Untangling Christmas lights is the true tragedy of 'Stranger Things.'

In this quote, David Harbour humorously suggests that the real tragedy of the popular TV show "Stranger Things" is not the supernatural events or the terrifying creatures, but rather the mundane and frustrating task of untangling Christmas lights. This moment of levity contrasts with the show's dark and intense themes, highlighting the contrast between the fantastical and the relatable struggles of everyday life. By using this comparison, Harbour draws attention to the small, yet universal, frustrations that many viewers can identify with, making the show feel even more grounded in reality.

The mention of Christmas lights specifically adds a holiday element, evoking the typical frustration many people face during the holiday season when attempting to decorate with tangled strings of lights. Harbour uses this task as a metaphor for the seemingly endless and annoying challenges people encounter in life, which might feel just as difficult and overwhelming as the more dramatic events in the series. His statement taps into the universal experience of dealing with small yet aggravating tasks, making it both humorous and relatable.

By calling it the "true tragedy," Harbour humorously downplays the much darker, more serious events of "Stranger Things"—such as the battles with otherworldly creatures and government conspiracies—suggesting that something as mundane as untangling lights is an equally frustrating ordeal. This quote plays with the idea that the most relatable struggles often seem just as overwhelming as the more extreme conflicts depicted in entertainment, adding humor and depth to his perspective on the show.

Ultimately, this quote highlights Harbour’s ability to inject humor into the more intense or serious aspects of "Stranger Things" by focusing on a common, frustrating experience. His mention of untangling Christmas lights brings a lighter, everyday touch to the show’s otherwise high-stakes narrative, reminding audiences that even in the most fantastical of situations, small annoyances can still feel like a big challenge.