Stranger Things Season 2 Review (Contains Spoilers)
(Photo Credit: Engadget.com/Netflix)
Wow. The sophomore season of the emerging cultural phenomenon, “Stranger Things,” certainly lived up to my expectations – and threw in some unexpected twists and surprises. Simply, THIS is how you pull off a sequel. The stakes were high, but Stranger Things 2 delivered. After an extended wait, Stranger Things makes its triumphant return. Immediate praise goes to the show’s brilliant and talented architects comprised of series creators, The Duffer Brothers, and co-executive producers Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen. The coined term, “Trust the process,” comes to mind with this talented group. I pray that the continued success of the series will not go over their heads because after their sophomore effort the series is destined for great things. Fingers crossed that this exceptional creative team stays intact. Tremendous praise to the entire television staff and Netflix for rising to the near momentous occasion by absolutely outdoing themselves.
(Photo Credit: Netflix/Getty)
The only challenge that remains for the creators is how exactly to move forward next season. The ending of Stranger Things 2 beautifully wraps up the events of the first season, while subtly hinting at the potentially catastrophic events to come. Speaking of which, the writers of the show steer the storyline into many avenues I could have never anticipated. As a result, the way the story unfolds this season feels very much like a traditional “part two” because the writers focus their attention on accomplishing satisfying conclusions to the lingering plot threads of the first season (i.e., Eleven’s origins, Barb, and more). There are plenty of season two moments that will go down as iconic in Stranger Things history (i.e., Eleven’s “Neo moment" – from “The Matrix Trilogy.”)
And how about the talented cast? Amazing. The child actors and the adults also rise to the challenge and bring their A game. The cast all get their iconic moments to shine and create more depth for the characters in exceptional ways. If fans lacked investment in ALL the characters, then they certainly will after this season. The child performances are even more meaningful because the young actors are starting to show signs of growth spurts and puberty. Despite the show’s spectacle and stakes, the writers manage to weave in important, coming-of-age moments that bring realism and reliability to the young characters (i.e., attraction to the opposite sex, first kisses, and school dances). In fact, one of the most significant aspects of this show is its tremendous ability to blend in many genres (i.e., horror, Sci-Fi, dramedy, coming-of-age, and so on.).
(Photo Credit: Bleedingcool.com/Netflix)
I give special praise to Millie Bobby Brown (Jane/Eleven) and Noah Schnapp (Will Byers) for their portrayals. Particularly with Noah, he was sidelined throughout most of the first season, but his portrayal of Will Byers truly anchors this season. We hauntingly feel Will’s agony and connection to the “upside down,” while genuinely experiencing the anger and frustration of Eleven’s experiences towards her tragic past. Seriously, both actors deserve consideration for Emmy nominations after this season – the two of them gave it their all.
The only minor criticism is that this season’s pacing feels slower than before. However, the buildup for the show’s slow burn pays off. To the parents who are on the fence about watching this with the kids (10 and under) Stranger Things 2 has enough profanity to match another personal favorite show of mine, “Sons of Anarchy.” Yeah, enough said there. And to the people who are skeptical of the hype or are unwilling to jump on the Stranger Things bandwagon – it’s not too late. Stranger Things 2 legitimizes the franchise’s status as one of the best TV shows ever created.
David’s Score: Stranger Things 2 gets an A+ (5/5 Entertainment, 5/5 Story Structure)