TSTP 58- The Massacre at Hawkins Lab

Hey there, Strangers! Many of you have sent us written or audio feedback during this very long off season, and we're back to share your thoughts with the community. We tried to keep things a little extra casual in this episode as we go through all of the feedback submissions, and we also give a few podcast updates along the way. We kick things off with some news items about Millie's wedding and latest movie project, as well as some news about Finn's upcoming SNL movie project.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Eddie Munson wore a jacket all season that shared his love for the rock legend, DIO.  The music of Ronnie James Dio not only inspired and influenced the fictional character of Eddie Munson, it also inspired and influenced the lives of many in the 70s, 80's, and even today.  Although Ronnie James Dio passed away in 2010, his legacy and memory live on through his music, fans, friends, and family. Fully authorized by Dio's estate and executive produced by his widow, Wendy Dio, the documentary, "DIO: Dreamers Never Die" comes to theaters worldwide for TWO DAYS only on Wednesday, September 28 and Sunday, October 2. Click to find a theatre near you. The film delves deep into Dio's incredible rise from a '50's doo-wop crooner to his early rock days in Elf and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, to replacing Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath, and finally cementing his rock star status with his own band, DIO. In this exclusive interview with Wendy Dio and the film's directors, Don Argott and Demian Fenton, Darrell and Jason talk with them about  Dio's role in Stranger Things 4, the influence of Ronnie's music, Dio's charity work, the world of metal music, and more. Don't miss "DIO: Dreamers Never Die" in theaters for two days only on September 28 and October 2.

When we asked our listeners to give us one word to describe how they feel about the Stranger Things 4 finale, we heard words like dissatisfied, numb, anxious, resolved, crushed, bewilderment, depressed, bittersweet, and intrigued just to name a few. Now that we get to hear listeners share in-depth how they feel about it, those words definitely ring true.  Some felt that Stranger Things 4 was the best season ever, while others felt it was the worst season ever.  However, most of you felt like the season did a lot of things right and can't wait for Stranger Things 5. One thing that the entire fandom seems to be united on is the heartbreak over the death of Eddie. In this episode we hear some interesting theories about Eddie, as well as some other fun ideas about what may be in store next season.  With feedback coming in from at least 10 countries and 8 states, this is the most excellent feedback episode we've put together yet!  Thanks to all of you who made this episode possible.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

The Stranger Things 4 finale was full of SO MUCH action, suspense, sadness, exposition, humor, and intrigue!  Coming in at the run time of a full-length movie, we still wanted more! How could the Duffer brothers leave the ending on such a massive cliffhanger?  How could they yet again kill off a major fan-favorite character? Will we ever see Max alive again? Overall we found the season 4 finale to be very enjoyable. Obviously, like most (all?) of the fandom, we are not happy with Eddie's death, but the excellent storytelling in this episode built to an epic crescendo with all of the character groups coming together to push back Vecna.  The music was masterfully woven into the episode, and the use of Metallica's "Master of Puppets" was spectacular.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Why did Will lie to Mike about El commissioning his painting? How will El be able to help Hawkins with no way to get there? Did Dr. Owens have a role in raising Peter the creepy orderly? These are just a few of the interesting questions raised by listeners this week.  We also have insights on the musical selections, predictions on who will die in the finale, and multiple connections to Star Wars in this week's listener feedback episode! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

The penultimate episode of Stranger Things season 4 has arrived and it did exactly what a penultimate episode should do! "Papa" insists that everything he has done for Eleven, and Henry too for that matter, has been in their best interests. Like, El, we strongly disagree with his point of view.  Although we can see how he could come to those conclusions, his methods are hard to justify.  Is Papa truly dead?  Only time will tell.  In Hawkins, Max is willing to put her life on the line to save the town and all her friends.  We think the kids have no idea what they are truly up against, but also agree with them that they have no better choice.  Will Eleven be able to make it to Hawkins in time?  The ending of this episode was perfect with the kids going separate ways and preparing to execute their two-pronged attack on Vecna.  We can't wait for next week's finale! Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

With the major reveals and twists of "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab," many of us are updating our theories and coming up with new ones.  Is Peter Eleven's father?  Was Brenner using El to search the void in an effort to find Peter?  Was El a pawn used by Peter, or was he being truthful with her?  Did Peter/Vecna create the upside down, or did it exist before he was sent there by El?  What's up with the earthquakes, and why is the upside down frozen at November 6, 1983? These are only a few of the discussion points and theories brought up by listeners this week.  Two of you even bring back a theory Darrell threw out after watching the very first episode of season one! We do our best to make sense of these questions, put together a list of who you all think will die this season, update Darrell's predictions from this season, and make a few more predictions on how the rest of the season will play out.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Has there ever been a more amazing or mind blowing reveal than what the Duffer brothers gave us in "The Massacre at Hawkins Lab?" Peter the friendly/creepy orderly is actually Henry Creel. I mean, he's actually 001.  What I mean to say is that he is Vecna.  And to top it all off, El created Vecna!?!?!  Wow, what a crazy twist.  Then you add in the most amazing demogorgon fight scene we've ever seen with the most exploration of the upside down that we've ever seen, and you have one amazing episode of Stranger Things. We do our best to break down all of these incredible plot developments, and Darrell talks about any spoilers he encountered about the first part of the season as well as all the things that surprised him in this episode.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

We're quickly approaching the end of Stranger Things 4 Part 1, and you all continue to come up with intriguiging theories! The debate continues on whether or not Peter is friendly or creepy, and some of you are even tossing out ideas on Peter's possible true identity.  As the community of Hawkins is lathered up into a frenzy by Jason, some of you saw parallels between Eddie's story of this season and the West Memphis 3 real-life events from the early 1990's.  In fact, your insight shared about the West Memphis 3 cause Darrell to reevaluate his theory on Miss Kelley. We love all the insightful feedback you send in each week, and look forward to hearing all of your amazing thoughts as the season continues!   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback

Steve jumps at the opportunity to leave the kids behind and step out of his babysitter role, but we were not prepared for him to do so! The Dive, episode 6 of Stranger Things' 4th season, left us wanting more! With the citizens of Hawkins in a frenzy thanks to Jason's accusations against The Hellfire Club, it's not only Eddie that now finds himself in their crosshairs. Eleven continues to dive deeper into her memories, exploring her previous life as Brenner's lab rat, and becoming increasing influenced by the creepy/friendly orderly, Peter.  002 is not too happy about her rising strength, and it looks like she's now convinced she is the one responsible for the massacre at Hawkins Lab. Hopper is preparing to fight a demogorgon, and it looks like his story is nearly ready to combine with that of Joyce and Murray!  Suzie provides a valuable asset to the California crew, and we wonder if Eden will join them in the weed wagon as they leave Utah in search of El.   Connect with The Stranger Things Podcast: Facebook community Twitter Instagram Contribute Listener Feedback