offsidetracked

[offsidetracked]

Steve's Spot-On Take on Vecna and Clockmasters

It's kind of funny how Dustin teases Steve when he brings up the idea that the "wizard is all about clocks because he's a clockmaster or something." But honestly, Steve is onto something here. Vecna getting disintegrated by Eleven totally reminds me of how Jon Osterman, another character from the DC Universe, "dies".

Doctor Jonathan Osterman is a former nuclear physicist who was accidentally caught in a radioactive particle test chamber, transforming him into a god-like being known as Doctor Manhattan.

As we learn about his past, we discover that he is the son of a watchmaker. He initially planned to follow in his father's footsteps and practiced on one of his father's watches.

However, after the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, his father urged him to pursue a career in nuclear physics instead. This shift from watchmaking to nuclear science after Hiroshima reflects humanity's movement from craft and order to power and destruction.

We also learn that Osterman fell in love in 1959, not long before the events that changed his life forever and transformed him into a god-like figure.

Doctor Manhattan experiences time non-linearly, perceiving the past, present, and future all at once. He says “We are all puppets, Laurie. I'm just a puppet who can see the strings” makes it clear that he views human life as pre-scripted and inevitable.

He believes the universe is already “built”, much like a watch whose gears are precisely arranged.

Henry views the world as predetermined too but talks about it in terms of a cycle of conformity, lies, and hypocrisy.

Unlike Doctor Manhattan, who accepts that everything is already written and lives in a state of apathy, Henry rejects this system and attempts to control it himself. He believes he can “reset” the world by tearing it down and rebuilding it in his image.

[offsidetracked]

Bychance? More like psychological warfare. Check out these timestamps side by side and tell me if you see what I see, all off of s4:

EP1 12:25, 12:28 12:30, 50:46 13:28, 26:19, 27:03 28:08, 28:15, 28:28, 28:31 51:15, 51:30, 10:57, 52:35

EP2 24:32, 24:37 34:30, 34:32

ANON .......................................... TELL ME WHY I'VE REWATCHED THIS SHOW LIKE 345,43220 MILLIN OTIMES and i never noticed the freaking EAGLES as the lenora basketball team!?!?!? OR THE JACJKETS?!?!?! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS SORCERY?!!?!? AND THE COLORS TOO, associated to Will 💀💀💀 I'mm kinda losing it rn but let's walk through this ( I hope I got the timestamps right but if I'm wrong let me know! )

this is straight up #Cursed

EPISODE 1

12:25, 12:28

12:30, 50:46

13:28, 26:19, 27:03

28:08, 28:15, 28:28, 28:31

OK THIS ONE KINDA BLEW MY MIND NGL ANON WHAT THE HELL!??!?!?!?

51:15, 51:30, 10:57, 52:35

( I don't get the 10:57 aka Will in his bedroom one so idk if it's a typo or maybe im not seeing it? lemme know anon aaa! )

EPISODE 2

WHAT THE HELL I LITERALLY CHOKED WHEN I SAW THE GIRL WITH THE VARSITY JACKET LMFAO ISTG SHE WASN'T THERE BEFORE IMM LOSING IT im screaming?!!?!?!?!?!?! and then the second time we see her is RIGHT AFTER A COUPLE????

yknow what anon i just

[offsidetracked]

THE ANCIENT SCRIPTURE

[offsidetracked]

Top reasons why I believe #birthdaygate🎈 is real

I made this poll the other day and I'm very curious if anyone that chose the second and third option changes their mind at all after reviewing this list, or not!

@offsidetracked tagging you bestie since ... this is connected to that thing I found that I mentioned in DMs.

#birthdaygate🎈 the believers of this theory posit that the Duffers did not forget Will's birthday, and this will pay off in S5. Here's the evidence:

#. The casual, repeated birthday mentions throughout S4.

Something about one being an anomaly, twice a coincidence and three times "proof", huh? Suzie was even kind enough to offer us a countdown to Dustin's birthday. And the idea of an early birthday gift was introduced by Rockie.

Makes you wonder what Will's belated birthday gift will be, huh?

