All ten episodes of the highly anticipated series Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 are officially available for streaming on Netflix. In our review, we highlighted that the series is “a blast of nostalgia-infused fun” that appropriately caters to both new viewers and those familiar with the Stranger Things universe, alleviating the cravings longtime fans have faced since the original series concluded.
Initially, the monstrous threat is dubbed the ‘Snow Shark’ due to its stealthy movements beneath the snow, allowing it to ambush unsuspecting victims. As the storyline evolves, however, our protagonists grapple with uncovering the true nature of this creature, ultimately naming it.SPOILERS follow…
The Genesis of the Aboleth: Distinctly Influenced by Classic Horror
The series opens with a gripping chase scene featuring an individual in a hazmat suit pursuing a creature through the woods, culminating in an attempt to incinerate it. However, the creature evades total destruction, releasing spores that give rise to additional threats.
As the plot unfolds, the creature ensnares a pair of bullies, dragging them under the snow to consume them. Upon their return to reality, they exhibit signs of possession, marked by disturbing visions that hint at the creature’s sinister influence.
The ongoing conflict between the residents of Hawkins and this formidable foe is characterized by intense encounters. Each defeat the creature faces leads to its regeneration in increasingly bizarre forms, transforming into appearances reminiscent of scorpions, dinosaurs, and even a pumpkin monster, echoing the shape-shifting nature of the alien in John Carpenter’s The Thing.
In a pivotal classroom scene, Ms. Baxter, a new teacher, engages her students in a discussion about the mechanisms of nature while drawing parallels to Alien. She explains how life cycles can trigger evolutionary responses, highlighting the role of spores in species survival, emphasizing that without a suitable host, death is inevitable.
Applying these principles, Dustin names the creature the Aboleth, taking inspiration from a ‘Monster Manual’ he develops. As the series progresses, it’s revealed that a green goo injected into a deceased example from the Upside Down was instrumental in its revival, signifying the birth of the Aboleth.
The same substance could potentially revolutionize regeneration processes and even revive decaying crops; however, early evidence suggests that the associated risks may outweigh the potential advantages.
To triumph over this new threat, the kids discern that they must defeat the Queen, or ‘Horde Prime.’ They notice the creature is sensitive to light, prompting them to engineer a ‘Light Gun’ to combat the monster effectively.
In a climactic conclusion, the young heroes navigate the sewers of Hawkins, confronting the Aboleth Queen and ultimately crushing the creature in the portal doors as it attempts to escape back to the Upside Down.
Jaws and Beyond: Crafting an Original Monster Concept
Showrunner Eric Robles shares that the Duffer Brothers provided him with broad creative freedom regarding the new creature design, encouraging him to innovate. He notes, “Initially, we discussed incorporating Demogorgons and Demodogs; however, the Duffer Brothers affirmed that this was now my domain, motivating me to create unique entities.”
Robles elaborates, “This opportunity allowed us to delve into some remarkable concepts. All our designs maintain a connection to the Upside Down, encapsulating the essence of Hawkins Lab’s experiments intertwined with the eerie properties of the Upside Down.”
Reflecting on his inspiration, Robles states, “Having grown up watching Jaws, we embraced similar tropes—something lurking beneath the surface, creating an atmosphere of suspense about where it might strike next. The series has granted us the chance to explore truly distinctive monsters.”
Tales From ’85 is now streaming on Netflix. For additional insights, check out our rankings of Stranger Things characters or explore the complete soundtrack for Tales From ’85.
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