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Warning: Spoilers ahead for “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” Season 1, Episode 1 — “Welcome to Hawkins, New Kid”
Netflix
The debut of “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” is brimming with nostalgic nods to the 1980s, yet it cleverly weaves in a cheeky homage to a memorable element from the ’90s. During a scene where The Party engages in a snowball fight while clearing a driveway for some extra cash, they encounter a character known as Old Man Plow. He arrives on the scene to claim their earnings, grumbling about their presence. The nickname “Old Man Plow” is bestowed by Lucas (Elisha Williams) and his friends. However, if you pay close attention, you’ll notice the logo on his jacket and vehicle door reveals the business’s actual name: “Mr. Plow.”
This is a clear nod to a beloved episode of “The Simpsons” titled “Mr. Plow,” from its fourth season. In that episode, Homer (voiced by Dan Castellaneta) takes up snow plowing to pay off his truck after crashing his car. His venture becomes a hit until his friend Barney (also Castellaneta) sets up a rival business, sparking competition.
The original “Stranger Things” series became famous for its rich tapestry of 1980s references, and “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” proudly carries that tradition forward. The show is packed with nods to iconic moments and elements from the era, touching on everything from “Star Wars: A New Hope” to classic video games like “Centipede,” and tracks like Kim Wilde’s “Kids in America.”
Throughout its first season, “Tales from ’85” tips its hat to other ’80s staples such as “Knight Rider,” icons like Mr. T, and countless other beloved themes that resonate with Generation X viewers. Hopper (Brett Gipson) even mentions planning a movie night with El (Brooklyn Davey Norstedt), which involves renting films from a video store rather than using a streaming service. It’s enough to stir nostalgia for simpler times while leaving viewers anxious about El and her friends facing off against the snowbound monster that ultimately gets the better of “Old Man Plow” by the episode’s conclusion.
Mr. Plow is just one of many references sprinkled in Episode 1
Netflix
The original “Stranger Things” made a cottage industry of referencing major events, persons, places and things from the 1980s, and “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” has continued that legacy. It’s filled with callbacks to everything from “Star Wars: A New Hope” to video games like “Centipede” and songs like “Kids in America” by Kim Wilde.
In the first season alone, “Tales from ’85” references “Knight Rider,” mentions Mr. T, and brings up a ton of other popular, kid-friendly topics from the decade that will make any Gen X’er feel right at home as they watch the show with their own spawn. Hopper (Brett Gipson) even talks about having a movie night with El (Brooklyn Davey Norstedt) — and he doesn’t mean opening up a streaming service, he’s rented a bunch of flicks from a video store. It’s enough to make anyone yearn for the olden days — while hoping El and the gang survive the tunneling, snow-bound monster that seems to make mincemeat of “Old Man Plow” by the end of “Welcome to Hawkins, New Kid.”