#. Harry Potter: Chamber of Secrets & S3 Dustin

source

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is in the S4 inspiration board and it begins with Harry being sad he hasn't been receiving letters from his friends all summer, but then he finds out that the truth is: Dobby has been keeping them from him. This initially reminds me of Will bringing up the phone calls with Mike, but we find out later on that he DID call him.

However, this plotline also reminded me of S3 Dustin, and how he was sad that his friends weren't picking up/answering as he called them after being away for a whole month. The truth was that they DID remember, and surprised him in a way that reminded me of surprise birthday parties.

( The mom saying maybe they just ... forgot ... and, later on in the list I tackle the concept of dreams in S4, but it's interesting to me that it is also in this scene with Dustin's first instinct being that he was dreaming because he couldn't make logical sense of what tf was happening haha ... )

#. Sixteen Candles

Sixteen Candles was referenced during the party's search for Reefer Rick in EP2. And the plot of this movie starts with the protagonist being upset that everyone forgot her birthday ...

#. Vickie + Samantha Baker

Vickie's outfit seems to be an homage to Samantha Baker, bringing in the movie's inspiration home. Gotta love being an ensemble cast, huh?

#. This little easter egg in the Puzzle Tales game.

credit to @/tamlie56

Once again it's one of those things that speaks for itself... Also, the mention of clowns reminds me of IT, an inspiration for Stranger Things and Vecna.

#. The repeated appearance of #22 throughout S4.

EP1. THE HELLFIRE CLUB As early as EP1, we see a player ( Chance ) with #22 & we also see the number in the crowd in two signs, and we see each one at least twice.

Then, we have the "for the first time in 22 years" throwaway line. Not only is Time a big theme this season, but this song is musically connected to the scene of Will @ rink-o-mania.

Lucas & Will both feeling disconnected from their friends. We also see birthday imagery right after, with the balloons.

EP2. VECNA'S CURSE This sequence is also where we get confirmation of the in-universe date: Will's birthday. March 22nd.

EP6. THE DIVE This one on its own doesn't really mean anything, except for its context: A TRAITOR is TIED UP and a BARGAIN is occurring where the protagonists try to get VITAL INFO from the traitor--and #22 is brought up in some form.

And what does that remind me of? Well ...

It's the exact same context:

A TRAITOR is TIED UP and a BARGAIN is occurring where the protagonists try to get VITAL INFO from the traitor--and #22 is brought up in some form.

Joyce is in both these scenes, and this is the very scene where we learn about Will's birthday. Coincidence? Sure, Jan.

EP7. THE MASSACRE AT HAWKINS LAB On its own, the timestamp in which this scene is occurring doesn't mean anything, but if you look at the countdown til the end of the episode on the right ... this scene of the 001 reveal encompasses min 22. This one I admit could just be a happy accident but it could also be a fun little easter egg, since #22 is also associated to Henry via it being the potential date of the Creel Murders.

EP9. THE PIGGYBACK This one isn't necessarily huge on its own, except we see Will right before the number appears again. The context of the scene also matters considering this death toll was caused by Henry.

#. The ST writers account bringing up the concept of Will's birthday being forgotten as early as 2020.

This one speaks for itself, come on ... it stinks to high heavens, like, genuinely ... you're telling me they were joking about it as early as 2020 when they were STILL in production? And I'm supposed to believe they genuinely forgot? Come on ...

#. This birthday card being in Will's room as early as S1, which shows they might've been strategically leaving clues for it since then 💀

And you know what's funny and curious and totally a coincidence I'm sure? That when we see it in S2, the context of the scene is Will using drawings to draw out the map that ultimately helps them find the tunnels, etc. But moreover ... see the timestamp? Yup, encompasses min 22 as well.

The name of this episode "Will The Wise" also fits nicely with S5's 4th episode, which is "The Sorcerer". Makes you wonder what'll happen around that timestamp on that episode, huh?

#. The spiritual significance of number 22 and how it fits Will to a T ...

