Coffee & Contemplation
By Robin C. Farrell
Coffee & ContemplationMay 29, 2023
S4 | 1 | The Hellfire Club (Part 2)
It's all about Hawkins in our conclusion to Season 4's premiere episode!
Jill Bearup, Sword Lady and stage fighting enthusiast: https://www.youtube.com/@JillBearup HAM Radio on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/jkvbvhnj HAM Radio on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HamThrough Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out! Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S4 | 1 | The Hellfire Club (Part 1)
Robin and Heidi commence with Season 4! In our first half of reviewing Chapter 1: The Hellfire Club, we cover that intense cold open and the California Crew.
Classified D&D Podcast: https://linktr.ee/classifiedpodcast HAM Radio on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/jkvbvhnj HAM Radio on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HamThrough Elephant: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363589/ Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out! Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
E.T. | Starcourt Cinema
A new side-series, Starcourt Cinema! In the wait for season five, we’re cycling back through the series to explore the properties that inspired Stranger Things in the first place. Starting things off, we’re hopping on some flying bicycles to review E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial ••• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
Our Favorite Scenes
In honor of Stranger Things Day 2022, Robin and Jenna share their favorite scenes from across the series (plus some fun honorable mentions)!
Joe Keery Breaks Down Stranger Things' Biggest Moments | GQ: https://youtu.be/cH6HKIOG3Nc Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!#strangerthingsday
Trick-or-Treat, Freak!
Happy Halloween! Robin, Jenna, and HAM Radio host Ashley delve into spooky season, Stranger Things style!
HAM Radio on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/jkvbvhnj HAM Radio on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HamThrough Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
Chapter 4: Dear Billy on HAM Radio!
A sneak peek of Robin's guest appearance on another Stranger Things podcast, HAM Radio, talking about Chapter 4: Dear Billy!
• HAM Radio on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/jkvbvhnj
• HAM Radio on Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4ve8x7j8
• HAM Radio on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HamThrough
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
Volume 2 Reactions: Robin & Heidi
Heidi joins Robin for additional perspective on the whole of Season 4!
• Nerdist Article: This Stranger Things Death Isn't Noble Nor Necessary by Rotem Rusak: https://tinyurl.com/59ynm6zj
• Shot-By-Shot: Joe Keery and Maya Hawke Break Down the Vecna House Fight: https://youtu.be/-4Z99M_NL4g
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
Volume 2 Reactions: Robin & Jenna
Robin and Jenna dig into the good and the bad of Season 4's epic conclusion!
• Nerdist Article: This Stranger Things Death Isn't Noble Nor Necessary by Rotem Rusak: https://tinyurl.com/59ynm6zj
• Shot-By-Shot: Joe Keery and Maya Hawke Break Down the Vecna House Fight: https://youtu.be/-4Z99M_NL4g
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
ST4 Vol 1 Reactions: Russia, Nina & Comments!
Robin, Jenna, and Heidi conclude their reactions to Part 1 of season 4, covering the Russian Rescue Team, digging into that INTENSE ending, and hopes for Part 2 and season 5. Robin also responds to some listener feedback! • Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
ST4 Vol 1 Reactions: Hawkins & California
Robin, Jenna, and Heidi share some of their reactions of the first seven episodes of season 4, covering initial takeaways, the Party in Hawkins, and the California crew. • Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
Season 4 • Hopes, Fears, Expectations
Some of the season three co-hosts discuss our perspectives and approaches to the forthcoming season! • Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S3 | 8 | The Battle of Starcourt
• In the S3 finale, Robin and Heidi cover the beats of the episode itself – reunions, deaths, monster stats, tearful farewells – plus the overall season arcs, themes, and missed opportunities (for the series at large, too!) We marvel over how much time has passed since we started the podcast and dabble into our hopes/fears/expectations for the coming fourth season.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S3 | 7 | The Bite
• Heidi returns for the penultimate episode of season three; we delve into that killer opening fight sequence, our wishes and alternative ideas for Alexei, and, of course, Robin and Steve's heart to heart (one of the most significant and personal scenes for us in the entire series).
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S3 | 6 | E Pluribus Unum
In this episode, Sarah hops on the pod to help Robin tackle the murky aspects of Billy's backstory, Dustin possibly killing someone, the Mind Flayer's goals, while also gushing over friendship growth and Erica turning out to be a nerd.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S3 | 5 | The Flayed
Jenna rejoins Robin for Chapter 5, in which we explore the teams coming together, stakes being raised, and the unfortunate occasions where Chapter Four's progress gets undone.
