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Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part II (2022)
Goodbye Tatooine
The second instalment of Kenobi, is more fast paced than it's predecessor. We see Kenobi out of his comfort zone. Kenobi is forced to become the man he once was. It's really interesting to see this internal conflict inside him, as "Ben" the hermit on Tatooine, versus "Obi wan Kenobi" Jedi Master.
To add to his conflict, a new setting in Daiyu. Which has a similar atmosphere and look to corusant. I believe Deborah Chow, has done this on purpose. As she wants Kenobi to remember his roots. The streets of Daiyu are very compacted and bursting with life, the polar opposite of Tatooine. I thought the sound design was great, as I could really hear all the other mumbled conversations happening in the background.
This episode also introduced a new character called Haja played by Kumail Nanjiani. I was not a fan of this character, as it was like the script it's self was written without any clarification whether he was a protagonist or a antagonist. I felt his character arc was extremely rushed, like they ran out of time.
Reva had another prominent role, at first I felt her disobedience was badass and assertive. Unfortunately this episode takes her rogue personality too far. Leading to a ending that makes no sense if you have seen Star Wars Rebels.
It was intriguing seeing Kenobi battle like a normal man, and also seeing his rusty-ness with the force is demonstrating that he had left his Jedi life behind 10 years ago.
All though this episode has some plot holes, and questionable character arcs, this episodes carry's the fire of what is set to be a marvellous series.
Stranger Things: Chapter Seven: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab (2022)
Stupendous mid season finale
"The Massacre at Hawkins lab" is a terrific conclusion to Vol 1. It manages to close avenues and open others. Crucially leaving rivalry's heated, ready for Vol 2. Eleven is still in her simulation which going into this episode was fed up of as she has been in it on and off for 3 episodes. But by God was it worth it. This storyline conclusion rewards us with crucial answers way back in earlier episodes in Vol 1, a surprise reveal which caught me off guard, and a riveting final fight sequence.
Meanwhile in Russia, Hopper and his fellow prisoners come face to face to a old enemy. This sequence brings nostalgia but also some great killer moves. Just certifying how creative the Duffer Brothers are getting.
I loved how this episode continued straight away, from the previous episodes cliffhanger. And not letting us antagonise about it.
Cinematography has most certainly had a improvement this season, but this episode was on a different level. We are gifted to a smorgasbord of camera shots, angles, lengths. These combined put us in great places to see the action first hand regardless the position.
Vecna, has been a highlight for me this Vol. His horrific method of murder and lack of emotion gives him a serious serial killer vibe. The episode gives Vecna more layers to be explored including a spine tingling origin story.
This episodes caps off a a Spectacular series with a Bang. Whilst simultaneously leaving the door open for what I'm sure is gonna be 2 Superb remaining episodes.
Stranger Things: Chapter Six: The Dive (2022)
Deep sea diving
"The Dive" is the penultimate episode of Vol 1 It does a spectacular job of setting up the mid season finale. Eleven has a lot of screen time in this episode. Eleven reliving her past is truly great to watch. This storyline also gets us to know and learn about the other subjects in the lab, and demonstrates the harsh and competitive environment that Eleven went through, giving us more empathy for her, because of what she has to go through. The lighting of the lab is a bit dark and grainy but the rainbow in the background should bring life into the room, but it's cleverly fits into the dark and dower atmosphere of the lab which mirrors the mindset of the subjects.
The Hawkins gang gets split in this episode which is interesting to see how they work together when they are separated. As a big fan of Steve it's great seeing him take a leadership role and take command. Again remaining is the superb character development he has had.
Hoppers character arc this episode flip flops from defeated to fighting multiple times. This shows the power of the soviets to break a man. As Hopper has never faced such a challenge. A new character called Enzo is surprisingly entertaining and becoming a good support character to Hopper.
This episode leaves us on a absolutely dramatic cliffhanger which makes it impossible to Not watch the finale straight away.
This episode is one of the best of the season so far, and sets up what should be a finale to remember.
Stranger Things: Chapter Five: The Nina Project (2022)
Progressing the story
After the whirlwinds of "Dear Billy" I expected the tempo to remain fast, unfortunately I was mistaken. This episode focuses on Elevens past Traumas. Giving the audience a front row seat of her life before her encounter with Mike and the boy in S1. Eleven is getting pushed to her limits in this episode, conveyed brilliantly as always by Millie Bobby Brown.
On a negative note, the California story arc is not Interesting at all. That doesn't help that we really don't get much screen time with them this episode. Which is a shame as Argyle is hilarious every time he is on screen.
Unlike Mike and Will. Murray is getting some amazing character development. S4 has giving Murray some well deserved screen time. Him and Joyce are a unexpected duo that really does thrive, especially in this episode.
We get some quality Eddie screen time which is great to see Eddie who is another great addition to the stranger things cast. Joseph Quinn, plays Eddie's pure terror which gives me goosebumps.
Overall this episode did lack Action but it definitely progressed the story and characters. I'm sure we are going to get some solid action in the 2 remaining episodes of Vol 1.
Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part I (2022)
He's back
After 18 years, we see Ewan McGregor reprise his role as Obi Wan Kenobi. In this premiere episode we get to see a defeated Kenobi still seeming to battle his past. Ewan manages to add another complex layer to a already damaged Kenobi. The pacing of the episode is very slow. But that is exactly what I wanted, as Kenobi is going through a very tedious task which is shown well, with surprisingly keeping my focus through out. That is helped by the new Antagonist Reva played by Moses Ingram. Reva is an aggressive, impulsive and ruthless Inquisitor. Who really strikes fear into the other characters and at times the audience.
Unfortunately there were some points in the episode where I found it to be too Disney, and could of done with a little more aggression and realism. The dialogue was a highlight for me. For example "Compassion leaves a trail" that's a great line because it shows that Kenobi has buried his compassion as he has evaded capture for over a decade.
Vivien Lyra Blair, is the exact embody meant of what I thought a 10 year old leia would be like. She conveyed Leia's curiosity and adventure loving attitude perfectly, can't wait to see more of her in previous episodes.
The overall look of Alderan, was beautiful and was a welcoming surprise.
As a whole this episode stuck the landing in its premiere episode, it not perfect but I was very pleased with how the episode turned out.
Stranger Things: Chapter Four: Dear Billy (2022)
Masterpiece
The word Masterpiece is over used in this Dayan age. But when it's about "Dear Billy" it's well founded.
This episode has everything, from intense fear, great fight choreography, masterful music design + track and humour sprinkled in as well.
Max takes a forefront position in this episode. Sadie Sink has her standout performance as we see Max at her most vulnerable. The last 15 minutes is really the best Stranger things has to offer. The other 3 episodes may of been a bit slow for some people. But this episode makes up for it and then some. The final sequence has some really beautiful lighting just enhancing the setting. This episode has already established Vecna as the best antagonist in stranger things.
All the action didn't just happen in Hawkins though. This episode also manages to elevate Hoppers storyline. With a creative fight scene in a compacted area. As we see Hopper keep getting pushed and pushed well above his limits. Helped by a mighty performance from David Harbour.
But overall this episode always links to friendship and love which is more powerful than anything.
S4 is well and truly in its stride. If the other episodes r even as half as good as "Dear Billy" then we are in for a treat.
Stranger Things: Chapter Three: The Monster and the Superhero (2022)
Preparing
This episode is lacking action. But my God it does not need it. This episode is great. This episode starts with a hilarious duo of Jonathan and Argyle who have great chemistry.
Milly Bobby Brown is a standout in this episode. Her acting is superb she portrays Elevens traumatic past as well as showing her guilt, grief and conveying a sense of underlying anger. However they sidelined Will this episode where I thought he really could of added something. He spend most of the episode following the Main characters. Which I think is a waste.
Lucas got some great development in this episode as he fights a internal conflict and test his loyalty which is very interesting to watch.
This episode puts Nancy and Robin together, which worked really well with Robins chilled out vibe, mixed with Nancys hardhead determination = some pretty interesting dialogue.
The Soviet prison camp does a splendid job of pushing Hopper to his limits. Whilst increasing his strength, determination and bravery.
However this episode reaches new heights with the ending. It uses the information the audience have gathered from previous episodes. Which allows us to realise the devastation answer before the characters work it out for themselves. Which is just brilliant writing and directing.
This episode was my favourite of the series so far as it brilliantly kept me engaged the entire time. Whilst setting up what should be a great Episode 4.
Stranger Things: Chapter Two: Vecna's Curse (2022)
Getting into its stride
"Vecna's curse" is a step in the right direction from the premiere. We get to our see some great scenes with Dustin and Max, which isn't a duo we have seen a lot of. This episode does well in progressing the Joyce and Murray story line. We get some hilarious back and forth dialogue from Jonathan and a humorous chilled back Argyle who diverts our mood to laughter from its normal intense state. This episode like the premiere is slow paced but gives us a tone of information I'm sure will be linked back to in later episodes. This episode skilfully uses Nancys skill set to further the Hawkins group storyline.
On the other hand the California group with Eleven, Mike, Will and Jonathan. Is a lot more down to earth and slow paced. It did have its moments, but unfortunately I spent most of the time wanting to go back to the other storylines.
S4's extended runtime as definitely as smart move as 3 coexisting storylines are surprisingly not rushed. The horror element again is a highlight of the episode. Not just the pure violence, but the suspenseful hints of impending doom, alongside the Spectacular sound design gives me a shiver down my back. I have very high hopes where this season is going.
Stranger Things: Chapter One: The Hellfire Club (2022)
Did what it had to do
The long awaited S4 Premiere episode cleverly reintroduced us to our beloved characters. Where some are thriving with the unusual feeling of "normalisation" and others crumbling. What I immediately noticed was the enhancement of the editing. Allowing the story to flip flop between episodes relatively smoothly. With its extended length I did expect to see a little more action. Speaking of the action, The horror element was been amplified. Giving us a clear message that this season will be unlike the others. At times I did find my mind wandering especially in the Eleven and Will story line. Even though I would of liked to see the main protagonist a bit more. This episode pretty much delivered what I expected. S4 is looking bright.