Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 4 — Sorcerer — A Review

2nd March, 2026: “Sorcerer”.

An Introduction.

It’s Friday.

Which means several things.

Mostly that I’ll be eating dinner, soon: it’s that time on a Friday.

I also have something of a confession.

I’ve downloaded Apple’s Creator Studio: as a cheap way to get hold of Final Cut Pro, Apple’s pro level video editing suite.

So, hopefully, I’ll be using it to edit and export my reviews.

The one thing that HAS surprised me?

Is that the suite comes with an app called Compressor, that lets you scale videos up or down.

Including up to 8k resolution.

I don’t think I’ll be using it on a regular basis: I’ve just upscaled a two and a half test video — dummy footage in a dummy project, that’s the basis of my Daily Teaser videos — and it’s taken some ten minutes … 

And left my sixteen gigabyte, M4 Mac mini hot enough to boil tea!

I’ll probably make more use of it … when I get a new machine, with more RAM … !

~≈🐙≈~

At any rate, it’s still Friday, and dinner is still cooking.

Once that’s done?

I’ll wash up: then watch the fourth episode of Stranger Things 5: “Sorcerer” will hopefully maintain the quality of the series, thus far.

And let us know what’s happening with Max!

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 3 — The Turnbow Trap — A Review

20th February, 2026.

“The Turnbow Trap”.

An Introduction.

Right at the moment … ?

I’m contemplating dinner.

I actually have enough to get a take out: and eat it in front of … 

Well, practically anything that’s on TV, to be honest.

My building’s communal aerial got fixed, this morning.

So watching TV’s something of a delight.

That said … ?

I’ll probably be watching something on YouTube, rather than the usual news channels.

There’s only so much about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor a body can put up with … !

~≈🐙≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve a busy weekend, this weekend: I’ve got my nephew, tomorrow, hopefully, and be having dinner at my mothers on Sunday … 

So … ?

I’ll be watching the next episode of Stranger Things 5, “The Turnbow Trap”, tonight: then … ?

Given some luck, patience and a halfway decent meal, I’ll have this review posted by Monday, 23rd February.

That’s we both of us will find out how good the episode was … 

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 2 — The Vanishing Of Holly Weaver — A Review

13th February, 2026.

“The Vanishing Of Holly Weaver”.

An Introduction.

Last week, I started watching series five of Stranger Things.

On Saturday night.

Just in case you were interested in either reading my written review, or watching the video version.

You’re still welcome to do both.

I’m also very aware that I said I’d be watching the next episode, “The Vanishing Of Holly Weaver”, tomorrow night, and have my written and video reviews up by Tuesday.

But … ?

I think I’m nephew-sitting, tomorrow: so I’m going to watch the episode, tonight … then have my reviews (hopefully) by Monday.

Keep your eyes peeled!

~≈🐙≈~

Just as a side-step … ?

If you’ve read today’s Daily Teaser quiz — or yesterday’s, come to that matter — will be aware of … the Toaster Situation … !

It’s a bit too complicated to go into, here: so let me just tell you I’ve got a new toaster, due.

One that turned up, today: and works!

Good gum drops!

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 1 — The Crawl — A Review

7th February, 2026.

“The Crawl”.

An Introduction.

I’ve officially been putting things off for a while.

Yes: I’ve officially been doing things!

Things that meant finding time to do other things was tricky.

You know, now I see that written down, it occurs to me that it’s not the most informative thing I’ve ever put to paper!

Let me put it this way: I’ve been busy … 

No, that doesn’t work, either … 

Let me put it like this: I’ve not watched a TV show, nor reviewed it, since Christmas.

So … ?

I’m going to remedy that, tonight: by starting on Stranger Things 5: the five and last series of Stranger Things.

Once I’ve had dinner, obviously!

~≈🐙≈~

Just as a thought for newcomers to Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar, or my @MrCuddy2977 YouTube channel?

I’ve been writing this blog since 2008: and in all that time … ?

Done written reviews of the whole series.

But only done video reviews of the fourth one.

When I first got a webcam.

I’m might add more Stranger Things content: but there seems little point doing so respectively.

At any rate, I’ve started this review of “The Crawl” on Saturday, 7th February: and should have it finished by Monday, 9th February.

I’ll hopefully see you then … 

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 9 — The Piggyback — A Review

23rd August, 2022.

Yes: it’s Tuesday,

And, as I speak?

Vegetables are having the proverbial boiled out of them.

It’s OK: I’m cooking dinner!

Slightly hurriedly, to be honest.

After all, it’s Tuesday: which means I’ll be having dinner … then watching The Piggyback, the last episode of series four of Stranger Things.

As ever?

I’ll have my written and video reviews up, tomorrow night!

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 8 — Papa — A Review

16th August, 2022.

It’s official: I’m looking out of the window at a remarkable dry evening.

Given my part of the world is supposed to be getting rain?   After forty odd days of heat?

That’s a little disappointing.

After all, we had rain, over night.

We could do with more.

Frankly?   I hope we get some, this evening.

It would be needed … and would add a hell of a lot of atmosphere to what I’ll be doing.

