Stranger Things is a certified phenomenon now, but back when we reviewed the first season[1] – before the Internet took a minor character to the Emmys and the show won five out of its eighteen nominations – the 80s’ nostalgia-fuelled drama was virtually unknown. That also meant there were no expectations from it, and it surprised everyone in the best of ways, with the younger characters endearing themselves to most if not all viewers.
Unsurprisingly then, the show’s second season – titled Stranger Things 2, and out October 27 on Netflix[2] – now has a lot to live up to. It’s been built up to a level of popularity enjoyed by the best, and Ross and Matt Duffer – the co-creators, writers, and directors on some of the episodes, who are professionally known as The Duffer Brothers – have to fire on all cylinders, and do more than just pay homage to the works it’s inspired by, including the likes of Stephen King and Steven Spielberg.
The good news is that Stranger Things 2 is a better, more capable show in nearly every aspect from the get-go. In fact, the first episode of season two is one of the best hours of TV this year. It does the perfect job in introducing likely new villains and monsters, which includes the “shadow monster” you’ve probably seen in trailers[3], alongside new characters in the Hawkins School, two step-siblings one each in Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Nancy’s (Natalia Dyer) respective age groups.
The latter consist of Max (Sadie Sink), a tomboy who brings a new dynamic to the nerd gang, and a tinge of friction between the members; and her step-brother Billy (Dacre Montgomery), a jacked-up version of Steve’s...