed to me at all.

3.Rick and Morty - Seasons 4-9
Somehow in all this hype i think stranger this isnt my piece of cake. I found it boring while music is different story. Anyway i didnt go for season 2.

It depends, alone or with someone. Durning day or night etc.

Shameless, Lucifer, Vikings and many more :D
It was proposed for me on Netflix. I have watched one episode and this kind of fantasy is not for me got bored actually. But everyone watches something else.
Yes, i watched whole two seasons and i really liked it! One of the best movies i watched at 2017. But still i think it's a bit overratted. I mean it's good and better than overall Netflix series but i would give it 8/10. I think season one was better than the second one. I do not like horror movies but stranger things but it's unpredictable in positive way. I don't want to watch any TV series at the moment, sadly I don't have time for it. :(
Unknown said…
I didn't watch a "Stranger things" but after your article I will watch it. I can't to say if it is good or not because as I said - I have never heard about it. I watch the "Narcos" made by a Netflix but after one season I can't say if it is worth it to watch. For sure it is not the best serial which I have watched in my life.
Unknown said…
I watched "Stranger Things" seasons 1 and 2. All i can say is that for me season 1 was better, but second one was still good. To be honest it's not scary. Right now I am watching Narcos season 3 + Flash/Arrow.
Yes, I've watched both seasons of "Stranger Things", this series is one of the reasons why I have Netflix account.
Firstly, I don't think "Stranger Things" is too scary but in the right moment "horror part" with '80s atmosphere works perfectly. Personally, I am not a big fan of horror movies. What do I like the most about series? Excellent acting, authentic atmosphere and obviously tricky and interesting plot.
Now I am watching "Mindhunter" by Netflix, great crime drama about FBI in '70s.
Unknown said…
My answer to all of the above questions is: I don't have time for watching a TV series, and I don't like to follow such series, because it requires me to watch episodes in order. I just really can't force myself to just sit and glare at the TV to make up, e.g. last 5 episodes so I can follow the story.

I watched several episodes of Stranger Things. At the present moment I can not say much about the series, but I do not like horror movies. I'd like to see the Punisher series, it's supposed to be amazing.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Yes, I just love this series. I hate a horror. I do not think that this TV show can be attributed to the horror genre. The series simply capture. The TV show is very interesting, and you never know what will happen next. Alas, I am very busy recently and did not have the opportunity to watch the second season. I heard a lot of opinions that the second season was better than the first. Let's hope that this is so, and I will get many pleasant impressions from its viewing.
Unknown said…
I have seen it and I’ve loved it! The part I liked the most was the music, it stayed on my Spotify for long after watching the series.
The first season was a bit scary up until they fully revealed the monster. After that, not scary at all.
Right now I’m trying to find some time to watch The Expanse, a sci-fi with political intrigues between Earth and Mars. One of my friends can’t stop recommending it to me.
Yevhen Shymko said…
Loved first season when it just came out but the second one wasn't that impressive as I would like it to be. How it was filmed was fantastic to me. Camera movements and light through out the series. Loved to watch it before going to bed in this dark atmosphere.
Andrzej Gulak said…
Stranger Things is actually one of the reasons I own a Netflix Subscription, so yes, I have watched all the seasons so far. I’ve really enjoyed the plot of the series, it was well written, intriguing, addictive and exciting. I couldn’t stop watching. In fact I’ve binged watched the latest season in just 2 days.
The acting was fabulous, the young cast really outdone themselves with their expressive portrayal of their characters. They’ve got bright future ahead of them as actors. It wasn’t that scary for me personally, as much as I dislike horror as a genre I really enjoyed this series.
I’ve recently started another dark series on Netflix, called Mindhunter, seems good so far but I don’t want to judge it until I’ve seen more episodes.
Unknown said…
Yes, I have decided to watch it because of the reviews, but I wasn't so impressed. It was really nice, but not awesome-awesome. The first season was better, it showed the atmosphere of the 80's, but the second one was a little boring for me. I like the way the children managed to play their roles, I am in love with cutie Dustin)) I think it was a nice try to recreate those great movies from 80's with all the cliches, but the old ones are still better for me. Nevertheless, I will be waiting for the third season.
Unknown said…
And I forgot to add that for me it is not horror at all, but I think for someone it could be. Oh, and the sounds and music is so cool! probably the best film music, I have heard for the last years:)
Unknown said…
Oh, understand you. I watched it in 2 or 3 days too. It was so interesting.
By the way, Finn Wolfhard, who played Mike in Stranger Things, also played Richie in It (2017). And because of this, he became very popular. As Alicja said, Millie Bobby Brown is very talented too, she played in Intruders and did it well. So, you're right about the cast and their career.
Unknown said…
Thank you, that's cool that after having read my article you decided to watch it.
Everyone has different preferences. Sylwia wrote above she enjoys Narcos. But Maybe you'll find Stranger Things more interesting and enjoy it.
Unknown said…
What a pity. And didn't you like at least the parts you saw with your family? This is not a horror, there is only scary stuff like monsters and so. Judging by the other comments, people don't find it scary at all. But okay then.
Unknown said…
What didn't you like about it? What could make the series "awesome-awesome"?
Yeah, Dustin is a really charming character, he acted so well and his appearance is very suitable for this role.
Unknown said…
Yep, seen Stranger Things both seasons. I find it awesome, especially the first season. The stage, the 80s, the kids, its funny and scary, old school, nostalgic, easy to watch. Not scary enough but that's just me. It's a great family production, well maybe except few scenes in a whole series. Overall highly recommended.
From most popular TV series that I've watched and which made a fine impression on me I can recommend Breaking Bad, Westworld, Silicon Valley of course, Black Mirror is a must if you are interested in newest technology or Steven Universe if you wanna watch something with kids (not that I need a nephew around to watch it ;)).

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