Welcome back to Kinfolklore, where Andrea and Paul dive deep into the fantasy and sci-fi worlds we love. Few shows capture that blend of nostalgia, terror, and friendship quite like Stranger Things.

This episode, we’re rewinding all the way back to Hawkins, Indiana, Fall 1983. The era of Eggos, Dungeons & Dragons, and the Demogorgon lurking just beyond the lights. In preparation for the final season dropping this November, Andrea and Paul are rewatching every episode from the very beginning, starting here with Season 1, Chapters 5–8: The Flea and the Acrobat, The Monster, The Bathtub, The Upside Down.

Chapters:

• 00:11 - Exploring Hawkins: The Fall of 1983
• 06:31 - The Epic Conclusion of Season One
• 13:26 - Understanding Elle: Hero or Monster?
• 17:38 - The Role of Community in Strengthening El's Character
• 27:26 - The Guilt of the Past
• 42:47 - The Emotional Stakes of Chosen Family
• 51:31 - The Dynamics of Character Connections
• 56:14 - Theories on Vecna and the Shadow Monster
• 01:05:41 - Exploring Will's Character and MK Ultra Connections
• 01:18:00 - The Impact of Trauma in Stranger Things

Links:

• kinfolklore.com
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• kinfolklore pod on X
• [email protected]