In some ways, this was inevitable. We live in a culture that fetishizes the idealized innocence of the ’80s and ’90s, so of course someone was going to mash together TGIF sitcom Perfect Strangers with Stranger Things, a show whose entire raison d’etre is in adopting and subverting pop culture touchstones. What we didn’t expect, however, was for Perfect Strangers stars Bronson Pinchot and Mark Linn-Baker to show up for it.
That’s right: Larry Appleton and Balki Bartokomous are roommates yet again, this time welcoming a new lodger by the name of Dem O’Gorgon. As is the case with any sitcom living situation, things are a bit rocky at first, with the monster using the wrong toothbrush and eating the family dog. As fans of the show know, however, a “Dance Of Joy” is all it takes to diffuse the tension.
On Halloween, the ubiquitous kiddos of Stranger Things swing by for candy, which of course leads to sweet, sweet Will again ending up in the beast’s claws. “Not again!” he cries, and we hope the Duffer brothers take note for the third season. Leave that boy alone.
While we have you here, do take a moment to revisit Pinchot’s insane, bomb-dropping Random Roles interview with us.