The Debate on Stranger Things: Season 3 - Weakest or Weakest Yet?

Has season 3 of Stranger Things been dismissed as the weakest among the three seasons? Many argue that the second season falls into this category, but for some, season 3 challenges this notion. This article delves into the pros and cons of season 3, and explores why it might not be as weak as some fans believe.

Season 3's Place in the Series

For one, the second season was indeed considered the weakest, with plenty of praise for the first and fourth seasons. Season 2 started off on shaky ground, taking time to find its footing. However, when rewatched with anticipation for the fourth season, it becomes clear that season 3 offers significant improvements in confidence and entertainment value.

Character Development and Plot Depth

Season 3 of Stranger Things is widely recognized for bringing out different sides of the characters. It introduced new characters such as Robin and Murray, who have gained substantial fan support. The plot was also more entertaining and provided a deeper exploration of the series' overall story, laying strong foundations for the fourth season. For many, season 3 is the best of the four, showcasing the show's potential for growth and development.

Comparison with Other Seasons

Each season of Stranger Things has its strengths and weaknesses:

Season 1

Pros: Great characters, suspense, scary atmosphere, fun culture references, good character development, mysterious vibe. Cons: Failed to set up a good foundation for season 2. Total Runtime: 6–8 hours of almost-perfect television.

Season 1 is considered the best of the series due to its early setup and character development. However, season 3 still holds its own in terms of character development and offers better writing.

Season 2

Pros: Great new characters, decent character development, thrilling moments, flawless final two episodes. Cons: Choppy writing, very slow pace, a questionable standalone episode, aimless subplots. Total Runtime: This season was a misstep but not a complete fail. It was still enjoyable.

Season 2, while not perfect, still holds significant value in the series. The final two episodes, however, managed to provide a satisfying conclusion. While it may not be as strong as season 3, it was still a step forward from the first season.

Season 3

Pros: Great new characters, better writing, slow momentum for catching up with characters, great 80s vibe. Cons: Unable to recapture the mysterious vibe of season 1, annoying Hopper, ineffective Nancy and Jonathan subplot. Total Runtime: A great season I’m generally happy with. It offered a vacation from the scariness of seasons 1 and 2, which is both a good and a bad thing.

Season 3 managed to introduce new characters and provide better writing, but it struggled to maintain the eerie and mysterious atmosphere that made season 1 so compelling. While it significantly developed characters, the subplots and some writing choices did not achieve the same level of depth as the fourth season.

Final Thoughts

Is season 3 truly the weakest? While it has its flaws, it cannot be dismissed outright. Each season of Stranger Things has its unique contributions, and season 3 is no exception. It provided necessary character development and improved writing that set the stage for the fourth season's success. Whether it's the best or the weakest is subjective, but its overall impact on the series is undeniable.

Which season was your favorite?