Grab your tissues and strap in, because this week on Born to Watch, the crew revisits the 1982 sci-fi masterpiece E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, E.T. is a heartwarming story about a lonely boy named Elliot and a homesick alien stranded on Earth. But this isn’t just any nostalgic trip down memory lane—we’re breaking down what makes E.T. a timeless classic that continues to pull on our heartstrings over 40 years later.

In this episode, Whitey, Gow, and surprise guest Moggy take a deep dive into the cinematic magic behind E.T., sharing personal stories, memorable scenes, and their emotional reactions. Whitey even admits to some ugly crying (you’re not alone, mate). Meanwhile, Gow reminisces about seeing the movie in cinemas as a kid and recounts how the hospital scene scarred him emotionally.

🎬 Episode Highlights
👾 The Kids Are Alright – Is Henry Thomas’ performance as Elliot the greatest child acting role of all time? From his unforgettable audition tape to the emotional rollercoaster he rides throughout the film, the team can’t stop singing his praises. Drew Barrymore, at just six years old, also earns her spot as a scene-stealer with her hilarious, ad-libbed lines.

🚲 BMX Squad Goals – Whether you grew up in the '80s or not, the epic bike chase scenes (complete with E.T. making those bikes fly) hit hard. Gow and Whitey swap stories about their own BMX adventures, reminiscing about a time when your bike was your ticket to freedom. And yes, that iconic moonshot scene still gives us chills.

John Williams = GOAT – Spielberg’s go-to composer, John Williams, knocked it out of the park with E.T.’s score. The sweeping, emotional music perfectly complements the film’s biggest moments, from the bike flight to the tear-jerking finale. Whitey argues that this score might be Williams’ best, which is saying something considering his Star Wars and Indiana Jones work!

A Slice of the '80s – The team geeks out over the nostalgia factor in Elliot’s bedroom, which features Star Wars toys, Pez dispensers, and a Speak & Spell that plays a critical role in E.T.'s quest to "phone home." It’s an '80s time capsule that sparks plenty of conversation about childhood memories.

Faceless Adults & The Power of Perspective – Spielberg’s choice to film much of E.T. from a child’s point of view makes adults feel distant and mysterious. This decision helps us connect more deeply with the kids' experiences and the purity of their friendship with E.T.

Why Are We Crying Again?! – Whether it’s E.T.'s death scene or his heartbreaking goodbye to Elliot, this movie still hits like a freight train. Even Gow and Moggy aren’t immune to the tears, while Whitey shares how the movie had a profound impact on his daughter during their family watch.

Not Everything Holds Up – Of course, it wouldn’t be Born to Watch without some nitpicking. The team discusses Michael’s questionable teeth, inconsistent geography (desert, forest, and ocean all in one town?), and the over-the-top space suits worn by government agents. Also… why was there a burning cigarette left on the kitchen table in a house full of kids? Classic '80s parenting!

From Pop Culture Legend to Modern-Day Influence
The group also reflects on how E.T. paved the way for other nostalgic, kid-centric stories like Stranger Things. Gow notes that his son even compared the show to E.T., not realising how much it directly pays homage to Spielberg’s classic—from the bikes to the government agents.

Final Verdict
Is E.T. one of the greatest films of all time? Whitey seems to think so, even suggesting it could crack his top 10 after this rewatch. The group debates its legacy, cultural significance, and how it ranks among Spielberg’s other iconic works like Jaws and Jurassic Park.

So, whether you’re a longtime fan of E.T. or discovering it for the first time, this episode will take you on an emotional rollercoaster filled with laughs, tears, and a lot of childhood wonder.

Drop your thoughts in the comments! Did you cry like Whitey? What’s your favourite scene from E.T.? Let us know!

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