The Watch ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Is Finally Here. Was It Worth the Wait? Plus, ‘Landman’ S2E3.
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Dec 1, 2025 In this engaging discussion, guest Mallory Rubin, a senior writer known for her sharp cultural insights, joins Chris Ryan to dissect the highly anticipated premiere of ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5. They explore the show's evolving structure, the significance of time compression, and whether it balances action with character moments effectively. Later, they switch gears to ‘Landman’ Season 2, highlighting its unpredictable tone and entertaining elements, including standout performances and humor that melds with serious themes.
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Holiday Binge With Kids
- Mallory Rubin recounts watching Volume One with a family who were laser-focused on the drop time and schedule.
- She describes the viewing as a festive 'Stranger Things vacation' that softened her critiques of the episodes.
Show Shifted To Task-Driven Plots
- Chris Ryan observes recent seasons have become highly task-oriented with characters scheming and executing plans.
- He notes the show now often reads as a sequence of obstacles followed by large set-piece resolutions.
Tighter Clock, Fewer Quiet Moments
- Mallory Rubin argues the final season's tight timeframe and confined setting heighten the 'on the clock' feeling.
- She worries fewer separate locations reduce quieter character moments the show used to balance action with heart.
