Harrison Martin aka Flixfrog returns for a discussion on Stranger Things season 5, part 2. While our opinions differ on if this part was better than part 1, we both had things we liked about this newest selection of episodes. We approach the finale with hope and a prayer that this beloved show will end things on a high note.
We break down the character arcs, the un-proposal from Jonathan and Nance, the make up between Steve and Dustin, the coming out scene with Will, and the satisfaction of seeing Max wake up.
There's much more, but we do take a pit stop to discuss our favorite snacks and end with our outstanding character awards. All this, and more awaits those who enter. Mellon!
It's the final episode of Welcome to Derry, Winter Fire. We finally see how 1962 resolves and witness the foretold "final twist" that reveals why the Muschiettis are releasing the three seasons in backwards order. Would you believe it's time travel?
But before we get to the time travel plot, there are character arcs to resolve. Who lives? Who dies? Who tells the story? Not everyone gets character justice, but Steve and I do our past to articulate the truth about the big finale.
Although the Muschiettis have promised two more seasons, we have yet to hear an official announcement. But hopefully soon. In any case, thank you for joining Steve and I on another recap series.
It's the penultimate episode of season 1, The Black Spot. It's the episode everyone has been waiting to happen -- the supposed big hurrah. Only it turns out, there's a second hurrah coming that could be even more important to this show's lore. We talk about that decision and why it doesn't quite compute (for Lindsey at least).
Now, don't get me wrong. The Black Spot incident was delivered with terror and intrigue. The event was perpetrated by societal racism that will linger through in the Derry water for eternity. However, then introducing a plot twist that leads to a threat of It being unleashed outside the borders of Derry undermines the terror of the Black Spot and could make it seem less than. And plus, hasn't it been hinted at that the entity's power used to be stronger in the past? We will see how this all resolves next week.
Ready for a crawl? Or a piece of special pie? Harrison Martin, otherwise known as Flixfrog, came back to 1 of my Stories to help me make sense of the final season of STRANGER THINGS. Netflix gonna Netflix, so, of course, they had to release the season in three parts, outdoing their previous two-part release. Fair enough.
Both of us had waned in our enthusiasm for the show and weren't sure what to expect. But we loved re-entering the world and discovering the big reveal of part 1.
Life in Hawkins has taken a turn. The whole town is under quarantine and part of the city is closed up in a military occupied zone called MAC-Z. The Byers family is shacking up with the Wheelers for an undisclosed reason. Robin and Steve have new jobs at the SQOWK radio station, and whole gang uses the station as a rally point and operation center for their secret mission to find Vecna in the Upside Down. Murray plays Santa Clause and keeps the group equipped and operational for their special projects. The whole crew participates in these projects and knows to hup-to whenever Donna Summers' Upside Down plays. That's the call signal. Eleven and Hopper are living in the outskirts of town, helping Eleven train. Poor Max is still in a coma, with Lucas faithfully visiting her and keeping that Kate Bush light on. Finally, we have Holly Wheeler, always the kid sister in the background, playing a new unusual role.
The military is on the hunt for Eleven, but Eleven and the gang find Vecna before everything they hold dear is taken away?
The next three episodes drop on Christmas Day, and the finale drops on New Year's Eve, with theatrical releases happening in some cities. Do you have your tickets?
About Harrison Martin: Harrison Martin is the founder of Flixfrog, a blog reviewing film and television. He got a part-time job at Regal Cinemas to make watching movies more convenient (OK … free). Even after leaving his job at Regal Cinemas, Harrison would drive hours to any advanced screening in the hopes of someday becoming a certified critic. Since then, the website has grown into a small business venture including reviews, articles, digital content, and much more. You can find Harrison on Twitter @movieguru23 or @flixfrog
With only three episodes left, Welcome to Derry gives us the gift of a moment of calm before the storm. Yes, the kids and adults are left reeling after their interactions with It/Pennywise in the sewer, but there's a moment of reprieve as Ronnie reunites with her dad and the Black soldier blow off some steam at the newest dive in town, The Black Spot.
Not everyone is having a good time though, certainly not Lilly, Dick Hallorann, or the Hanlon family. We also get a pretty big reveal in regards to a certain employee of Juniper Hill, Ingrid Kersh. As usual, we go through our Easter eggs, our MVP, our rating, and the character beats that made us scream, laugh, and lean forward. Next week's episode is gearing up to be a big one, The Black Spot. This is where all the junk will go down. Will the Muschiettis be able to land their paper plane on Main Street? Have to wait a whole week to find out.
In the realm of cinema, expectations can often lead to disappointment, especially when beloved stories are adapted for the screen. In this podcast, we delve into Lindsey's experience of watching two recent films, Wicked: For Good and The Running Man. Both films have made their mark in the box office, but do they live up to the hype?
This was certainly an episode with lots of twists, turns, and suspense. It's the perfect start to a well-laid crescendo towards a glorious and terrifying season 1 climax at The Black Spot. Steve and I give our predictions and awards for MVP character, plus our episode rating. Next weeks episode will be titled In the Name of the Father.
