Educated Guesses

Tag: entertainment

  • “Stranger Things” Finale: Stacked with Powerful Women

    “Stranger Things” Finale: Stacked with Powerful Women

    Photo posted by @strangerthingstv on Instagram

    “Stranger Things,” a Netflix series that came out in July 2016, has captured its audience with its mystery, character developments, and 1980s charisma. The series finale, wrapping up the show’s fifth season, aired on New Year’s Eve –– stealing fans away from parties, family, and New Year’s Eve kisses. 

    I saw the “Stranger Things” finale the next day in theaters, surrounded by fans in “Stranger Things” t-shirts and themed popcorn bowls. As the finale episode began, I felt emotional –– I have been watching this show since I was 13. I’m about to turn 23, and thinking about this story coming to a close is bittersweet. Simultaneously, I was excited to finally learn the fate of these “Stranger Things” characters. 

    *Spoilers Ahead* 

    The Finale Recapped

    While season 5 did have some plot holes throughout it, I felt that the finale tied up many loose ends in the series. The team helps distract the Mind Flayer, Eleven kills Vecna, they save the kids and Hopper and Murray set off a bomb to erase the Upside Down. As they leave this strange world for the final time, they are joyous to make it out alive together. 

    But, as they cross back over into Hawkins, they are captured by the U.S. military and Dr. Kay. The team is held at gun point by the military, but then they all see Eleven –– standing in the Upside Down. She uses her powers to have one last heartbreaking moment with Mike, leaving him with a kiss while “Purple Rain” by Prince plays, and then she vanishes in the smoke of the bomb and the gate closes. 

    While they thought Eleven had died, Mike’s theory at the end of the finale suggests that she escaped. There was no way she could have used her powers that close to the military’s sonic weapon, which prevents the use of her powers. He believes that she escaped, and that Kali created a vision of Eleven to make them think she died in the Upside Down. He chooses to believe that Eleven escaped and traveled to where three waterfalls meet, as per their joint fantasy. 

    The Women of the Finale

    While I was watching, I couldn’t help but notice the large impact that the women of the show had on defeating Vecna, the Mind Flayer, and taking down the Upside Down.

    The audience sees Eleven, as her most powerful self, have a final battle with Vecna. While she has been the reason for so many victories in the past seasons, this final battle felt like closure for her. One final time using her powers to defeat the evil of the Upside Down. 

    She ends up spiking Vecna, leading him to bleed out until Joyce Byers chops his head off. I loved that the Duffers included this scene, as Joyce has lost so much throughout this entire series due to Vecna. While we see how Eleven has grown stronger throughout the seasons, we also see Joyce’s strength after experiencing so much hardship and grief. She truly represents the strength of motherhood, especially in this final moment with Vecna. 

    Speaking of motherhood, let’s not forget about the real star of the show, Karen Wheeler. While she was unable to defeat the Demogorgon in episode two of the season, she put up a fight to try to save Holly, and survived. 

    Not only did she fight in that scene, but she also peeled herself out of her hospital bed to save Robin, Vickie, Lucas, and Max at the end of episode six. Karen is creative, and throws a bottle of oxygen into the dryer to create an explosion, taking out the Demodogs –– saving the kids. 

    And of course, we have Karen’s daughter, Nancy Wheeler. Throughout the series, we see her dating Steve Harrington and then eventually Jonathon Byers. But, in the end, she ends up on her own. We’ve always seen her drift towards independence, even in her romantic relationships, but this time it was definitive. 

    In the final battle scene, she embraces that independence and volunteers herself to be the bait for the Mind Flayer –– while the rest of them look scared and unsure. She distracts the Mind Flayer, looping in and out of the terrain and using her killer eye to shoot at the large being. She’s backed up into a corner when her friends begin to attack from above. This showed Nancy’s fearlessness and how grown up she has become at the end of the series. 

    We also have Max Mayfield and Holly Wheeler navigating Henry’s memories together and figuring out how to escape. They became integral parts of the entire mission. Without them, who knows what would have happened to the kids.

