Category: Television

13 Reasons Why-Dark Secrets

Source: Netflix

This week, 13 Reasons Why released a new trailer for its third season titled, ‘Who Killed Bryce Walker?’ slated to release August 23rd. This new theme comes as a surprise given the thematics of Season 2 as well as the massive cliff-hanger of the season finale, in which the show’s protagonist Clay Jensen saves Liberty High from a near catastrophic event. Many questions have been raised since the trailer’s release, including Hannah Baker’s absence and the introduction of a never before seen character. Oh how the plot thickens!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pws-LN_-riM&app=desktop

One thing the 13 Reasons Why writers perfect, is the ability to keep its audience on the edge of their seats. Derived from the novel written by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons Why began as the story of Hannah Baker who through the use of cassette tapes, describes the 13 reasons that contributed to ending her life. Excluding Clay, the novel sparsely explores these antagonists, giving the show room to introduce them in more ways than Hannah’s personal account.

Throughout the series, the audience is exposed to in-depth character exposition between Clay and these antagonists who find it difficult to cope with the truth that lies beneath (or rather within) Hannah’s tapes. Despite their association with Hannah, the tapes hold a lingering sense of accountability and remorse towards her suicide. The exception being Bryce Walker who we learn is the true villain. Which leads to much speculation as to what this new season will hold for the show’s most sinister character. Bryce Walker, a victim? Only time will tell.

I’m a sucker for a good ‘who done it?’ theme however, I was quite surprised the newest season of the show would be focusing on Bryce Walker. Last season we saw the ups and downs of one of the most heart wrenching characters, Tyler Down played by Devin Druid who delivered one of the best performances of the show. Again, the jocks who bullied Hannah, seek revenge on Tyler. I’m hoping of course we get a satisfying conclusion to the events in the last finale as it left the audience wondering what was in store for Tyler, Clay and the rest of Liberty High. I truly hope this next season surprises me. (It’s a rarity that a show ever pulls the rug from under me, but you know!)

Many fans of the show have speculated Hannah’s parents as the culprits given the unfortunate outcome of their trial while trying to take down Bryce Walker. Netflix does not hint at a particular suspect but rather, suggests that perhaps each of the original Liberty High students involved in Hannah’s case may be harboring far more than they lead on.

Miles Heizer as Alex Standall | Source: Netflix

Gearing up for the newest season, Netflix created an interactive website that allows fans to engage with the “easter eggs” that may be present in the new plot, including a FaceTime call with Deputy Standall who asks the audience for help in finding Bryce’s killer. Much like Netflix’s marketing strategy for Stranger Things 3, they again market the show’s latest season with fan participation. The first trailer released begins with a narration by a character who we’ve never been introduced before, leading the fans to wonder how she will fit into the new narrative. The trailer also omits the show’s original protagonist, Hannah Baker as well as fellow Liberty High student, Sherry Holland. I wonder if they will make at least a cameo since I presume they will mention Hannah’s case from the previous season.

Check out the interactive website in anticipation of the third season and see if you can help Deputy Standall find a suspect!

https://whokilledbrycewalker.com/start/

The show’s Twitter page also announced the season’s fourth and final renewal which is perfect timing but also, a bit sad for a fan like myself. I have been watching the show since its release and have always appreciated it’s never-ending plot twists and episode shockers. I can’t wait to see what it’s third and fourth seasons will entail! Since the original characters are alleged seniors, I raise the question if the final season will focus on the same cast or if they will pass the torch and tell a new story from Liberty’s next generation of students.

Source: Netflix

Who do you think killed Bryce Walker? Was it the Bakers seeking justice for their daughter? Clay Jensen? Or did those connected to Hannah, each have hand in Bryce’s death? Sound off in the comments below who you think is the suspect of Liberty’s latest tragedy.

Tune in August 23rd for the release of Season 3!

Things Get Stranger: The Rise of Starcourt

Source: Netflix

Just a few weeks after the release of the long awaited third season of Netflix’s Stranger Things, I dive into how Netflix has established one of the greatest marketing strategies, giving fans a first hand look into the Upside Down.

Gearing up for Stranger Things 3, Netflix’s creative marketing team planned one of the most emersive experiences I have seen for any film or television show. While several other cities in the world experienced these themed pop-ups, Los Angeles was the first stop for the ultimate Hawkins fan experience.

