Stranger Things Season 3, Episode 1: The 5 best moments from “Suzie, Do You Copy”
The Russians may be trying to ruin the ’80s, but it’s going to be a tough battle.
This is not Stranger Things Season 1 or 2. Eleven and Mike are kissing and Mike is so awkwardly adolescent. In the other room, Hopper is watching Magnum P.I. and drinking beer. This is new territory for the series, but it’s still the familiar era we all love.
2. The 1980s vibes at the Starcourt Mall
The vibes from the 1970s and 80s are amazing. Aside from the music (more on that later), the scene at the Starcourt Mall brings back all the emotional and mental connections for anyone who grew up when simply heading to the mall, despite having nothing to do, was the thing to do.
The mall is absolutely packed. Mullets, afros, and kids everywhere. It’s like the fan-base for Billy Ray Cyrus met up with group performing a flash mob performance of Welcome Back Kotter.
Meanwhile, Steve is working at the food court and wearing a ridiculous uniform from his job at Scoops Ahoy, an embarrassing ice cream parlor. Steve manages to sneak Mike, Lucas, Max, and Will into the back door of his store, which is connected to a back door of the theater. The group tip-toes into a theater showing Day of the Dead. The old school previews look simultaneously dated and enticing.
All that is missing is a 4-lb cell phone and some zubaz pants.
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3. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Steve’s job is an obvious homage to Fast Times at Ridgemont High. “The loser who thinks he’s cool”-vibe is identical to Brad Hamilton (Judge Reinhold) giving himself an inspirational bathroom mirror speech while cleaning graffiti off of it.
Just like Brad in Fast Times, all the girls dismiss Steve. His coworker Robin even creates a “You Rule/You Suck” chart and keeps tally each time Steve strikes out.
To be fair, the Stranger Things reference is probably more closely related to his second job at Captain Hook Fish & Chips.
Additionally, when Dustin comes back from Summer camp he tells everyone he has a Mormon girlfriend named Suzie. When asked about her appearance he says she’s hotter than Phoebe Cates (highly doubtful). Speaking of Phoebe Cates, there is even a connection to the iconic 1982 pool scene.