My Authoritah: Changing Seasons

Stranger Things season 3: Complete!

I recently finished watching season 3 of Stranger Things. I have some criticisms about character development, but the final episodes packed an emotional wallop that left me biting my lower lip in order to constrain my emotions.

My criticisms:

1. Mike is essentially a useless character at this point. While he was a driver of the plot in season 1 (and his relationship with Eleven was both sweet and expertly crafted), by this point in the series he is reduced to a bit part in a fairly routine back-and-forth teen drama with Eleven. I found the relationship between Steve and Dustin far more compelling. Steve actually has what I would argue to be the most dramatic character arc of anyone in the series (from shallow bully to selfless savior). I am very much on “Team Steve.”

2. Nancy and Jonathan similarly have some relationship troubles that essentially go nowhere, and as a result their characters fall flat. They bicker for awhile, fight the Mind Flayer together, and make up. There is an emotional farewell in the season finale between them, but that’s the only true high point.

3. Detective Hopper spends the first 6 episodes essentially being a caricature of his previous self. The season 1 Hopper was a detective with layers: tormented by the loss of a child and prone to self-abuse, but still retaining a heart of gold. He’s left with little to do in this season but act grumpy and yell at people, and I never fully believe that his chemistry with Mrs. Byers is authentic until the final episode. The season somewhat redeems itself with the character by giving him an incredibly emotional sendoff.

In spite of these flaws, which I consider to be minor, the series is still highly entertaining. I love the subtle nods to 80s cinema such as the Terminator lookalike hired to kill Detective Hopper (although he is Russian and not Austrian). The series also has clever plays on 80s materialism at the apex of the Reagan era. The mall worship is very apparent.

The Mind Flayer is an imaginative and horrifying opponent for the protagonists. I’m not sure how one thinks of such a thing. It seems like an amalgam of every night terror I’ve ever had.

FInally, the Billy character has a vital moment of redemption in the final episode that stuck with me. In episode one he is among the most loathsome individuals I’ve ever seen a series. Steadily though, the season sprinkles depth to his backstory. By the finale, he comes full circle and in his final moment, fully redeems himself. That’s screenwriting at its finest.

Servant season 4: say wha?

I truly do not know why critics are fawning over season 4 of Servant. To me it’s a routine retread of past seasons, and a nonsensical one at that.

What arrested us in the first place was the mystery of a doll that has the ability to turn into a woman’s baby, which is eerie because the baby supposedly died in a horrible accident. That mystery is gone now and in its place is a tiring “war” between a religious cult and a nanny with some strange mystical powers. I can’t help but yawn because I’ve seen it all before.

I’m still watching, but not because I’m compelled. I just want to see what the resolution is.

This season is the most poorly-written of all of them. My criticism is similar to my remarks on Stranger Things. Sean is now a one-dimensional imitation of his character from past seasons. Naive, overly submissive, and constantly moping around, there seems to be nowhere for the character to go. He’s in a perpetual state of sadness, which would be gripping if there were any hints of potential change in him.

The saving grace for me is Rupert Grint. He’s a true scene-stealer and brings more complexity to his character than the rest of the cast combined. Hopefully he’s recognized for this performance.

Slipknot

Slipknot released a surprise single called “Bone Church.” The instrumentals are interesting and certainly take me to a certain melancholy time and place in my life. It’s not the sort of song with a strong hook or an upbeat melody. It plays more like a dirge. I’m not sure what to think of it yet.

I do wonder if Slipknot is tired of their own commercial success. Free of their label, they seem more keen to experiment. Maybe that’s for the best. They don’t need to release metal songs with blast beats anymore, and with their members entering their 50s, it might not be reasonable to expect.

Let’s see what they have in store…

Torn Asunder: The Weekly Plunder

Fall hits gradually, but winter hits abruptly. Winter imposes itself on the Midwest like a sudden switchback on a long desert highway. It shows abruptly, having long-been hiding behind shimmering mirages.

What I’m doing: In my reenactment of the protagonist’s mission from the Stephen King novel Duma Key, I am attempting to walk a little farther each day (rehabbing a busted ankle=slow and tedious, like your typical Oscar winner, badabing). Today I managed to walk around my apartment building three times, which felt like a minor triumph. On Sunday I’m going to attempt an early morning swim. It’ll be my first swim in about a year.

On the minimalism front I sold a decent weight of clothes this week, not so much in a quest for less as from a standpoint of, “I bought this more out of vanity than for function.” “Stuff” is fine so long as it’s functional. It’s when we get obsessed with upgrades that it becomes dangerous. And of course, an expensive bicycle causes more pain when stolen or crashed than a stripped-down bicycle does. An expensive wardrobe is just more money lost in the event of a flood. The newness of it all stales, like all things. Take things in moderation. Enjoy cool stuff but don’t let materialism sink its fangs into you.

What I’m watching: Movies mostly suck these days but I’ll watch the James Wan film Malignant tonight. Wan directed The Conjuring and Insidious, both of which I found to be effectively suspenseful. Check my Reviews page in the upcoming days for a deep dive.

What I’m reading: Born to Run was a magnificent and inspiring novel. I can’t wait to run again. Now I’m on Full Throttle, a collection of short stories from Stephen King’s son, Joe Hill. Hill is a masterful storyteller in his own right. I’d say it runs in the family but I think it’s more a matter of picking up good habits from one’s immediate surroundings.

What I’m listening to: “The Parchment” by Iron Maiden off their new album Senjutsu. This one showcases the master storytellers at the top of their game. Kick back and let this one take you places.