The Watch What We Watched Over the Holidays: The End of ‘Stranger Things,’ ‘Marty Supreme,’ ‘Heated Rivalry,’ and ‘Landman’
Jan 5, 2026
Chris and Andy dive into the surprising finale of ‘Stranger Things,’ debating whether it lived up to expectations. They rave about the thrilling theater experience of ‘Marty Supreme,’ especially Timothée Chalamet's standout performance and the film's immersive production design. The conversation shifts to ‘Heated Rivalry,’ praising its narrative depth and emotional impact. Finally, they critique the unevenness of ‘Landman’ Season 2, revealing quirky and surreal moments that characterize its unpredictable tone.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Kid's Single-Song Obsession
- Andy Greenwald describes his daughter's obsessive fandom for a single Joe single from Stranger Things.
- He uses the example to reflect on algorithmic relationships to culture and narrow musical attachments.
Scale Turned Story Into Spectacle
- Stranger Things evolved from intimate character drama into spectacle-driven, video-game logic by later seasons.
- The finale works as an event but sacrifices some of the show's early character-focused strengths.
From Near-Sleep To Exhilaration
- Andy Greenwald nearly nodded off before Marty Supreme but found himself exhilarated and transported by the theater experience.
- He credits the film's energy for keeping him fully engaged despite fatigue.