Yes: it’s Tuesday.

So I’ll be watching Papa, the next episode of Stranger Things’ fourth season.

Rain would add some atmosphere.

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 7 — The Massacre at Hawkins Lab — A Review

*Spoilers*

9th August, 2022.

Right … 

It’s Tuesday, and stuff is officially boiling.

Vegetables: if you want me to be more specific.

That’s right: I’m cooking dinner … again.

Chicken, if you must know.

Once that’s eaten … ?

Frankly?

Once that’s eaten, I’m going to be watching the next episode of Stranger Things’ fourth season.

I’ll have my written and video reviews up, tomorrow night!

~≈🧟‍♀️≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 6 — The Dive — A Review

2nd August, 2022.

Did I mention it’s Tuesday … ?

It’s Tuesday.

Which means, of course, that I’m going to:

• Eat dinner.
• Watch TV.

You’ve worked out I’ll be watching the next episode of Stranger Things, haven’t you?

You’d be right.

You’d also be right in assuming that I’m going to have my written and video reviews, tomorrow night?

I’ll see you then!

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 5 — The Nina Project — A Review

26th July, 2022.

Yay!   It’s Tuesday!

OK … I’m not exactly getting any younger, am I … ?

So yay … ?

Is possibly inappropriate.

What is entirely appropriate?   Is exactly what I’ve bee doing to the past few weeks.

Starting a post: to tell you I’ll be watching the next episode of Stranger Things’ fourth series, tonight.

I’ll be doing that, once I’ve had dinner.

I’ll see you, tomorrow.

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 4 — Dear Billy — A Review

19th July, 2022.

As I write this?

As I writ this, I’m am very aware of a few things.

That my home town’s had possibly its warmest day of the year: as has the country!

Frankly?

It’s toasty: but due to cool down, tomorrow.

I hope it does: I’ve an early start: for some quarterly blood tests.

But?

The heat’s not going to stop me doing what I’ve been doing for the past few weeks.

Yes: I’m going to eat dinner, then catch Dear Billy: the next episode of Stranger Things fourth series.

I’ll have this post published tomorrow, Wednesday, 20th July.

I’ll tell you about the episode … and whether it’s cooled down …

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 3 — The Monster and the Superhero — A Review

*Spoilers*

12th July, 2022.

Right … 

It’s officially official.

It’s Tuesday: and I have a working washing machine.

It’s a long story: but my washing machine broke down, recently.

Luckily, whilst still under warranty!

So it’s working, and I’m happy.

Now … as for the rest of the day … ?

Well: I’ve job hunted, done stuff … and made another unboxing video.

Tonight … ?

After dinner, I’m going to be watching the next episode of season four of Stranger Things: The Monster and the Superhero.

Which means I’ll have this post finished, tomorrow night!

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 2 — Vecna’s Curse — A Review

5th July, 2022.

Did I ever mention that today — the day I started this post? — is 5th July, 2022?

It’s 5th July, 2022.

And a few things are happening.

I’ve had a repair man down: to look at my washing machine.

He’s back next Tuesday: complete with the relevant part.

I’m also listening to the News: very aware that (former) Health Secretary, Sajid Javid and (former) Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, have resigned their posts.

Sunak going is a worry.

He’s authorised a £650 payment to those of us in need: half this month, and half in the autumn.

Frankly?

Will it go through?   Given the man who organised it has handed in his notice?

I’m blowed if I know, but it is a worry.

At any rate?

It’s Tuesday.

And?

I’m going to be sitting in front of my TV, watching the second episode of Stranger Things, series four.

Hopefully?

Vecna’s Curse will live up to the promise of The Hellfire Club.

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

Black Widow — A Review

14th August, 2021.

It’s got to be said, I’m a man with time on his hand.

You’ve possibly guessed, haven’t you?

Pointless brain Teasers don’t happen by themselves, after all.

Neither do any other videos I make!

At any rate: I’ve time to watch the odd movie.

And had a choice of three, tonight: Censor, In The Earth … or Black Widow.

I went — as you’ve possibly guessed — for Black Widow.

I’ll tell you more, when I finish this post, tomorrow night.

But I think I’ve made an ungood* choice.

~≈⌘≈~

Stranger Things: Series 3 — Episode 8— Chapter 8: The Battle of Starcourt — A Review

26th July, 2019.

Right …

I’ve officially got pressed the Techno playlist in iTunes: and happily got Kraftwerk playing through the Apple TV at the moment.

Right at the moment … ?



I’ve got Mousse T on the go: followed by the Grid’s Swamp Thing.

Which is possibly NOT want you want to hear at this time of night.

But, hey … I’m enjoying it.

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?



Yes: the video’s right.

Potentially right, at any rate.

It looks like the barometer in Britain hit the UK’s highest recorded temperature, yesterday.

Peaking at a record 38.7ºC in Cambridge.

Frankly?

I’m just grateful I had a shower, today … 



Oh … and that it rained a bit.

Not that I was worried about the latter.

By the time it started … ?

I was safely indoors watching TV.

Yes, you’re right.