• "Shot by Shot" | Gaten Matarazzo, Joe Keery & Maya Hawke Break Down a Scene - https://youtu.be/iLvwuRGzJIA
• Resources for Donations/Helping Ukraine:
— People In Need: https://tinyurl.com/2p8akf6f
— Army SOS: https://armysos.com.ua/en/help-the-army
— International Committee of the Red Cross: https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine
— International Medical Corps: https://tinyurl.com/2p8j7t9n
— International Rescue Committee: https://tinyurl.com/2p8rda2n
— The UN Refugee Agency: https://tinyurl.com/zns9ne5n
— CARE: https://tinyurl.com/yc56c2fe.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S3 | 4 | The Sauna Test
For arguably the best episode of season three (in our estimation, anyway), Robin is joined by not one but TWO co-hosts! Justin and Heather hop on the pod to discuss the incredible writing and the theme of balance in The Sauna Test. // You can find Heather on TikTok, Instagram, Patreon, and Twitch as @keylimepixie_ and Justin on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram as @TheLaughingRaptor
• Resources for Donations/Helping Ukraine:
— People In Need: https://tinyurl.com/2p8akf6f
— Army SOS: https://armysos.com.ua/en/help-the-army
— International Committee of the Red Cross: https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine
— International Medical Corps: https://tinyurl.com/2p8j7t9n
— International Rescue Committee: https://tinyurl.com/2p8rda2n
— The UN Refugee Agency: https://tinyurl.com/zns9ne5n
— CARE: https://tinyurl.com/yc56c2fe.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S3 | 3 | The Case of the Missing Lifeguard
Both Jenna and Robin are back for Chapter Three, in which lines are crossed, codes are cracked, and more than friendships take significant bruising.
• Resources for Donations/Helping Ukraine:
— People In Need: https://tinyurl.com/2p8akf6f
— Army SOS: https://armysos.com.ua/en/help-the-army
— International Committee of the Red Cross: https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine
— International Medical Corps: https://tinyurl.com/2p8j7t9n
— International Rescue Committee: https://tinyurl.com/2p8rda2n
— The UN Refugee Agency: https://tinyurl.com/zns9ne5n
— CARE: https://tinyurl.com/yc56c2fe.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S3 | 2 | The Mall Rats
In this episode, Jenna joins Robin this episode to discuss Dustin and Steve's reunion, Max and El's new friendship, the news-worthiness of rabid rats, and, of course, more teen angst.
• Resources for Donations/Helping Ukraine:
— People In Need: https://tinyurl.com/2p8akf6f
— Army SOS: https://armysos.com.ua/en/help-the-army
— International Committee of the Red Cross: https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine
— International Medical Corps: https://tinyurl.com/2p8j7t9n
— International Rescue Committee: https://tinyurl.com/2p8rda2n
— The UN Refugee Agency: https://tinyurl.com/zns9ne5n
— CARE: https://tinyurl.com/yc56c2fe.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S3 | 1 | Suzie, Do You Copy?
"If season two was about the desire for normalcy...season three is about change." Shawn Levy's words from the "Worlds Turned Upside Down" book frame our discussion of the third season's first episode and the ones to follow. From radically different visual styles, character deviations, and escalations in relationships, what works, what doesn't, and what falls in-between?
• Resources for Donations/Helping Ukraine:
— People In Need: https://tinyurl.com/2p8akf6f
— Army SOS: https://armysos.com.ua/en/help-the-army
— International Committee of the Red Cross: https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine
— International Medical Corps: https://tinyurl.com/2p8j7t9n
— International Rescue Committee: https://tinyurl.com/2p8rda2n
— The UN Refugee Agency: https://tinyurl.com/zns9ne5n
— CARE: https://tinyurl.com/yc56c2fe.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S2 | 9 | The Gate
Heidi returns for the season two finale! Together again, we cover the quiet brilliance of the emotional arcs, structure (as always), character growth, the messy but conclusive ending, and look back over the second season as a whole.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S2 | 8 | The Mind Flayer
Back to Hawkins for the brutal attack on Hawkins Lab. Here, there be more discussion of genre conventions, including not just horror and fantasy, but also film noir. And we're one step closer to the finale!
• Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S2 | 7 | The Lost Sister
One of the most controversial episodes of the series! And we're here to defend it. Buckle up, this one is full of unpopular opinions and favorable perspective on "The Lost Sister."
• Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S2 | 6 | The Spy
Things ramps up! Possession takes hold, romance builds, and we get our second proper action sequence since the season intro!
• Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S2 | 5 | Dig Dug
In this episode, Robin feels sympathy for Dart, roles swap, questions abound, Nancy and Jonathan share a hotel room, and El finds out exactly what happened to her mother. Plus Dustin and Steve finally team up! — Join the conversation: Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S2 | 4 | Will The Wise
In Chapter 4, Nancy and Jonathan take action against the Lab, Eleven and Hopper have their big fight, Billy brings real-world scares, and more, all exploring the theme of "perspective." — Join the conversation: Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
Stranger Things Day 2021: Welcome to CA!
It's November 6th and we've got a new trailer! Robin reacts and digs into hopes/fears/expectations for the season to come.
ScreenRant article: Stranger Things Season 4 Will Not Be the Show’s Final Season — https://bit.ly/3GU5jed Robin's Blog Post *about* the ScreenRant article — https://tinyurl.com/3udvuans— Join the conversation: Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S2 | 3 | The Pollywog
So, what's the deal with Dart, anyway? In this episode, El ventures out on her own, relationships disintegrate and flourish, grief manifests in strange ways, and there's a bizarre comparison to Old Yeller (1957).
— Join the conversation: Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S2 | 2 | Trick or Treat, Freak
Halloween in Hawkins, 1984. In this episode, Robin ponders the use of El's flashbacks, the dubious events at the Halloween party, and throws some love to those fantastic Ghostbusters costumes. — Join the conversation: Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
Special Announcement & Gag Reel!
Heidi and Robin hop onto this short episode to announce some changes to the podcast format and what to expect this season. Also, a gag reel!
— Join the conversation: Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
S2 | 1 | Madmax
Season 2 starts with a bang: from the brilliant opening sequence and new characters to Steve's college essay and the right and wrongs of Dr. Owens' advice on Will's PTSD.
— Join the conversation: Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
Stranger Things 2 Preview
We prepare to continue our spoiler-filled rewatch of Stranger Things with an overview of what to expect from our breakdown of Season 2!
— Join the conversation: Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
8 | The Upside Down
We delve into the jam-packed season finale, reflect on the first season as a whole, and debate whether the series should have been better off, had it concluded here.
— Join the conversation: Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
7 | The Bathtub
This might be our favorite episode of season one. The van flip, earned resolution across multiple groups, the whole team finally comes together, characters becoming more true to themselves, puppy-love progression of Mileven, Dustin’s hilarious phone call, and a tremendous build towards the finale to come.
— Join the conversation: Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
6 | The Monster
In this episode, relationships thrive and shatter, conflict grows stronger, we question whether favoring a fictional character reflects one’s personal beliefs, and, of course, much discussion over one of the series’ most iconic moments.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
5 | The Flea and the Acrobat
Answers at last! This episode unveils exposition in its usual compelling fashion, while we question the sentience of the Upside Down, parental roles all across the show, and Robin speculates on a parallel between two unlikely characters.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
4 | The Body
We switch to chronological breakdown! We explore the ramifications of Will Byers' "death," how so many characters exhibit a pursuit of truth, despite the bleak circumstances. In this episode, recorded in August of 2020, we also acknowledge the passing of Chadwick Boseman (11/29/76 – 8/28/20).
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
3 | Holly, Jolly
We delve into El stepping into her power, the depth of impact from violations of privacy and trust, and draw some unexpected parallels to the ordeal that has been 2020.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
2 | The Weirdo on Maple Street
In episode two, we discuss the strength of the kids' acting and friendship, the value of empathy, high school politics, gender roles and subversion (good and bad), and the ridiculousness of some certain late-night photography.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
1 | The Vanishing of Will Byers
The episode that started it all. We begin with production shoutouts, initial impressions, and proceed to explore how strong and effective this episode was.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, Twitter as @coffeeinhawkins, Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!
Trailer: Coffee & Contemplation
A teaser for the podcast to come! Join Robin and Heidi for this spoiler-filled traipse back through Stranger Things from a post-season three perspective with story and character discussion, feminist perspective, personal anecdotes, and genre exploration.
• Coffee & Contemplation is on Instagram as @coffeeandcontemplationpod, TikTok as @coffeeinhawkins, and you can email us at coffeecontemplationpod@gmail.com. Like, share, subscribe, and consider leaving us a short review. Over and out!