Old School. Biblically Independent.
By Andrew Sanford | News | July 16, 2025
There are some things I am an unapologetic mark for. No matter what public opinion may be, I will dig my heels in to the point where I can’t be trusted to be objective. It doesn’t happen too often. I can be swayed like anybody else, or my opinion can change. I’m also not immune to dropping something the minute it does something I don’t like. But when I like something a lot, it takes extra effort to get me to change my mind. And, I am here to say that I am a mark for Stranger Things.
I’m not obsessed with the show. There has been no motivation to explore the comics based on it or dive into the various 8-bit video games. I likely won’t see the Broadway show, despite it being right around the corner from one of my jobs, and public opinion being quite positive. My love is for the show, which I’ve watched and rewatched a few times, and enjoyed every minute of. The blend of horror, action, and coming-of-age stories is right up my alley.
So, I’m absolutely hyped for the new season. I want to know what’s happening to the people of Hawkins now that the Upside Down has exploded into their world. My excitement builds thinking about Eleven squaring off with Vecna once more. Frank Darabont, the man behind The Mist, The Blob (1988), and The Shawshank Redemption, will direct several episodes, bringing decades of expertise with him. I won’t even pretend that I’m cautiously optimistic; I am hyped, and the new trailer increases that hype.
There’s a lot to unpack there. Hawkins looks to be overrun by monsters and the military (how can you even tell the difference? BOOM). Max is still in a coma. Vecna is creeping around the corner. Will we finally see a giant monster in the “real world,” cause it sure as hell looks like it! Demorgorgons seem to grow on (and jump off of) trees, making it feel like the last level in a video game where you have to fight a bunch of the bosses you’ve already beaten. There’s good sh** here! Will it coalesce into a satisfying final season? That’s what I’m banking on!
There’s a very good chance I could be disappointed. Finales are hard as hell, even if you are in the pocket for something. But they’d have to screw up significantly to turn me off. They took their time writing and producing the episodes. There is extra pressure to nail the last bits, given the show’s success. Hopefully, the Duffer Brothers rise to the challenge. I’ll be seated excitedly and probably start a rewatch soon.
