The wait may have been longer than we hoped, but the third season of Stranger Things is finally here–and it’s promising all of the 80s nostalgia and terror its viewers have come to demand. At first glance, things seem good in Hawkins. Max and Eleven are friends, after having spent the previous season (unnecessarily) at odds. Dustin and Steve’s charming relationship continues apace. Eleven, newly a teen, discovers a mall.
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But as always, the 80s culture and hairstyles cover a deeper evil in Hawkins… and if we were betting folks, we’d guess that the new guy in town, Mayor Kline (played by Cary Elwes) has something to do with it. As with last season’s casting of Sean Astin as quintessential "good guy" Bob Newby, the Duffer Brothers seem to be playing on Elwes’s credits to deepen his character. Although most famous for playing Westley in The Princess Bride, Elwes has in recent years shown a tendency to play slimy villains–not unlike what we’re guessing Mayor Kline will turn out to be.
Eventually things get downright terrifying. Just as Chief Hopper is telling someone (Eleven or Joyce?) that he wants them to feel safe in the town, we cut to menacing men in a funhouse mirror room, armed with terrifying guns.
It only gets worse from there–the demogorgons are back, Eleven is trapped in a sensory deprivation room, and Will is still feeling effects from the Upside Down.
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In addition to Cary Elwes, Maya Hawke joins the cast as an “alternative girl”, who Steve seems to be crushing on, and Jake Busey comes aboard as a reporter at The Hawkins Post, where we briefly see Nancy and Jonathan in technicolor prom looks.
Jazzercise leotards, scrunchies, and bright colors aside, the gang is in for it again. Stranger Things will return on July 4, 2019. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.
Feature still from 'Stranger Things' via 21 Laps Entertainment