Considering the Duffers hint they might be spiritual through Argyle ( bonus for Will being in frame right as Argyle says that ), I would say the spiritual significance of this number holds some weight. And it SCREAMS Will Byers ... see for yourself:

source

The potential to turn "dreams" into "reality", and the people on this life path being known as "Master Builders" ... and we COULD argue this also fits El and Henry ( which are also associated with this number and concepts ). And before the leaks on Feb 22 I would have agreed. But ...

These words in particular remind me of the way Vecna himself talks about Will gives "yeah, this is about him."

#. Ross Duffer's "dream" comment in this interview.

Girl, why do you look so mischievous when you say that? Granted, they were debunking a theory here but it's just so strange to me that he brought the concept of dreams too, unprompted, when we know how persistent and important a theme that was, especially in S4.

#. The themes of the song White Rabbit and how it connects with the prevalent, series-wide themes of dreams, things that don't make sense and ... ✨ psychedelics ✨

This song was first introduced in S1 and at Benny's Burgers, during the sequence where Connie Frazier found El and killed Benny. Benny's Burger is associated with Will in S4 through the Christmas Lights. I specifically love this part of the song towards the end:

It suggests complete disconnection from reality. Logic. Things that don't make sense. You catch my drift! Speaking of ...

#. The Duffer Brothers "confirming" they forgot Will's bday and saying they'll 'George Lucas' it because it makes "no narrative sense" ... and then never doing it.

Yknow what else doesn't make "narrative sense"?

Dreams.

Consider the themes of dreams and fairytales throughout the season, especially when paired with all of the Alice in Wonderland & LSD references throughout the entire series. And then on top of that, we have the movie Inception in the inspiration board, which is HEAVY on these themes too, and very much a classic.

source

in S4, especially, these were big themes associated to our main antagonist, a force that has been quietly operating in the background since the very start of the series, and that has been foreshadowed in various, symbolic ways. One of the most evident to us now was Kali and her powers, which share some similarities with Henry's:

Fun fact, this scene is musically connected to the "crazy together" scene.

We know Kali can make people have visions too, like how she made her friend Axel see spiders earlier on, but she can also make them see pleasant things. This seems to be the tactic through which Henry lures Holly in S5 ( as per what we know so far ).

All these ideas tie into themes of illusion, lies and the manipulation of perception/one's reality. Something else we can add to this, that is also connected to birthdays ( dreams, fairytales ) is the concept of 'Wish'. And ...

#. Will's S4 introduction & the painting reveal

If we take a look at Will's S4 introduction, our first impression of him ... what is he being associated with? El says she thinks he likes someone because he's been acting 'weird'. My guess? He's been daydreaming and fantasizing about his crush. And being Very INFP about it too ( to give you an example, think Cinderella at the start of the movie being all delusional and singing and talking to birds and mice and stuff ... yeah ... )

The imagery in both his opening scene and the painting have elements typically associated with fairytales and paradise, even. He's also likely lost in his own thoughts and imagination and letting his heart guide his hand. Right before he shares his painting with Mike, he also reminds us of a dream he's had since at least S3: playing DnD and Nintendo for the rest of his life, with the people he loves most.

I'll let you infer what he could've possibly been wishing on that specific birthday in 1986 ... and if Sixteen Candles was a clue at all ...

The main problem with birthdaygate is that it doesn't make narrative sense, and even though that could be intentional ... how exactly could they incorporate it without it seeming like total chaos and just plain unnecessary? Wouldn't they have hinted at it in a less abstract/symbolic way in S4 to clue the general audience into it?

The thing is, perhaps that's just not for us to know yet. If this is something the Duffers have been planning since at *least* S2, then it might just be a surprise.

Imo, there's enough evidence to believe it. But you decide that for yourself!

[offsidetracked]

If one of the kids doesn't do a kaneda slide with their bike this season what are the Duffers even doing at this point

[offsidetracked]

😭

[offsidetracked]

stating to think there’s an inverse correlation between how good media is and how easily fandomizable it is 😁

[offsidetracked]

He will clap once for this fuckass thing and that's it. Absolute diva. Iconic.

