As you may already know, I love the TV series Stranger Things. Now that I'm done, I'm going through withdrawal. Mind you, I don't normally like anything scary, but this was worth watching! Here are 11 reasons you should be watching too. (Or you'll agree if you've already watched and also became addicted.) I'll try not to spoil it though!
2. The 80s feel. I know I can get that from The Goldbergs too, but this is different. It centers on a specific time of the 80s and gives off more of a feel for that time. (Or does it? Hahaha.) Side note: Adam Goldberg wants to do a crossover of The Goldbergs and Stranger Things. That would be awesome!
3. Winona Ryder. Even though her character is mostly pumped full of adrenaline, it was cool to see her in a different kind of role than I'm used to.
5. More conspiracies than Orphan Black. At least it feels that way to me. There are just layers upon layers of them.
6. Fantastic special effects.
7. Dustin (Gaten Matarrazo)...and not only for his fantastic curls. He's definitely my favorite of the four boys.
8. Seeing a man's grief. I know that sounds depressing, but usually women are shown as the ones grieving over spouses or children in movies, TV shows, books, etc. David Harbour plays a man who is grieving a loss and does it so heartbreaking-ly well.
9. It's addictive. Why can't there be more than eight episodes?!? If I were able to binge-watch without worrying about throwing off my entire schedule, I totally would. Even with pacing it out a bit, I'm still going through withdrawal!
10. Even though it's an awesome show, it's fun to play MST3K with. My husband and I found ourselves joking around a lot about certain lines and scenes.
11. Last, but not least, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). Such an impressive kid with a scream that can rival my youngest child's.
I couldn't wait and ended up binge watching (if two episodes a night counts) season three with my sons. My husband even started watching some of the episodes with us and was laughing too. (If I can't get him hooked on Hamilton, at least I have a chance with The Goldbergs.) Starting with season four, we'll only get to watch one episode a week, depending on how often new ones are aired. How will we survive?!?
Before I share my favorite episodes of season three, see my thoughts on the first two seasons. Season 1 Season 2
I noticed that AJ Michalka, who plays Lainey, is now listed in the opening credits after the theme song. I thought that was an interesting development since they just listed the actors who played the family members in the past.
Favorites: #2 A Chorus Lie:Beverly asks Miss Cinoman to let Adam -- who is going through puberty -- lip sync in the school musical; Murray inspires Erica to go to the homecoming dance with Geoff Schwartz.
I happened to watch this episode the same day as the Melania Trump Milli Vanilli situation, which made it that much funnier. I also love A Chorus Line, so there's that.
#3 Jimmy Five is Alive:Murray builds a robot with Adam but creative differences drive them apart; Barry accidentally tapes over Beverly's treasured video of his fifth birthday party.
What's even funnier than Murray's bad pronunciation of "robot" is Barry's shenanigans with the video recorder.
#6 Couples Costume:Adam chooses to spend Halloween night with Dana rather than Beverly, who decides to teach her son a lesson about the dangers of the holiday. And later, Adam regrets taking Barry and Erica's advice to visit a haunted house when he's expected to go back inside to find Dana's lost promise ring.
The best parts are with Beverly doing everything she warned Adam against and not realizing it until Murray calls her out on it. Adam's reaction to the haunted house is also really funny though.
#7 Lucky:Barry's dream of having a dog comes true, but he's disappointed when the pup takes an immediate liking to Murray; at the same time, Beverly is upset not to be included when Erica and Lainey plan a girls-only sleepover.
Three words: Troop Beverly Hills. This movie is a cult classic. Also, I got teary-eyed at the end of the episode. And Lucky was really cute!
#10 A Christmas Story: Disappointed with her unenthusiastic family during the holidays, Beverly creates "Super Hanukkah" to get them into the spirit, but it's too similar to Christmas. Meanwhile, Adam is annoyed that Barry is more interested in hanging with Lainey than him, so he triple-dog dares his brother with results neither one see coming.
It was nice to see the Goldbergs doing something Jewish, even if they were celebrating Hanukkah the Christmas way. So many funny lines and parts though. "Tchotchke pockets!" Aquaman parting the red sea. The triple dog dare. I introduced my kids to Hanukkah Harry from SNL after watching this episode. #12 Baio and Switch: As Beverly promises to bring Scott Baio to Jenkintown for Hands Across America, Adam ends up with two dates to the same dance.
It was funny how Adam handled having two dates and Murray kept telling him not to be a moron. I also loved who Beverly thought was more famous than Scott Baio. (It is rather funny to see anything about Scott Baio after the reason he's been in the news these days.)
#13 Double Dare:A TV game show is hosting tryouts at Emmy and Adam's school. Will they make it on to the show?
One of the best of the season! Hilarious!!! I would have loved a chance to audition for Double Dare when I was a kid. (My sister and I used to make obstacle courses in our basement, if that tells you anything.) I think the best part was Pops auditioning. It was also funny how Bill was teaching Beverly about football using terms she'd understand.
#15 Weird Al:Adam makes a big change while Barry and Erica try to help Murray.
Two reasons...Weird Al actually being on the episode and my friend's picture at the end. Oh, and Adam's parody of "Everybody Have Fun Tonight."
Remember this one?
#17 The Dirty Dancing Dance: Beverly helps Erica plan a school dance with a "Dirty Dancing" theme, but turns on her daughter once she realizes it may be inappropriate. Meanwhile, Murray and Adam try to become better dancers, without much luck.
I love Dirty Dancing. And yes, I got teary-eyed when Erica finally was able to do the lift. The first attempt was hilarious though! And Barry's "Footloose" dance! I also love Adam and Murray practicing the lift in the pool.
#20 Dungeons and Dragons, Anyone?:Adam rallies his nerd pals to fight back against Mellor's school yard pick system for gym. Mellor choices Adam as a Captain - and the power goes to Adam's head; he also picks the best athletes - even after Dave Kim chooses "Dungeons & Dragons" as the next team sport. Adam must train his doltish classmates to win at the game. Erica is surprised when Bev sparks to an out of state college tour; Murray turns the tables and forbids his daughter from leaving town; Erica then shares that she is not ready to leave the nest/town - at this time.
I think it made a good point about how not everyone is good at the same things and that we shouldn't make each other feel bad about it. I also love Barry wanting to be Lord Big of Tasty. And all the Back to School stuff with Pops was funny. Now I need to see that movie!
#23 Big Orange:Beverly and Lainey team up to destroy something they both despise: Barry's favorite shirt. But once It goes missing, Adam and Erica agree to help their brother investigate what exactly happened to it. Meanwhile, Murray decides to tear down the family tree house, which makes Adam upset.
I love "The Goldberg Gang." I think I enjoy anytime they show Erica before her transformation. Best line: "A super hot Balki Bartokomous."
#24 Have a Summer: Adam and his friends are concerned about Hell Week as new incoming freshmen are hazed by the seniors class. Adam gains respect after body slamming his brother during a school graduation ritual. Meanwhile, Evelyn Silver and her class try to figure out what to put in the schools time capsule.
I love how Adam body slams Barry. So hard not to laugh. The part with Erica and Geoff at the end is totally reminiscent of the season one finale of Friends. The slip-n-slide part looked fun!
What would you put in an 80s time capsule?
Bring on season four! We're ready and looking forward to more fun nostalgia. I think there needs to be an episode focused on Pee Wee's Playhouse (I did see Chairy in the basement, after all) or Pee Wee's Big Adventure. There also needs to be some focus on Michael Jackson and Madonna. If you're a Goldbergs fan like me, what would you like to see in season four?
