Ep. 48: Stranger Things

Should They Watch It?

This week, the hosts discuss the widely popular 80’s supernatural show Stranger Things aka (our preferred title) Spooky Goonies. The hosts could help but gush over this show as they reminisce over the past episodes and provide un-spoilered details of the most recent season.

Summary
If you haven’t seen Spooky Goonies by now, then you’re missing out on America’s favorite horror/sci-fi adventure show. Netflix’s flagship show just released its fourth season and it’s a doozy.

Psychokinetic telepath (be sure not to read that as telekinetic psychopath because there are those too) Eleven and her three buddies repeatedly save the small town of Hawkins, Indiana from various alien life forms.

The show is an excellent example of weaving riveting storytelling with detailed character development, deeply exploring many of its side characters as well.

Target Audience
TV14. It is one of the most popular shows as of late, so it’s hitting with all demos.

The Positives
The show highlights the long-gone 80s phenomenon of outdoor and unsupervised play mixed with the growing realization of the vulnerability of unaccompanied children. With cases of child abductions making their way onto the news, (see the Jacob Wetterling case ), parents, communities, and even Hollywood, began pointing fingers at what they believed were the cause of such horrific murders. Thus, the birth of the “Satanic Panic"began. This mass hysteria provided a backdrop for the plot of this show, welcoming newcomer Joseph Quinn to the cast as the beloved and wrongly accused Eddie Munson.

Speaking of actors, the casting for this show is flawless. From the regulars, to the newcomers, to the one and done cameos (Toby from This is Us makes a crossover appearance as Benny Hammond.)

Strong friendships make for messages of loyalty through the many challenges of puberty.

Robert Englund (the original Freddie Kruger) shows up in the cast as a super creepy character.

Great 80s music! TikTok has been relentless over its love for Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hilland we have Max to thank for it.

Potentially Problematic
Not problematic, but the girls couldn’t help but notice yet another show where the government builds a laboratory ¾ of a mile from a bustling town without anyone noticing. Reminds us of Superpupz. Check out our review of that episode here.

The show scared the hell out of Kara’s son (specifically the demodogs) and it might scare yours too.

Lots of graphic death and injury.

Drug use.

Grief.

Some teenage sexuality, which varies by the season. The hosts get distracted by discussing a particular scene with Billy.

The costume choices are too much for Laura.

Should They Watch It
Kara: No, and nothing has hurt her worse to say this.

Laura: Yes to teens and tweens.

Side Conversation
One of Kara’s son’s friends came