Stranger Things 4 Missed The Perfect Die Hard Homage It Had Set Up

Although Stranger Things season 4 set up an ideal Die Hard homage, the Netflix hit managed to just about miss the perfect reference. Stranger Things season 4 is as full of nostalgic 80s references as ever before. However, the Netflix series managed to miss a perfect homage that the series seemingly set up early on in Stranger Things season 4.

While new villain Vecna was the show’s most obvious nod to an iconic 80s franchise, due to his resemblance to the Nightmare On Elm Street franchise’s Freddy Krueger, there was another new character who owed his inspiration to a similarly famous '80s hit. Jonathan’s pizza-delivering friend Argyle seemed like an obvious Die Hard reference, particularly given his function in the show’s plot. However, Stranger Things fumbled the perfect chance to acknowledge this creative borrow.

In Stranger Things season 4, Argyle is a lovable laidback comic relief character whose function in the plot is to crack wise, deflate tension, and provide a means of transport for the main characters. If that all sounds very familiar, it is because Argyle is a blatant nod to the character of the same  name in 1988’s original Die Hard. However, Stranger Things season 4 missed the most obvious opportunity to acknowledge this by introducing Argyle picking up Mike from the airport (thus recreating Argyle’s Die Hard introduction, wherein he is first seen picking up John McClane from the airport). Frustratingly, Argyle does pick up Mike from the airport in season 4’s second episode, but only after he’s been under-utilized in a few scenes of the opening episode.

It is a bizarre oversight, particularly when the character seems to be so closely modeled on Die Hard’s Argyle. Later in the series, the comic relief character arrives at a pivotal point to help the heroes out of a tight spot, much like Argyle does in the ending of the iconic action movie. Not only that, but Argyle acts as a sounding board for Jonathan and Nancy’s relationship woes, much like Argyle of Die Hard fame offered McClane a chance to explain his tricky issues with his ex-wife.

With all these similarities in mind, it seems to go without saying that Argyle should have been introduced in much the same way that Die Hard’s Argyle was. However, Stranger Things season 4 instead first showed the character in the season premiere (even though he barely appeared throughout the episode). While the character still gets a lot of chances to become one of season 4’s most memorable new cast members, it remains a shame that Stranger Things season 4 missed its own clever setup when it came to Argyle’s introduction. While the Netflix hit occasionally over-relies on 80s nostalgia, Stranger Things season 4 could have easily justified a nod to one of the decade’s most beloved movies in this instance. However, instead, the perfect Die Hard nod became a missed opportunity for Stranger Things season 4.

Titans Season 4’s Superboy Actor Performs High Flying Stunt in BTS Image

Actor Joshua Orpin, who plays Superboy/Conner Kent in Titans season 4, shares a new behind-the-scenes image of himself performing a flying stunt.

Joshua Orpin, who plays Superboy on Titans season 4, shares behind-the-scenes images of himself performing a flying stunt. After moving from DC Universe to HBO Max for its season 3, Titans is returning for season 4 as the show is currently in production in Toronto, Canada. Based on the Teen Titans characters, Titans is a gritty adaptation following Dick Grayson and his life after being Robin for several years while becoming the leader of his own team of heroes. While an exact premiere date has yet to be revealed, Titans season 4 premieres reportedly sometime in October on HBO Max. Unlike previous seasons of the show, Titans season 4 will have 12 episodes instead of the regular 13.

One of the core characters for most of Titans' run is Conner Kent, a.k.a. Superboy (Joshua Orpin), who was teased at the end of Titans season 1. He made his arrival in season 2 and was revealed to be a clone made out of Superman and Lex Luthor's DNA. After escaping being Project Cadmus' experiment, Conner befriends the Titans and becomes one of their most powerful members. Following the dramatic events of Titans season 3, the heroes are getting out of Gotham City and going on their next adventure while tackling new dangerous threats.

Titans season 4 has been filming since late February and is getting closer to finishing production. Throughout shooting, various cast and crew members have shared behind-the-scenes images and clips from the new season, without spoiling anything major. Orpin recently shared on his Instagram page photos of himself doing a high-flying stunt with a green screen. While it's unclear what episode it's from, Orpin makes it clear that Titans season 4 "is gonna be absolutely insane." Check out his post below.

So far, Warner Bros. TV and HBO Max have been keeping a lot of plot details under wrap for Titans season 4. What has been confirmed, thus far, is that the DC drama will introduce not one, but three new villains in the season. Joseph Morgan, best known as Klaus Mikaelsson in The Vampire Diaries franchise, has been tapped as a series regular and will play Brother Blood, a major Teen Titans villain from the comics. Franka Potente is also joining Titans season 4 as another series regular, in the role of May Bennett, a.k.a. Mother Mayhem. Lastly, Lisa Ambalavanar is appearing as Jinx, who is a member of the Fearsome Five.

Something worth noting about Orpin's post is that it may be foreshadowing Superboy developing a significant ability. So far in the show, when it comes to taking it to the skies, Conner has only been able to leap really high, as he hasn't been able to fully fly like Superman. However, it wouldn't be a shock if Orpin's post is hinting that perhaps in Titans season 4, Conner will learn how to fly or unlock that power, despite his mixed DNA. Since Conner has been getting more in control of his powers over the last few seasons, being able to fly would be another way to demonstrate that point. Only time will tell what Superboy's larger arc is in Titans season 4, but hopefully, it does involve being able to do more than leap a tall building in a single bound.