Episode 5 picks up right where episode 4 left off with Hallorann believing he has extracted the pertinent information from Taniel. The military, represented by General Shaw, immediately organize a mission to send Hanlon and Hallorann down under the sewers with Colonel Fuller and an entourage to tighten the perimeter of pillars around It. Of course, this plan all goes all wrong, especially since Taniel left out some vital pieces of information. They didn't get everything. Somehow, he found the strength to block their attempts to rob all of his secrets.
Meanwhile the kids organize their own rescue mission to bring poor Phil Malkin home. An exhausted Matty appears on top of the Standpipe inside his cozy yellow tent. He reveals he survived by watching Pennywise tear apart the other kids. Lilly galvanizes the group to brave the sewers using the aid of "mommy's little helper."
Steve Barnes is guitarist for stoner metal band Introvoid, and also plays guitar for the cover band Rebecca Crow. All of Steve's stuff can be found at Sweetchildoftime.com.
Lindsey Dunn is a film critic with membership in both NC Film Critics and Southeastern Film Critics. She loves all things Cobra Kai, Netflix Dark, indie horror, and any stories about complicated relationships. You can find her at 1ofmystories.com and most social channels @1ofmystories.
This episode was recorded in July of 2022. Darryl Mansel, Harrison Martin, and I come together like pineapple on pizza discuss the second part of Stranger Things, season 4. This is a spoiler full discussion, and there was a lot to get into. There are some juice discussions about Dr. Brenner and Will, the death of Eddie and if it was necessary, and our speculations and theories on what will happen in season 5. Will Joyce and Hopper ever get their date? Let us know what you think. You can watch Stranger Things on Netflix.
About Stranger Things season 4: After surviving the battle of Starcourt Mall, the Hawkins gang has broken up, with the Byers' and Eleven moving to sunny California. Everyone settles into their new life, trying to make the best of things and move on. But the evil lurking in Hawkins is far from over. This new season takes place in multiple locations: Hawkins, California, Russia, and a mysterious bunker in the desert. With new secrets, new threats, and new characters, the world of Stranger Things keeps getting bigger.
About Darryl Mansel: Darryl Mansel is the former host and founder of the Poprika Reviews podcast. These days, he is working on pursuing his passion for screenwriting. You can find Darryl on Twitter @Seedalicious.
About Harrison Martin: Harrison Martin is the founder of Flixfrog, a blog reviewing film and television. He got a part-time job at Regal Cinemas to make watching movies more convenient (OK … free). Even after leaving his job at Regal Cinemas, Harrison would drive hours to any advanced screening in the hopes of someday becoming a certified critic. Since then, the website has grown into a small business venture including reviews, articles, digital content, and much more. You can find Harrison on Twitter @movieguru23 or @flixfrog.
About Lindsey Dunn: Lindsey is a film reviewer known by the moniker 1ofMyStories. She thinks stories have the power to change lives and minds in a way that works better than arguing. You can find her on Letterboxd or Twitter @1ofmystories. Or check the website: 1ofmystories.com.
This episode was originally recorded on June 12, 2022. Stranger Things, season 4, was so great that I was overwhelmed with the need to discuss with other fans.
Darryl Mansel, Harrison Martin, and I converged to discuss everything Hawkins, Satanic Panic, and Upside Down. It's full of spoilers and juicy tidbits. It may not be quite as great as winning an Americantendo, but give it a listen.
We discuss the new characters, theories about Vecna, and what will be Nancy's song. Let us know what you think.
About Stranger Things season 4: After surviving the battle of Starcourt Mall, the Hawkins gang has broken up, with the Byers' and Eleven moving to sunny California. Everyone settles into their new life, trying to make the best of things and move on. But the evil lurking in Hawkins is far from over. This new season takes place in multiple locations: Hawkins, California, Russia, and a mysterious bunker in the desert. With new secrets, new threats, and new characters, the world of Stranger Things keeps getting bigger.
About Darryl Mansel: Darryl Mansel is the former head of Poprika Reviews. He's now working on his passion for screenwriting. You can find Darryl on Twitter @Seedalicious.
About Harrison Martin: Harrison Martin is the founder of Flixfrog, a blog reviewing film and television. He got a part-time job at Regal Cinemas to make watching movies more convenient (OK … free). Even after leaving his job at Regal Cinemas, Harrison would drive hours to any advanced screening in the hopes of someday becoming a certified critic. Since then, the website has grown into a small business venture including reviews, articles, digital content, and much more. You can find Harrison on Twitter @movieguru23 or @flixfrog.
About Lindsey Dunn: Lindsey is a film reviewer known by the moniker 1ofMyStories. She thinks stories have the power to change lives and minds in a way that works better than arguing. You can find her on Letterboxd or Twitter @1ofmystories. Or check the website: 1ofmystories.com.