Santa Monica

Taking over the beach city of Santa Monica, Stranger Things 3 transformed Santa Monica High School with a celebration of all things Hawkins. Netflix created a blast from the past experience accompanied by a Hawkins cheer team, sweet treats reminiscent of 1985 and of course, premiered its first couple episodes to those lucky to attend. However, the celebration didn’t end there; the Santa Monica Pier was also converted to ‘Mayor Cline’s Fun Fair’ which was a near replica of the fictitious carnival in the latter episodes of the new season. This event proved to be a massive success for its marketing team in promoting the show’s newest season, drawing thousands of fans to engage with each event. So much so, the third and final day of the carnival was at capacity within only a couple hours of it’s opening.

Stranger Things 3 premiere at SMHS | Source: Reagan Pierce

Ahoy, Burbank!

This event definitely takes the cake, or rather… the cherry on top of a Demogorgon sundae. With the Starcourt Mall as the center of the seasons’ plot, Scoops Ahoy is seemingly one of the biggest attractions of Starcourt. The show’s marketing team however, took Scoops to the next level. (And boy did they not disappoint!)

A new branding partner of Stranger Things, Baskin Robins attached itself to one of the biggest shows on Netflix, turning its Burbank location into a full blown Scoops Ahoy. Seeing some of the photos of the pop-up on social media, I knew I had to experience it for myself! While it did take a few hours of standing in line, it was definitely worth the wait! Not only did they deliver the most delicious sundaes’ based on the fictitious ice cream assortments offered at Scoops, the decor of the store was again, one of the most impressive I had ever seen!

Let’s just say, the U.S.S. Butterscotch sundae was all the rave!

My trip to Scoops Ahoy!

The Starcourt Experience

The final act of this three course fan experience, was the Starcourt Mall Experience. (One of the most immersive pop-ups I had the pleasure of attending) When announcing yet another interactive pop-up, the Stranger Things Facebook page provided very little detail as to what exactly the experience would be. Created at the corner of Sunset Blvd, a production team began re-decorating the “mall” from the ground up. I visited Starcourt just a couple days before opening to take a quick peak of the production’s exterior.

Below is a photo of the exterior getting a few last minute touches before opening day.

Star court Mall with a few last minute touches

On its second day of opening, my friend Reagan and I arrived early and eager to get our Starcourt Mall fix. (Again, we were not disappointed!) Essentially, the experience began the minute we walked into the queue. We were served a scoop of U.S.S. Butterscotch from a Scoops Ahoy themed ice cream truck (shaped like a boat I might add), a can of New Coke and a cute penny press keepsake in a design of our choice! (I was instantly hooked)

Once we reached the front of the line, I didn’t think the experience could possibly get any better! (But it did!) The first room of the mall was a miniature version of the Starcourt atrium. It was like walking straight into the 1980’s and was nearly an exact replica to the set of the show. I loved each small attention to detail, including the neon sign and guest information kiosk.

Each of the rooms that followed, represented a set from the new season such as the Flash photo studio, Hawkins Community Pool, El’s bedroom and even a Russian science lab! Each of the set-ups were very detailed with props and costumed actors in place to further bring the experience to life. Overall, It was an event I will never forget!

Below are a couple photos from my trip to The Starcourt Mall!

Starcourt Mall atrium
Flash Studio that looks nearly exact to the set of the show

Sweet Success

After a two year intermission, the Duffer Brothers and Netflix spared no expense when promoting the show’s biggest season yet. With such a large fan following, it was smart on the marketing team to find a new way of emerging fans through experiences that could make them feel in touch with their favorite characters. What better way to make your fans enjoy the new season than by experiencing it for themselves? As a longtime fan of Stranger Things, becoming part of Hawkins was a unique experience. This innovation and attention to detail is what separates this show and its marketing strategy, far from others. Of course, with a few edge of your seat teaser trailers and a few fan pop-ups, the show now holds the record for the most watched television series on Netflix. And rightfully so!

Source: Netflix

As an aspiring professional in the industry, I am continuously amazed by the amount of thought that goes into the marketing of these shows. These unique campaigns give fans the opportunity to connect with the show in ways far beyond the imaginable. It’s because of experiences and moments like these that I am grateful to have chosen a career that allows its creators to interact with audiences in ways fans could never have imagined. Kudos to the creative marketing team at Netflix for one of the most successful campaigns in television history. It’ll be interesting to see how other shows will compare to the scale of the ultimate fan experience of Stranger Things 3 .