10 Things We Need In Stranger Things 3

How Stranger Things can stay ahead of the pop culture curve...

Stranger Things Dustin Steve Mind Flayer
Netflix

When the first season of Stranger Things was gearing up for release in July of 2016, it was with little buzz or fanfare. But then, the series became an overnight sensation and one of the biggest success stories in Netflix's history. Season two was a similarly large hit, catapulting the show to even greater heights.

Now, as season three begins filming, it is shrouded in the kind of mystery generally reserved for event films from the Star Wars or Marvel franchises. Aside from a few fresh casting announcements and confirmations of which characters will be returning, very little is known about the upcoming season.

Which is all the more interesting because the show finds itself in a very precarious position. The world of pop culture around Stranger Things has now caught up, with seemingly everything suddenly being interested in cultivating that '80s retro aesthetic. Stranger Things now risks feeling outdated in the subgenre it helped kickstart if it doesn't play its cards right. Season three has to walk the fine line of capturing the essence of what made the show so special to begin with, while also updating it and taking it in brave new directions.

So with all of that in mind, these are the things Stranger Things needs to focus and deliver on in season three.

10. More Likable Mike

Stranger Things Dustin Steve Mind Flayer
Netflix

After serving as the central protagonist throughout season one, the writers seemed to have a difficult time coming up with something for Finn Wolfhard's Mike Wheeler to do in season two.

After Eleven's sacrifice at the end of season one, Mike goes into a depression, desperately calling out for her over the radio every night and preserving her blanket fort in the basement. But seeing as Mike doesn't even officially find out that Eleven is still alive until the second to last episode of the season, he's hurting for a long time. He resents Max for being a newcomer, he's at odds with Lucas and Dustin for most of the season, and he doesn't contribute much of anything to the entire season. This leads to Mike just kind of getting lumped into Will's storyline and serving as occasional emotional support.

Moving forward, season three has to give Mike more to do. Seeing as he and Eleven were reunited at the end of season two and are now in a relationship, he should at least be a great deal more likable. Finn Wolfhard also showed off a different side of his comedic chops in last year's It, and it would be great to see him cut loose a bit more next season and not have to always play the straight-man.

Contributor
Contributor

A film enthusiast and writer, who'll explain to you why Jingle All The Way is a classic any day of the week.