I’ve watched the last episode of Stranger Things series 3 … 

~≈†≈~

Stranger Things: Series 3 — Episode 7— Chapter 7: The Bite — A Review

25th July, 2019.

Yes: that video was made at roughly 20:00, this evening.

And, yes: apparently?

It was supposed to be raining.



Was, I emphasise.

Right at the moment … ?



The best way I can describe the weather … ?

Is by saying “It’s muggy … ”

~≈¥≈~



The kind of muggy that means two things, as far as I’m concerned.

Firstly?

It’s the second time in as many days that I’ve had two showers.

And secondly?

I watch TV with the windows open, again … 

Yes: watching series 3 of Stranger Things … 

~≈¥≈~

Stranger Things: Series 3 — Episode 6— Chapter 6: E Pluribus Unum — A Review

24th July, 2019.

Yep: it’s twenty-five to ten on a Wednesday night … 

And it’s still warm, even with the windows open … !



It’s … 

Well, frankly, it’s been warm enough for me to have my second shower of the the day … just to try to cool down.

It’s that toasty.

The only good thing … ?



Is that we’re expecting rain on Saturday.

I’m looking forward to that.

~≈¥≈~

At any rate … ?



Open windows at this time of year?

Are a boon.

Especially when it‘s time to sit in front of an overheated TV.

One that’s just helped me get through Act Three of the Marble Hill Zone, in the original Sonic the Hedgehog … 

Oh … and another episode of Stranger Things, series 3 … 

~≈¥≈~

Stranger Things: Series 3 — Episode 5— Chapter 5: The Flayed — A Review

23rd July, 2019.

It has to be said … payday is nice.

Even though, strictly, it’s the day I receive the little bit of Universal Credit I’m entitled to.

Rather than earnings.

It …



Well, it doesn’t cover everything …



But at least allows me to pay the basic bills: food, water, rent, utilities, what have you.

It’s a struggle …



But a struggle with bits left over.

At least … enough sugar left over to give to a neighbour: who, bless him, always seems to need to borrow some, at awkward times … 

~≈§≈~

At any rate … it’s a Tuesday.



One where I’ve got a meeting, tomorrow: to see if I’m eligible for some extra benefits.

In theory?

I should have a nice relaxed evening in: rather than staying up late, blogging.

To hell with it.

I’m in the middle of Stranger Things, series 3, and any spare time I have … ?



Is going to be spent watching it … 

~≈§≈~

Stranger Things: Series 3 — Episode 4— Chapter 4: The Sauna Test — A Review

22nd July, 2019

Does that video look OK?

The introductory one, that is … ?

I’ve got to admit that, laundry and job hunting aside?

I’ve had little to do, today: except fiddle about with some games on the AppleTV.

Rayman Adventures is rather fun, it has to be said.

Bar games … ?



Bar games, I’ve had little to do … 

Except watch TV … and fiddle about in iMovie.

I think I’ve managed do something novel with the intro video*.

Quite what I’ve done … ?

I’m blowed if I know … 

At any rate … ?



At any rate, it’s been a quiet day: ending with a quiet evening … watching the proverbial gogglebox.

And, yes: I have been at Stranger Things, series 3, again.

~≈§≈~



Stranger Things: Series 3 — Episode 3— Chapter 3: The Case of the Missing Lifeguard — A Review

21st July, 2019.

Yes: I think I’m in a mood.

It’s a quiet Sunday night … and I’m … thoughtfully concerned.

I had a CT scan, last week: and was told I’d be contacted about any results in ‘a week to ten days time.’

At some point this week, in fact.

I’m … 

Nervous: as those results could be seriously life threatening.

So far?

So far, no news is good news.

But have to confess, good or bad, the sooner it gets here, the happier I’ll be.

~≈§≈~

Can I do anything about it, today?



Frankly?

No.

I think my best bet?

Is to try and do what many are advised to do in various twelve step groups are advised to do …

And live in the day: trying to not worry … until the results come in.

Here’s hoping I can manage that!

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?



At any rate, the least I could do, tonight?   To occupy my time?

Is simply watch another episode of Stranger Things, series 3.

Yes: grim things from beyond the dawn of time — and bad Eighties perms — can be VERY comforting!

~≈§≈~

Stranger Things: Series 3 — Episode 2— Chapter 2: The Mall Rats— A Review

20th July, 2019.

Did you know I do a lot of stuff on Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar?

I do a lot of stuff on here: including the (possibly) notorious Daily Teasers.

Something that I mentioned this morning?

Was that I’d had an internal hard drive for sale.

Except my local CeX wouldn’t accept it: as there was an unanticipated extra partition there, that prevented access to the rest of the drive.

So … ?



Well, the only thing I could do, was post a question to the relevant Apple forums, to see what could be dragged up.

This thread?   Gave me a potential answer.

Or, at least, a set of commands I could use, in Terminal*.

Thankfully?

It worked!

I was able to sell the drive to the Brentwood branch of CeX, this morning.

Result!

At any rate … ?



It’s Saturday: which means … more TV, frankly!

That’s right: more of the Netflix sensation that is Stranger Things series 3.

~≈†≈~