Mike fake clapping here is sending me

[offsidetracked]

I'm a bit concerned about a bit of cinematography I've noticed. Specifically, Will seems to be framed as separate from the other three.

Take the "hands in" scene in the woods. At first glance it seems fine.

But other angles shows something a bit different.

Will is on one side of the table, the rest are on the other side.

Side note: The left shot seems to be rehearsal since they have their jackets on. There's a slight adjustment made in the actual scene, with Dustin using his left hand, instead of his right, and Lucas and Dustin switching position relative to Mike. Dustin being forced to use his left hand almost seems to be a conscious decision so he can stand closer to Mike for the purpose of the overhead shot.

Then there's the cafeteria scene.

Now, the first one is just a promotional still, rather than a screenshot. However, it still syncs up with the bottom image, which is from filming. Will is standing because he was seated on the other side of the table. He has to come around the table, whereas Dustin and Lucas can just lean in closer to Mike.

There's two things I notice abut these two scenes.

Will is positioned at a table in such a way that it separates him from the rest of the Party. We likely will see him seated in the cafeteria before he gets up to go around.

He's opposite Mike at the table in both scenes. Dustin and Lucas seem to be positioned closer to Mike than Will.

It might all mean something, but it might mean nothing. Maybe it's to show Will feeling isolated from his friends. He may be withdrawing or keeping himself distant, possible fearing being used as a spy again. It may be a reference to him being stuck "on the other side" in the Upside Down, maybe as a reminder that he has a connection to it.

Anyone else notice this and/or have thoughts about it?

[offsidetracked]

can I be honest... from the way he writes looks like Ross is on Tumblr 24/7

[offsidetracked]

I AM ANYTHING BUT CALM.

WAIT SO IS IT NOT HOLLY BRO?!

IM SHITTING IM SO NERVOUS/EXCITED

[offsidetracked]

This is my thirteenth reason.

oh my god can you imagine El's letters coming in the mail and Will asking his mom hopefully if there's anything for him and having to be told no every. single. time.

[offsidetracked]

honestly its not bychance for jealous mike its bychance for desired will ❣️

[offsidetracked]

If the Mindflayer does end up representing Will's repressed trauma, and Will "defeats" it by accepting it as a part of himself, thus taking control of the Upside Down, I will take a victory lap unbecoming of someone my age.

It may yet be a bit outlandish, but keep in mind that Henry didn't encounter the Mindflayer until 1979 when El sent him into the other dimension. That's supposedly the same year as the Mike/Will/Jonathan flashbacks. It seems a bit much for that to be just a coincidence.

[offsidetracked]

i watch stranger things for the plot

the plot:

[offsidetracked]

i think the only reason the Duffers aren't posting a season 5 inspiration board is because it's covered top to bottom with the gayest movies humanity has ever seen

[offsidetracked]

thinking about finn during s1 promotions talking about mlvn being a first crush/first summer love type of situation where it's implied it's not gonna last. while everyone else loved mlvn at that time.

then he said that duffers told him that she's like an E.T. or lost puppy to him that he needs to take care of.

yeah, duffers told him that. that's why he's thinking that way and nobody else does. in the interview in which finn says it, millie seems offended by that - because she doesn't know yet. it really seemed like duffers only told the true nature of mlvn to finn at that time. so that's why when you go back to rewatch s1-s3, mike doesn't act that much in love with eleven... finn pretty much knew that from the beginning.

and he was telling the truth, cause that's what duffers have been saying as well, separately. saying how mlvn was "a concept of a first crush" (that's such a cryptic way to tell us that it wasn't a real crush) and comparing mike meeting eleven to elliot meeting E.T.

both duffers and finn keep holding the same narrative. even in the freshest interview, finn parrots that. isn't it crazy? it's been nine years since then. how did the mlvn dynamic didn't change much from that? maybe because they've been planned from the beginning to break up sooner or later.

you see, i don't usually trust actors but it's interesting to me how consistent is finn with his seemingly weird opinion about mlvn and how the very few times duffers spoke about it, they said the exact same thing. just a food for thought.