Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 8 — The Rightside Up — A Review

27th March, 2026.

“The Rightside Up”.

An Introduction.

Right … It’s officially Friday, again … !

Which means several things.

First … ?

I’ve backed some blurays up: and taken the things to an old friend.

Which reminds me — as ever — that I really need to write about HandBrake, and MakeMKV.

Or, at least, how to use that to turn those apps to copy optical discs, and turn them into the sort of digital files one can play on … 

Well … 

Devices … !

~≈🐙≈~

At any rate … it’s Friday?

And?

Tonight I’m going to be watching “The Rightside Up”, the last episode of Stranger Things, series five … and of Stranger Things, itself.

Hopefully … ?

And as of 18·30 on Friday, 27th March, 2026 … ?

This will be worth it.

But, as ever and always?

I’ll be letting you know what I thought, by this coming Tuesday.

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 7 — The Bridge — A Review

20th March, 2026.

“The Bridge”.

An Introduction.

Right then … it’s Friday, again … !

A day that sees me cooking the obligatory fish supper, revelling in the order I’ve put into Amazon — a box, remote controls, cables and some vitamins — and wondering at a phone call I had, this morning.

I reported a neighbour to the police, a while back: as they’d been behaving in a way that caused me some concern.

Let’s call them Kylie.

It was my attempt at a welfare check: as I was concerned Kylie was being cuckooed.

It was only this morning … that I had a separate call about the person: from someone calling from a Brentwood landline — 01277 381687 — claiming to be called ‘Richard’, and claiming to be from a small, hush-hush, police team, that specialised in ‘collecting information from knowledgable people’*: wanting to know if I could tell them more about Kylie.

Which I couldn’t.

They also told me I should put in another welfare check about this person, and another — let’s call them Fiona — who was a shared contact.

Very specifically on 101, the police non-emergency line.

Which I tried.

101 told me to phone 111: the NHS non-emergency line.

Who were happy to take Fiona’s details, and send someone along.

So … ?

I tried phoning the Brentwood number, the 01277 381687 number, again, to let them know what I’d been told.

Only to get a ‘Number Not Recognised’ message.

Fair enough: they didn’t want me speaking to them.

But … ?

Getting a ‘Number Not Recognised’ message, about a number that had been working a few hours before, seemed very strange … !

But enough of my day … you’re here because of TV shows.

Any least, I hope you are!

It’s Friday: so I’m going to be watching the penultimate episode of Stranger Things’ fifth series, tonight.

Then letting you know what I thought about it by Tuesday, 23rd March.

I’m looking forward to an hour’s worth of TV that makes more sense than my afternoon!

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 6 — Escape From Camazotz — A Review

13th March, 2026.

“Escape From Camazotz”.

An Introduction.

It’s Friday.

And, as I start this review?

I’ve got dinner cooking: as I’d rather start it sooner, than latter.

I have music, playing: Jarre’s Oxygène, in case you’re wondering.

And, once those are done with … ?

I’ll be watching “Escape From Camazotz”: the next episode of Stranger Things’ fifth series.

Remind me to look ‘Camazotz’ up by the end of this post.

~≈🐙≈~

As an ongoing thought, for those who’ve been following me for a while … ?

I’m in receipt of various welfare benefits: I get Universal Credit, and Personal Independence Payments if you’re curious.

Here in the UK, house-holders are liable to pay council tax: a tax on property, owed to the relevant local council, that pays for local services.

Last year, the first year I was on PIP?

I was pleasantly surprised: as I was getting that specific benefit, I was exempt from paying the tax.

My bill for this year has just come through: and confirmed I’m exempt from paying, this year.

I’m grateful: it’s one less thing to worry about.

~≈🐙≈~

To get back to my original point … ?

It’s Friday: which means it’s TV night.

So I’ll be watching “Escape From Camazotz”: then writing my review.

Hopefully?

You’ll be reading this by Tuesday, 17th March, 2026.

Hopefully, it’ll make sense!

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 5 — Shock Jock — A Review

6th March, 2026: “Shock Jock”.

An Introduction.

If I’m being completely honest?

I’ll admit to a certain amount of glumness.

I suffer with depression, so you know: and, usually, the fluoxetine I take is a big help.

But Wednesday, just gone, was my birthday: and it’s … … 

Well, getting older has bitten: and left me feeling miserable.

More so than usual.

No: before you ask.

It’s not bad enough to want to do anything stupid!

But?

I’m very aware of some things:

Playing some of the sillier games on my computer keeps me busy, and helps lift my mood.

Buying unhealthy snacks does likewise: although I’m equally aware that’s not a good option, as I struggle with my weight.

That I should possibly make another appointment with my GP: and talk about upping the dosage.

Heigh … ho!

~≈🐙≈~

Something else that should keep me busy?

Or, at least, has, recently?

Is simply watching TV.

As you’re aware, I’ve recently been watching the last series of Stranger Things fifth season.

Last week?

I caught “Sorcerer”.

Tonight?

I’ll be settling in with Chapter five, “Shock Jock”: then finishing this review by this coming Monday, 9th March.

I hope you’ll be reading it!

~≈🐙≈~

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.

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 1 — The Hellfire Club — A Review

28th June, 2022.

Tuesday’s are unusual.

Or possibly usual.

Or possibly somewhere in between.

At any rate, and unusually for me?

I’ve got time to start watching another TV series: and will be watching The Hellfire Club, the first episode of Stranger Things’ fourth series.

Those of you who read my film and TV reviews will know I’m doing my usual thing.

I’m starting this review on the night I’m watching the episode: and will be finishing it off, tomorrow night.

Once I’ve had dinner!

Now, if you’ll excuse me?

I’ve got to put vegetables on!

~≈🧌≈~

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 … 

~≈¥≈~