    These are just a few of the female characters who impacted the demise of the Upset Down. But, all of them make up the organic feminine power in “Stranger Things” –– unlike superhero films that explicitly feature “girl power.” But rather, this series shows that there is no “girl power,” just power in general –– emphasizing that power isn’t gendered. 

    The Storyteller

    Something I also really liked about “Stranger Things” and its finale was Mike’s role. He’s the storyteller –– he doesn’t have magical powers to defeat anyone. His powers lie in the retelling of the story. But, he doesn’t resent Eleven for her powers. Instead, it’s just a part of her that he admires. Mike helps Eleven be her strongest self by believing in her, and also being confident in his own role as the storyteller. In other words, Mike doesn’t feel he needs to be the hero –– he’s happy to be the one to tell Eleven’s story. 

    With this series coming to a close, I wonder how it will inspire other stories, other movies, and other shows. There is talk of a spinoff from the Duffer Brothers –– and I wonder how they will use the supernatural again to capture these emotions, and maybe even new ones. 

    What did you think of the series finale of “Stranger Things?” Let me know by emailing me: gingerlyons23@gmail.com.

  • A Long Awaited “The Life of a Showgirl” Listening Guide

    A Long Awaited “The Life of a Showgirl” Listening Guide

    Since Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” dropped on Oct. 3, there has been much discourse online. This album has perhaps divided the swifties –– one side professing their love toward the album and the other half feeling unsure. For those who may need a little help diving into this album and hearing Swift’s messages, here is your unofficial listening guide.

    The Album’s First Three Songs

    Upon my first listen, I really loved Swift’s first track, “The Fate of Ophelia.” Listening to this upbeat first song was reminiscent of “reputation”’s “End Game” –– the second song on the album, but the first non-single. I had the same sense of thrill that I had during “reputation”’s release in 2017. The beat in “The Fate of Ophelia” along with Swift’s reference to William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” create a more intellectual pop song –– that perhaps needs a bit of research. 

    The character Ophelia’s actual fate is drowning in a brook after a spiral into madness. Perhaps Swift is referring to her life prior to meeting her fiance, Travis Kelce. Between her two break ups in 2023 (Joe Alwyn and Matty Healy) and dedicating her life to The Eras Tour for two years, Swift experienced a lot emotionally. Maybe this spiral into madness was what her last album, “The Tortured Poets Department” was documenting. 

    She is also blending together Shakespearean images and language with 2020s slang, according to “The Fate of Ophelia – Track by Track” by Swift. This connects Ophelia’s tragedy with modern heartbreak –– but also that love saved Swift from this fate. 

    Next, we have “Elizabeth Taylor.” Rhythmically, this song has a slow beat that really breaks during the chorus when Swift sings, “I’d cry my eyes violet/ Elizabeth Taylor.” The chorus is catchy, while still having a deeper meaning. Swift is comparing her life to Elizabeth Taylor’s, an actress during the mid 1900s. Taylor’s life was open to the public, as is Swift’s today. She explains in this song that both of their lives have been manipulated by public and media perception.

    Then, we have “Opalite,” another catchy song. I really love this song because it’s about making “man-made” happiness. In Swift’s interview on “Capital Breakfast,” she explains that opalite is man-made opal, which is a colorful gemstone. Therefore, this song is telling listeners that you can create your own happiness and that it’s not just necessarily in the universe’s hands.  

    “Father Figure”

    This song makes me want to wear a tie and pretend I like dark liquor. “Father Figure” is discussing the concept that Swift is the ruler of the pop industry. In my opinion, she is playing into the public’s perception that she is the one to grant these up-and-coming artists the key to the “pop city.” Moreover, she pokes fun at this notion that she covers up scandals and makes deals with important people in the industry. 

    Many users on social media have speculated that this song is about Swift’s influence on Olivia Rodrigo, and how they don’t work together or speak about each other anymore. But, I believe this song is more about what the media thinks happened than what really transpired between the two. 

    A Classic Track 5, “Eldest Daughter” 

    Now stick with me here people –– I know. This song was definitely not my favorite during my first listen. But, I feel like I’ve been able to find this song’s purpose and meaning, at least from my perspective. Yes, Swift does use the words “memes” and “hot-take” in the first verse. But overall, she is explaining the cruelty of social media in 2025. And as much as people think that she doesn’t see the things that are written about her, she does. 

