by Mike Lunsford, Editor

About 2 weeks ago, Netflix debuted another of their original series, and this time around it was the sci-fi drama Stranger Things. With such a strong start, it makes it impossible to dispute that Netflix, although not a traditional television network, is one of the best places for originally produced content.

The series has gained plenty of grassroots notoriety, as Facebook and other social media outlets are abuzz with praise for Stranger Things. If you are unfamiliar with the show or its premise, it features Winona Ryder (Beetlejuice, Golden Globe Award Winner for Age of Innocence) as Joyce Byers. Byers lives in a small town in the early 80’s when her 12-year-old son, Will, goes missing. As she and the local police force search for answers, nothing is as it seems. Over the course of the episodes, they encounter supernatural phenomena, mysterious forces, and an unexplained young girl with incredible powers.

Stranger Things is not just set in the early 80’s, it feels like it was filmed then as well. It manages to pay homage to such 80s staples as The Goonies, Poltergeist, E.T., and Stand By Me. For example, when Will’s friends Mike, Dustin, and Lucas are searching for him with the help of the mysterious El (short for “11” which is tattooed on her arm), the show has a Stand By Me vibe but never does it feel like a cheap rip off. In typical 80’s fashion too, the kids are the ones who are able to see beyond the normal and suspect something supernatural is at play, convincing the adults that this is no mere missing persons case. It takes those familiar elements and uses them as knowing nods to their greatness. It has teenage shenanigans, a police chief who’ll stop at nothing for answers (often punching everyone in his way, another 80s staple), Dungeons and Dragons references, supernatural monsters and plenty of creepy occurences and locales…what more could you ask for?

Throughout the series, you’ll find yourself guessing at what happened to young Will Beyers. Whether right or wrong, you are still entertained enough to stick with the story for the payoff. The special effects are great on a small screen budget, the acting is nearly flawless as all of your favorite 80s movie tropes are often played exactly how you expect. Then, you’re pleasantly surprised when a character does something unexpected. These characters have depth; they have heart, and you find yourself rooting for them. The story plays out so that you feel like you’re one of the them, as you know just about as much as they do. The moments that are scary are tastefully done as the suspense and dread play bigger than the actual monster itself, a folly of many modern sci-fi horror films.

If you haven’t been fortunate enough to watch the series yet, drop what your watching for the meantime and pick up this series. You won’t be disappointed. Stranger Things is part nostalgic throwback, part well crafted sci-fi horror excitement, and well worth the time invested.

Rating:

ComicsOnline gives Stranger Things 4 and 1/2 sweet 80s throwbacks out of 5.

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