I was a little late to the Stranger Things party. Sorry about that. Years ago, I saw the premier episode and loved it. However, life and being an author can get in the way.
I am now up to speed. A bit of background. I am a self-confessed pop culture historian and watched more TV back in the day than any good doctor would recommend. Having said that, Stranger Things is one of the most incredible TV shows of the last 30 years. Why? Because it captures the vibe of the 80s while dealing with the issues of being a teen which transcends any era. It is all done in the context of a “parallel world” and “monsters” that don’t just lurk under our bed but, in our minds.
Growing up in the 80s, I recall the “satanic cult” fear over heavy metal and fantasy role-playing games, the stigma for any teen even thinking about coming out, and the obliviousness of our baby boomer parents about what we did on a daily basis. Like the teen characters fighting demons in Stranger Things, the 80s teen pretty much had to fend for themselves in a complex world. Oh yes, and every day we were reminded of the cold war and those pesky Soviets. Saturdays were for hanging out in the arcade in the mall, a mall very similar to Starcourt.
What is masterful about the series is my three sons all love the show. They are ages 18 to 22. My boys can identify with the “issues” the kids face in the show represented by literal “monsters” from the upside-down world. They completely get the show is about identity, depression, and teenage anxieties. As a 50-something watching the show, I don’t find empathy with the adults portrayed but, rather the teens. Why? Because they are like the kids I came of age with, my generation! The great realization for me is that the very issues my 80s teen friends faced are the same issues today’s teens face, summarized by a need to be heard, loved, and understood.
After watching the final episode of season 5, one of my sons asked if I was like Eddie Munson, a geeky, metalhead with a passion for Dungeons and Dragons. The truth was, while I was not totally like Eddie, many of my friends were Eddie. I am sure anyone growing up in the 80s all knew an Eddie: someone who was a misunderstood outcast, who deep down was a kind soul. However, I also did know many Steve Harringtons and none had the positive character arc the fictional character does. Most of my Steve Harrington-era teens lost all their hair by age 40 so. There was some slow justice.
As an author of teen and young adult novels, I could not recommend a better show for a teen and an adult too. It works on many levels. Plus it stars Wynona Ryder. No movie or TV show can ever go wrong with her in it. Maybe Michelle Pfeiffer will be in season 6?
Speaking of great shows. The Rings of Power is must-watch TV. Don’t listen to the naysayers. If you love the art of storytelling, you’ll enjoy this. The settings and world creation are incredible. Too many people want a cliffhanger every second. The buildup of characters is essential to any great story.