Harry Situation Reviews: Stranger Things Season 2
Something strange is going on in this neighborhood, and I don't think the Ghostbusters will be enough to stop it.
If you've read my first Stranger Things review (https://theprose.com/post/90768/harry-situation-reviews-stranger-things), you know already that I'm a huge fan of the series, and I couldn't wait for a second season to arrive. Well it finally arrived and I binged watched the shit out of it.
Season 2 takes place a year later and all seems semi-normal for the residents of Hawkins, Indiana. Will Byers, who was taken to the "Upside Down", is suffering from severe episodes of trauma, which involve being stalked by a shadowy spider-monster from that world (the creature you see in the picture above). His friends and family try to comfort him the best they can but things go south when these episodes become far too real.
On some side notes, Eleven is actually alive and well, being kept hidden from the world by Sheriff Hopper (David Harbour). She learns the truth of her past, as well as another girl with similar psychic abilities. Let me just say that I really like the chemistry between Eleven and Hopper. While they really didn't communicate last season, they act like father and daughter in this season and it's beautiful. David Harbour really shines too. I'm definitely convinced that he's gonna make a great Hellboy when that film is released.
There's also a subplot about Nancy and Jonathan (older siblings of two of the boys from the series) trying to give justice for their friend Barb. Yeah you remember that red-haired girl with the glasses last season, right? Because of her death last season everyone's been going all hashtag justiceforbarb. I'll be honest, I never gave a single shit about Barb at all. That subplot was handled okay but I didn't care for it.
We got some newcomers to this season. Some of you may recognize Paul Reiser from the hit sitcom Mad About You. Here he plays a scientist that is trying to help Will overcome his trauma from the Upside Down, as well as keep a tight lid on what goes on in the Hawkins Labs. Sean Astin plays Winona Ryder's boyfriend. Kinda weird when you realize that both Sean Astin and Winona Ryder are about the same age. Any who I actually like his character. He wants to get involved. He doen's shut out Winona Ryder when he learns the bizarre truth of Hawkins. Glad nothing bad happens to him in the end, right? Right?
Joining the gang of boys is this girl named Max, and she was okay. Nothing really special about her. Her brother is a piece of shit though.
Another positive is Steve, Nancy's old boyfriend from last season. For those who've watched the first season Steve was the typical popular asshole that picked on Jonathan. Now he's a much more better and sympathetic character. That's only because we got this other asshole in the form of Max's stepfather, which by the way was a huge shitbag through and through.
The writing and directing styles of this season are still a spectacle to watch. It always felt cinematic. The Duffer Brothers are just true geniuses.
The visual effects are still amazing too. The Upside-Down is still creepy as well as the monsters that dwell within it.
Basically I can easily conclude with what you liked last season you'll definitely love this season as well. All the actors (especially the younger ones) deliver A-grade performances, the writing is amazing, the directing is great, and the story kept me interested from start to finish. I really wish I could talk more about it but then I would have to spoil major plot points, and you all know me better than that. At least I hope you do.
If you haven't watched Stranger Things yet, what the fuck are you doing with your life? Stop whatever you're doing and watch it already. Geez!
Positives:
-Amazing acting
-Amazing writing
-Visual style
-Memorable episodes
-Suspenseful terror
-Tribute to 80s nostalgia
Negatives:
-Barb storyline
Final Grade: A+
Another great conclusion for an awesome Netflix series. Can't wait for Season 3. Hold on... that means I gotta wait for one. Dang it!
Have you watched Stranger Things and its second season? What were your thoughts? Please be kind, leave a like and comment, and check back for more reviews as we draw closer to my 150th review special!
Best Quote:
Eleven: "Friends don't lie."
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