    The lyric, “I’ve been dying just from trying to seem cool,” is very raw and honest, and something I can definitely relate to as an eldest daughter. Swift is explaining this in terms of the public’s perception, but I also think that the eldest daughter in the family feels this way, too. The eldest daughter is the big sister, the one who tries things first, the one who is supposed to be an example to their younger siblings. They inherently carry this load on their backs to be the impressive one –– the one everyone is in awe of. The one who is supposed to be “cool.” 

    The second verse is probably my favorite part. This image of being on a trampoline as a child with your friends giggling is so nostalgic. Then we get to that bridge. I mean, it makes me emotional just listening to the way she sings it. I really love her use of the word “timelapse” in the bridge, as she reflects.

    So, I implore you to try listening to “Eldest Daughter” again, and try to see these connections. 

    Tracks 6 Through 11

    These songs are the epitome of pop with a deeper meaning. That is something I have always loved about Swift –– she knows how to write a catchy song that is nuanced at the same time. Sometimes I feel bored of pop songs these days, with their simplistic meanings. Yes, while they are catchy, so many of them are just about boys and breakups. 

    But, Swift wrote a song about her biggest hater actually just being obsessed with her. She wrote a song about not having to rely on luck and superstitions anymore. And she wrote a song about being called honey passive aggressively and then meeting someone who changed the word’s connotation. 

    So you can dislike some songs on this album, but you definitely can’t call it boring. 

    “The Life of a Showgirl (feat. Sabrina Carpenter)”

    I won’t lie, I was worried that this song would be similar to “Snow On The Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey)” –– when we could barely hear Del Rey in the background. But thank god, we got a true duet between Swift and Carpenter. 

    This is such a lovely song that illustrates the pros and cons of being a pop star. This was such a perfect song to end on –– its catchy, its detailed, and tells the story of Swift and Carpenter’s start. 

    So, what did you think of Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl”? What song particularly resonated with you? Let me know by emailing me at gingerlyons23@gmail.com 🙂

  • DWTS Season 34: Thoughts from Someone Who Can’t Dance

    DWTS Season 34: Thoughts from Someone Who Can’t Dance

    My “Dancing with the Stars” experience began freshman year of college, when my friend invited me over to her dorm to watch. I had never seen it before, nor had I reached the “DWTS” side of TikTok yet. While I have little to no coordination and only took ballet lessons when I was 4 years old, I have always loved watching dance. I’ve watched every episode of “Dance Moms,” obsess over the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and their show, and enjoy watching all of the dancers at concerts. But, then I watched “DWTS.” The elegance of the professional dancers mixed with the competition between the stars is exhilarating. I felt like a child discovering their passion with wide eyes –– except I literally can’t dance at all. So, I stick to watching it.

    My friend and I watched season 30 of “DWTS” freshman year, and every year after that we sat on the couch together every Tuesday night to watch as new celebrities competed with new routines. We even went to their live show together senior year wearing custom shirts I designed on Canva –– with Stephen Nedoroscik’s face on it. It was a very full circle moment for us.

    So, because I basically majored in “Dancing with the Stars”-ology, I wanted to break down this season’s couples as of week three (aka TikTok night) and my thoughts on the season so far. 

    (Insert “DWTS” opening theme here.)

    Robert Irwin & Witney Carson

    Let’s start off strong with this iconic duo. Robert Irwin, whose sister Bindi won season 21 in 2015, brought energy to the dance floor during his week one performance, making him a fierce competitor. Irwin, who is the son of the late Steve Irwin from “The Crocodile Hunter,” brought his young charisma to the show which was refreshing. His muscular build and sweet persona added to his likability as well. 

    While many young stars have graced the “DWTS” dance floor, many of them have had prior dance training. Charli D’Amelio (season 31 winner) is a former competitive dancer and Xiotchi Gomez (season 32 winner) had some musical theater dance experience from her childhood. But, Irwin has no prior dance experience –– which makes it exciting to see him learn on the show.

