Set one year after Season 2, The Mind Flayer makes its return to wreak havoc in Hawkins, Indiana. Returning home from summer camp, Dustin sets up a radio signal inadvertently getting the Soviet Union’s attention. Indicating they’re linked to The Upside Down. Meanwhile, a new shopping mall called, Starcourt has some shady secrets. Season 3’s split in four storylines. Dustin, Steve and newcomer, Robin traverse beneath Starcourt. Mike, Eleven, Max & Will encounter Billy and a dangerous monster. Johnathan & Nancy investigate rats. Hopper & Joyce investigate the Russians’ goal.
Stranger Things’ third season officially streamed in 2019 (same year Doom Patrol streamed) on Netflix. It earned positive reviews from critics, fans and streamers alike. Season 4 streamed in 2022 and the fifth and final season ended in 2025. The Duffer Brothers announced a spin-off involving Nancy Wheeler is in development.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Powerful & Weak Aspects
Powerful: The Cast reprise their roles and they all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Newcomers such as Maya Hawke & Cary Elwes both did a decent job for their respective performances.
The Duffer Brothers did a good job (mostly) mapping out all eight episodes.
Shawn Levy served as an executive producer.
Funny Moments made me laugh.
Visual Effects bring the new monster to life.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.
Chemistry between focal characters serve as the main highlight.
A new shopping mall, Starcourt plays a big part as a new location.
Weak: I know Jim’s trying his best to look after Eleven, but his parenting skills are exaggerated.
On the 19th episode, Eleven & Mike have a temporary break-up. I hate it when a pair have a “we are done” moment. Why? Because you know they’re gonna forgive each other, put aside their differences and resume their relationship. It’s predictable in most rom-com and buddy comedies.
In Episode 20, Mike acts way outta character.
Episode 18 – Suzie, Do You Copy?
Retuning home from summer camp, Dustin and his pals set up a radio tower.
Will senses trouble a foot.
Mike’s mother, Karen and her gal pals have a funny moment gazing at a lifeguard. Guys who?
Last scene sets up the rest of the season.
Episode 19 – The Mall Rats
Polished: Steve and his former classmate, Robin assist Dustin’s radio signal.
Personal dilemma ensues.
Eleven & Max hang out.
Rusty: Eleven and Mike have a temporary break-up.
Episode 20 – The Case of the Missing Lifeguard
Found; Nancy & Jonathan find a clue.
Eleven tracks down a focal character.
A fart scene made me laugh.
Hopper faces off with a Russian brute.
Lost: I know Mike’s having girl trouble, but he rejects Will’s plea to play Dungeons and Dragons. Which is way outta character.
Episode 21 – The Sauna Test
A funny moment with Dustin, Steve & Robin trying to bribe Erica some ice cream in exchange for help.
Mike’s group band together to battle an opponent.
One character crawls in a vent like John McClane in “Die Hard.” Cue this quote, “Now I know what a TV dinner feels like.”
Robin finds something crucial.
Episode 22 – The Flayed
The Mind Flayer finds a human to take full control and creates a new monster
Dustin, Steve & Robin make a discovery.
Jonathan & Nancy get caught in a predicament.
Hopper & Joyce uncover a crucial figure.
Hopper has a funny as heck moment over a drink.
Episode 23 – E Pluribus Unum
Eleven enters somebody’s head.
Hopper & Joyce learn a shocking truth.
Somebody gets dissolved. If you know what I’m talking about.
Episode 24 – The Bite
Hopper encounters a Russian at the Fourth of July Fair
Fun Fact: Speaking of fairs, they were a trend in other works listed.
- Shazam
- Toy Story 4
- It: Chapter 1
- Euphoria: Season 1 – Shock One Pt II
Robin has a confession. Without giving too much away, it didn’t feel forced. Felt natural. If you know, you know.
Mike & Lucas have a silly argument over new Coke. It’s funny because Coca-Cola brought back New Coke for a limit time to promote Season 3.
A popular movie from 1985 is played in a movie theater.
Episode 25 – The Battle of Starcourt
The kids square off with The Mind Flayer.
Two shocking moment will make you gasp. To quote Dickie Roberts, “This is Nuckin’ Futs!”
Season Finale sets up Season 4
The Final Verdict: B-
Despite some blemishes, Stranger Things’ third season is average. It’s not as bad as the final season. Once I publish Season 4, I’m gonna go full detail on the last season that ended the series on a whimper.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 