‘Stranger Things 2’ Review: Rises up to its Monster Prequel

Stranger Things 2 optimally uses season one tropes without giving into the sequel cliché.

(Photo courtesy: Netflix)

Netflix’s runaway hit Stranger Things just turned the knob up to Eleven in its second season, for everything we liked about the first. The show’s creators, The Duffer Brothers, not only broaden the horizon of the Stranger Things universe, but also plant seeds for future seasons to come.

Unlike in season one, it does not take much time to get into power mode as we go on a thrill ride of nine episodes, full of relentless humour, occasional jump scares and adorable shenanigans. The nostalgic adventure double downs on the special effects, action, mythology and of course, the 80s.

Where S1 Left Off…

It is 1984, Terminator is in theatres, Reagan Bush campaign posters are all around and residents of Hawkins are still reeling from the horrors of the demogorgon. It’s been 352 days since the happenings; we know this because Mike (Finn Wolfhard) leaves a message for his telekinetic friend Eleven (Mille Bobbie Brown) through his walkie-talkie everyday, still hoping to find her. Though we don’t see as much of Mike in season 2, it’s Eleven who adds pure fuel to the series.

The show answers numerous questions about Eleven’s disturbing past, her Mama; as her character and psychic powers progress.

Mille Bobbie Brown portrays the telekinetic wonder child Eleven in Stranger Things season 2. (Photo courtesy: Netflix)

Among the gang, Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) is still the most likeable one. Him and Lucas (Caleb Mclaughlin) battle over the new girl Max (gaming name Mad Max), as they goof around with Dustin’s new ‘pet’. ‘Zombie Boy’ Will is back from the upside down, but not entirely, as he frequently encounters the ‘Shadow Monster’.

While, the first season was about ‘Where is Will’, this one’s about ‘What’s wrong with Will’.

Using Cold War as a reason, the US government carries on work at the secret lab as we learn more about the upside down, demogorgons and new monsters.

Joyce, brilliantly played by Winona Ryder, gets to be less manic this time. Heroic Jim Hopper (David Harbour) hits new pitfalls and we also learn more about his past. Nancy and Jonathan’s little adventure helps the ‘Justice for Barb’ campaign, which also inspired many internet memes, as they try to pin down those in the Hawkins’ secret lab responsible for the inter-dimensional mess.

The Good

The first season successfully preyed on the nostalgia of the 80s, while also paying homage to the likes of Steven Spielberg and Stephen King. Stranger Things 2 works out of that singularity and provides more self-commentary (Max calling BS when Lucas tells her about last year’s events) while growing like the self-aware inter-dimensional Shadow Monster itself. It optimally uses season one tropes without giving into the sequel cliché.

The characters – the kids, the teens and the adults, work more in sync with each other this time. Whatever the kids achieve throughout the series, is by being kids, doing nerdy stuff, looking at things like it’s a sci-fi drama or Dungeons and Dragons.

The party dressed up as Ghost Busters for Halloween. (Photo courtesy: Netflix)

Another reason that makes this Emmy Award winning ensemble of kids so entertaining is the way they talk – exactly like kids, and that includes dropping the occasional curse words.

The overuse of the party’s code ‘friends don’t lie’ may seem little cringe worthy in places, but it plays an important part in solidifying their childhood bond, which gives them the strength to literally jump off cliffs and fight demogorgons with wrist-rockets.

The Bad

In the first six episodes of season 2, the show’s relentless pace makes for a great binge watch. The seventh episode however is an attempt at making a stand-alone feature, which seems a bit out of place for the online streaming format the show is designed for.

Episode seven moves away from the madness in Hawkins. It focuses on Eleven, who meets Kali, a girl with a shadowy past, just like her. Kali acts like Professor X to Eleven’s Magneto; but this little detour disconnects the viewer from the small town’s chronicles. It’s likely to add up in the forthcoming seasons with the new characters.

We meet several new characters this season, both in and out of Hawkins. (Photo courtesy: Netflix)

Talking about new faces, back in Hawkins the gang also has to deal with Billy, who is Max’s step brother and a complete 80s stereotype with his asinine haircut, denim jackets and his hard rock background score. Billy’s presence only makes Nancy’s boyfriend Steve seem like a lesser bully, who eventually turns into one of the nicest guys. Strange.

The Verdict

Stranger Things 2 pulls off a smooth job in living up to its phenomenal prequel. It doesn’t need to rely on nostalgia to prove its critically acclaimed cast. The season remains strong even when it is away from the scary upside down and presents multiple story-lines to keep our interest intact.

So, if you haven’t already, then put on those pyjamas and carry on with this perfect Halloween binge.