It’s already a full week since I
binged Stranger Things 2, the second
season of the Duffer Brothers’ Netflix hit, but let me now share
the things I liked and didn’t like about it.
Pro: It’s a delightful season
as a whole
For me, it’s just as good as the
first season, but its last two episodes are probably the strongest this show
has ever been. In addition, it once again offers ample 80’s pop culture reference to appreciate while being less
manipulative and more restrained in its use of the nostalgia card.
Con: Episode 7
Eleven is a fascinating character
and I think it’s important to show more of her backstory. But how it was done – giving her an entire
episode to have an unremarkable side adventure – didn’t work. It was boring. It felt so out of place and it almost
destroyed the momentum. Not every Stranger Things episode is flawless, but
“The Lost Sister” is the only one I didn’t generally enjoy.
Pro: Bob
Sean Astin’s
Bob is easily the best new character. He’s
such a refreshing presence. Every scene
he’s in has so much good vibes. He’s so
nice and kind that the cynic in me expected he was hiding a nefarious
secret. But, no, Bob is simply another Samwise Gamgee – a perfect embodiment of a good guy. A bona fide hero.
Con: Bob dies
That’s why his
death is quite heartbreaking. Would have loved to have him again next season.
Pro: Bob dies
But, at the
same time, considering the context of his death, it is a high point in the storytelling
– an apt emotional fuel to the developing climax.
Con: Max and Billy
I was hoping that their addition
would elevate the show. But it didn’t. In fact, they were more of a
distraction. The show initially presented
them as these mysterious siblings implied to have an Eleven-y backstory. It turned out they just belong to a typical
dysfunctional family. Meh.
They don’t contribute much to the
plot. The sole reason Max is brought in
is to add “girl power” to the “Party” because Eleven is not with them for most
of the season. Her inclusion disrupts the
dynamic of the Party – inadvertently making Dustin and Lucas compete for her
affection, and irritating Mike and Eleven.
Max is kind of okay sometimes but Billy… well, Billy is simply a despicable
d-bag. He has little purpose aside from terrorizing
the other characters and flirting with Mike’s mom.
Pro: Steve
On the other hand, Steve is the
anti-Billy. He started out as a stereotypical
jock-bully that developed into an ally last season. But in Stranger
Things 2, he continues he’s journey as a character, emerging as a likable
courageous hero and “big brother” figure to the younger boys, especially to
Dustin. At this point, we root more for
him than Jonathan, who is okay but stagnant as a character this season.
Pro: Murray Bauman
A conspiracy theorist/freelance journalist
that is instrumental for attaining #JusticeForBarb and serving as Nancy and
Jonathan’s Cupid. Also, he’s a master
troll. “How was the pull-out?” LOL.
Pro: Noah Schnapp’s Emmy-worthy acting
All the young actors delivered
solid performances, but Noah is hands down the stand out this season.
Con: Will
Unfortunately, the character that
Noah is playing functions more of a plot device than an actual character. Hope Will gets to shine next season. He deserves a worthwhile character arc.
Pro: Dustin and Dart’s moment
I thought at first that the whole
thing with Dustin keeping Dart like a pet was pretty dumb. But it actually had a heartwarming payoff.
Pro: Hopper Dancing
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