    Irwin is paired with Witney Carson, a seasoned pro dancer whose choreography may help him get to the finals.

    Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach

    Daniella Karagach can simply do no wrong. The season 30 winner has been known to work with very, very beginner dancers (and sometimes, very, very tall dancers) and turn them into, well, Iman Shumpert –– I’ll let that video speak for itself. And Dylan Efron, Zac Efron’s brother, is no different. 

    Efron’s first week was a little stiff, but his foxtrot to “Yukon” this week showed much improvement. He looked more poised and confident in this slower dance style, earning him a 23/30 score from the judges which placed him in the upper half of the leaderboard. I’m excited to see even more improvements from Efron and what Karagach challenges him with next week. 

    Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy

    Alix Earle joining the “DWTS” cast was exciting for its Gen Z audience who have watched her gain celebrity status. While Earle often documents her late nights out on TikTok, showing off her uncoordinated side, I wasn’t sure if she would pick up the technique as well as some of her fellow castmates. 

    However, after her first week I was proven wrong. She has been able to master the choreography that Val Chmerkovskiy has thrown at her, especially this week with her quickstep to “Pop Muzik” by M / Robin Scott. Her energy made this dance fun and look professional. This was probably my favorite dance this week (and not just because I’m obsessed with Chmerkovskiy).

    Hilaria Baldwin & Gleb Savchenko

    I have a lot to say about this duo. 

    Let’s start with Gleb Savchenko. Last season, he was paired with model Brooks Nader. The pair were flirtatious on the show and began dating, but Nader was quickly eliminated and placed 9th. While together, Nader and Savchenko were known for their social media PDA. 

    The couple broke up in April 2024, and according to Nader’s new reality TV show, “Love Thy Nader,” she went through Savchenko’s phone and discovered that he was planning a threesome in Joshua Tree, California. So, let’s just say Savchenko was in some pretty hot water already when this season began. 

    His image did not exactly improve when he was paired with Hilaria Baldwin. Baldwin, known for co-founding a chain of yoga studios called Yoga Vida and being married to Alec Baldwin, was canceled by the public for supposedly faking her Spanish accent. Although she was born in Boston, Massachusetts and named Hillary Lynn Hayward-Thomas, she spent time in Spain and is bilingual in Spanish, which she claims is why she has an accent. 

    With both of these partners having been canceled, I see them as an evil duo –– especially because Baldwin already has a background in ballroom dancing. She even beat “DWTS” pro Emma Slater in a ballroom dancing competition in 2004. This kind of dance experience seems unfair when put against the other contestants who have little to no dance experience. 

    Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas

    Whitney Leavitt, who is on the reality show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” does have some prior dance experience as well. She went to Brigham Young University, where she majored in fine arts with an emphasis in dance. So, she and her partner, Mark Ballas, lit up the dance floor during week one with their tango. Immediately, the audience could see Leavitt’s dance ability and flexibility. She looked sharp alongside Ballas, who has won three “DWTS” mirrorball trophies. 

    This is definitely a strong couple who I could see going all the way to the finals. That is, if Leavitt doesn’t get kicked out of the Mormon mom TikTok group, “MomTok,” again. 

    Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik

    Jen Affleck, another star on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and perhaps somehow related to Ben Affleck (the jury is still out on this), is perfect for the “DWTS” dance floor with her bubbly personality. While Affleck just had a baby in July, the mom of three has a lot of potential on the show. She is still getting the technique down, but I think she will definitely have a breakout performance very soon. 

    Affleck’s partner, Jan Ravnik, is the newest pro dancer to join the “DWTS” cast. Fresh off of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, Ravnik is adjusting nicely to the ballroom. I’m super excited to see what choreography he does next.

    Andy Richter & Emma Slater

    Andy Richter, known as Conan O’Brien’s TV sidekick and being the voice of Mort in “The Penguins of Madagascar,” is a lovable contestant who has found a passion for dance. Watching Richter’s packages and his dance routines, it’s easy to see the joy that he has found for dance and the show. While perhaps not the most technical dancer, he has made the audience fall in love with his charisma –– especially this week with his foxtrot to “Northern Attitude.”

