Stranger Things Season 5: A Nostalgic NES Blunder Steals the Scene
Stranger Things and the Case of the Ghosts 'n Goblins Goof
The fifth and final season of the Duffer Brothers' Stranger Things is here, wrapping up the '80s-infused horror sci-fi series that first took us to the town of Hawkins, Indiana, in 2016. Part of the show's charm lies in its nostalgic references to the pop culture of the decade that brought us the Compact Disc, Prozac, and a myriad of iconic movies and video games.
This season, however, a small blunder related to Nintendo's console has fans and gamers alike raising an eyebrow. The mistake lies in the third episode, where a character is seen playing an incorrect game on his NES console. The error, while minor, adds an unexpected twist to the show's 80s homage.
The NES Blunder in Detail
In the particular scene, the character Derek Turnbow, played by Jake Connelly, is engrossed in a session on his beloved NES. The game on the TV, however, is the arcade version of Ghosts 'n Goblins, not the NES port as it should be. Even more confusing, when Turnbow's sister removes the cartridge from the console, it clearly has a Ghosts 'n Goblins sticker on it. It seems that there's been a slight mix-up of the coin-op and home ports. Yet, in a series known for its meticulous attention to '80s detail, this blunder has become a talking point among fans.
Contextualizing the NES Blunder
Stranger Things has always been a testament to the '80s, referencing pop culture icons like Ghostbusters, Dragon's Lair, and Transformers in previous seasons. This NES-related blunder, while a deviation from the show's usual accuracy, adds another layer of intrigue to the series. It's a reminder that even in a show as meticulously crafted as Stranger Things, mistakes can happen.
It's worth noting that the Ghosts 'n Goblins series continued with titles like Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts, Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins, and Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection. The series even inspired the creation of Sonic, according to Yuji Naka. So, in a way, this NES blunder is a strange tribute to the enduring legacy of Ghosts 'n Goblins.
A Collector's Perspective
For collectors and gamers, this blunder adds a curious detail to the universe of Stranger Things. It's an amusing inconsistency that highlights the cultural significance of the NES and the Ghosts 'n Goblins series. While it's not exactly a collectible, it's a fun piece of trivia that fans can add to their arsenal.
Looking Forward
As Stranger Things draws to a close, fans are eagerly dissecting every episode for clues and easter eggs. This NES blunder, while a minor goof, adds to the show's charm and its tribute to '80s pop culture. So, as we bid farewell to Hawkins, let's keep our eyes peeled for more nostalgic nods, intentional or otherwise.