    Emma Slater, Richter’s paired pro, is also a special part of his likability. They often make funny TikToks together to showcase their sweet partnership, making them a favorite of the viewers. 

    Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten

    Iconically known as Meredith Blake from “The Parent Trap,” Elaine Hendrix has been working hard on “DWTS.” Throughout her rehearsal packages with her partner Alan Bersten, it’s clear that Hendrix is passionate about the show and wants to improve. 

    While perhaps not as technical as some of her fellow stars, her facial expressions and character portrayal is excellent. Her dances are delightfully fun and expressive, which may give her a leg up on other opponents. 

    As for Bersten, who placed second last season with rugby player Ilona Maher, his previous season showcased his silly personality, making him a fan-favorite. Perhaps this will help him gain votes in his new partnership. 

    Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov

    The “Boy Meets World” actress, Danielle Fishel, known to most as her character, Topanga, is another passionate dancer. Although battling a hamstring injury, she danced with grace in her week three foxtrot to “Manchild” by her friend, Sabrina Carpenter. 

    It’s been fun to see Fishel improve each week alongside her partner, Pasha Pashkov. She reminds me a lot of Alyson Hannigan, who placed fifth on season 32. Perhaps there is a breakout moment coming for her this week during Disney night.

    Scott Hoying & Rylee Arnold

    Scott Hoying, part of the acapella group “Pentatonix,” started off a little slow this season. As a beginner dancer, his first dance definitely needed some work. However, this week he performed a jazz performance with his partner Rylee Arnold that was powerful and went viral on TikTok. Hoying looked sharp in this dance style and really began to sink into his dancer-self. 

    Arnold, who placed fourth last season with Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, is now on her third season as a pro. The 20-year-old has grown a lot as a choreographer and partner since her first season, and has really helped with “DWTS”’s presence on social media. 

    Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa

    I’m so so excited about this pairing. Jordan Chiles, a gold medal Olympic gymnast, has so much energy and athleticism that she brings to her dances –– especially this past week with her tango. Along with her humorous personality, I believe that Chiles will definitely be a contender for the finals. 

    As for her partner, Ezra Sosa, who was eliminated first last season with con artist Anna Delvey, this feels like his first real chance to show off his skills as a pro. Last season was his very first season, which he was only able to do two dances for before getting eliminated. Now, being paired with a very strong partner, I’m hopeful that Sosa will shine as a performer and choreographer.  

    Jenna Johnson & Her Six Pack 

    I mean come on. Just give her the mirrorball now.

    What do you think of this season of “Dancing with the Stars” and its fierce competition? Let me know by emailing me: gingerlyond23@gmail.com

  • A Brief Intermission to Talk About TS12

    A Brief Intermission to Talk About TS12

    If there is one thing about Taylor Swift, it’s that she has perfect timing. Have I been feeling down in the dumps? Of course. Who hasn’t? Between this summer having no theme (Brat was last summer, what the heck was this summer?) and there being no real summer song, there has been a lack of media. And yes, I did watch “Love Island” back in June, but having to watch that everyday was frankly exhausting. Plus, the only real cure for these post-grad blues is a new Taylor Swift album (or, maybe getting a job, but a new album wouldn’t hurt). 

    Last week, when Swift announced that she had a new album coming out on Aug. 12 at 12:12 a.m., I was sitting in bed freaking out. The green and orange color combo? The orange hints that were seen during the Eras Tour? I felt like my 17-year-old self, sitting in my bedroom when “folklore” came out in the height of the pandemic. 

    Now, I have some predictions that no one asked for, but I will present to you anyway. I’m predicting an upbeat album, just like everyone else. As Swift discussed the album, and announced it’s title “The Life of a Showgirl,” on Travis and Jason Kelce’s podcast “New Heights,” she explained how she meticulously picked these 12 songs that she has worked to perfection with the help of Max Martin and Shellback. 

    These two record producers worked with Swift on songs such as “I knew you were trouble,” “Shake It Off,” “…Ready For It?” and other upbeat pop songs by her. Therefore, we can expect the pop-y side of Swift from “Red,” “1989,” and “reputation” to be at the forefront of this album. 

    It looks like the old Taylor actually can come to the phone right now.

    This album will look different from her last four albums (not including the re-recordings) as they centered around late night anxieties, insecurities, failed relationships and sometimes murder. But, I do think the glitz and glamour of “Midnights” will tie into “The Life of a Showgirl.” I believe there will be this theme of Swift being a performer, specifically referring to the Eras Tour, which reminds me of the “Bejeweled” music video. 

    All of Swift’s albums typically have two or more emotional layers to them. You can’t have “Red” without “We Are Never Getting Back Together” and “All Too Well.” So, while I think the majority of this new album will be upbeat, I do think we may get a song or two that are a little slower and sadder. I hope that there is a more raw song about the hardships of the Eras Tour –– and maybe how she changed throughout the almost two years she was on tour. Or, perhaps the raw song will be her track 5 song (a notorious heartbreaker) which is titled “Eldest Daughter.” 

    Another possibility is that this album will express Swift’s feelings about buying back her masters from Shamrock Capital this year. While on “New Heights,” she talked about it emotionally, explaining that she had lost hope in ever having the rights to her first six albums. The feelings she had about getting her music back may be another theme of this album. 

    These are all possibilities, but we won’t really know what “The Life of a Showgirl” sounds like until Oct. 3 –– and thank god it comes out before my 10 miler because that’s all I will be listening to during it. Again, Swift really does have the best timing. 

    What are your predictions for “The Life of a Showgirl”? Let me know by emailing me: gingerlyons23@gmail.com:)

  • Post-Grad Song Spotlight: “The Hudson”

    Post-Grad Song Spotlight: “The Hudson”

    On July 11, The Favors, a band including singer-songwriters FINNEAS and Ashe, debuted their second single titled “The Hudson” off of their upcoming album, “The Dream.” 

    While this is not the first time the pair have collaborated on a musical project, this is their first album together. You may remember them from their 2021 song, “Till Forever Falls Apart,” –– a heartwarming song about loving people until the world ends.

    The Favors originally released a snippet of the chorus to “The Hudson” on social media platforms, sparking enthusiasm from fans with these raw and heartfelt lyrics:

    “I don’t know where I belong / All I’ve ever known is gone / And I’ve got nothing but you to lose” – The Favors

    After hearing this on my TikTok, I was so excited for this song to be released. I have always loved Ashe’s music and her vocals, as well as FINNEAS’s songwriting and production on his own songs and his sister’s, Billie Eilish. 

    After listening to “The Hudson” and their first single “The Little Mess You Made,” I found that The Favors have a Fleetwood Mac feel (very soft rock) mixed with Ashe and FINNEAS’s modern pop lyrics. Dare I say, even a little reminiscent of “Daisy Jones & The Six.” 

    Diving into “The Hudson”

    While “The Hudson” is a song centered around love and heartbreak, there are so many aspects of it that relate to trying to find yourself after college. Even just these simple lyrics connect back to college friendships:

    “Let’s meet back here a year from now / Maybe then it works out / I’ll try not to think ’bout you in June” – The Favors

    Perhaps FINNEAS and Ashe were explaining the wishful thinking of a couple who broke up, but I interpreted it as college friends who would meet up in a year from now –– but who used to see each other everyday. I also had this thought of pushing away the feeling of loneliness in June –– the first month that college friends are apart. 

    The lyrics of the chorus especially leave me with this idea of not knowing who you want to become but knowing that the people you love will always support you –– even if they are far away. 

    The last chorus of the song especially drives home that feeling. It begins with just the isolated lyric of, “I don’t know where I belong.” The instruments then come back in, creating this overwhelming and freeing feeling while listening to it. FINNAES and Ashe are almost yelling these lyrics at the end, emphasizing the feeling of being lost while simultaneously knowing who you love –– romantically, platonically or familially. 

    Did I listen to this song and cry after leaving Penn State for the last time? None of your business. But, I would recommend this song to anyone feeling lost right now, whether in your career, in your relationships or just figuring out where to even begin. 

    What are your thoughts on “The Hudson”? Let me know by emailing me: gingerlyons23@gmail.com.