‘Stranger Things’ is back and stranger than ever with second season

“Stranger Things” exploded on social media last year when season one was released on July 15 of last year. Fans have frantically awaited season two 15 months after the shocking end of the first installment. On Oct. 27, nine episodes  were released on Netflix. The fascinating characters and thrilling plot is spurring a social media frenzy, similar to the hype following season one. Although season two began a year later, flashbacks directly linked the ending of season one with this season, exciting millions of fans.  

The show’s first season follows the citizens of small town Hawkins, Indiana, and the disappearance of Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). Right after Byers disappears, 13-year-olds Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) and Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin) discover Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), who has escaped from a government lab. Throughout the season, the audience follows Will’s mother, Joyce Byers, (Winona Ryder) and Sheriff Jim Hopper (David Harbour) as they frantically try to find Will, who has been trapped in the mysterious Upside Down. At the same time, the boys and Eleven (nicknamed El) are uncovering the hidden secrets of the government lab where she was kept for years, and how it connects to the Upside Down and Will’s disappearance.

The new season revolves around the homecoming of Will Byers, as well as the recent disappearance of Eleven back to the Upside Down. The opening scene begins with a police chase set in Cincinnati. The audience doesn’t learn the context of this clip until episode seven, but it starts the season out on an action-filled scene leaving them wanting more.

Show creators Matt and Ross Duffer introduced new characters: sister and brother Max “Madmax” (Sadie Sink) and Billy Mayfield (Dacre Montgomery), and Bob Newby (Sean Astin). The core four (Mike, Will, Dustin and Lucas) are seen playing games in the town arcade when Will has a “vision” of the Upside Down, with a giant “monster” creating a storm. This sets up the entire storyline, with the idea that Will is traveling between the two dimensions and will possibly have to fight said monster.

It’s no shock when this is a repeated plotline, using Will’s various “visions” to switch to similar stories, such as those of Eleven. The audience is then introduced to “Madmax,” the new girl from California, who beats all of the high scores in the arcade. Her wits, her older brother and her romantic plotline become vital to the plot. The audience becomes either infatuated with her or loathes her. As these various plots unfold, a deeper look into the conspiracy gripping this town arises through these different angles, alluding to a deeper collusion.

While Jim Hopper is hiding secrets from the town, Joyce Byers is keeping a close eye on her son. She also is hiding the eerie history of Hawkins, while also dating the town’s new addition Bob Newby (Sean Astin), who is growing more suspicious each day. Teens Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer), Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) and Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) are also dealing with the consequences of season one, as well as relationship issues, both platonic and romantic.

As all these storylines fit together, it forms one extensive plot line encompassing the Upside Down and strange government influence upon Hawkins. The last episode concludes with a seemingly happy ending. As the last scene flashes on screen, and fans are left waiting for season three.

This season was enhanced by its phenomenal acting. Thirteen-year-old Noah Schnapp (Will Byers) steals the spotlight, with his numerous scenes of yelling, crying, convulsing and  screaming. Praise has been distributed from various publications, and most is directed towards Schnapp and his spectacular performance.

Wolfhard, McLaughlin, Matarazzo and Brown have also received admiration for their thrilling roles in the sci-fi show. Not to mention, the brilliance of Harbour and Ryder’s acting exceptionally depicts their characters’ traumatizing occurrences. Throughout both seasons, the cast has executed an entertaining portrayal of 1980’s society, especially with the hidden mystery lurking behind the scenes.

The scenes were performed with heart, as the young actors definitely stole the breath and attention of the audience. Between Byers’ various breakdowns throughout the season, Eleven’s telekinetic powers and Wheeler’s various breakdowns, viewers’ lost their minds from the stunning acting.

Set in the early 80’s, the costumes, stores, cars and set transport viewers to decade of excess. The General Store sells TVs, radios, clothing, and toys of the era. The stereotypical acid-washed jeans, parachute pants, high top shoes and striped sweaters comprised the fashion. The audience is submerged into small town life of the 80’s, complete with jukeboxes, video arcades and a Ford Pinto.  

Eleven’s powers, previously shown in season one, are back and better than ever, as she uses her telekinetic mind to create a thrilling scene. The design was flawless, coming across as if she was actually moving objects with her mind. The blocking and design adds to the drama of the scene.

The action builds throughout the season, leading up to the climax anxiously awaited by fans. It was arguably the most tear-jerking moment of the season, supplemented with thrilling acting and even better execution by set, design and context. It didn’t disappoint and surpassed the expectations of viewers, with thrilling narrative and exposition.

The finale leaves the audience awaiting season three and the next set of thrilling adventures. The Duffer brothers claim season 3 will air around Halloween 2018. Until then, fans will be re-watching and posting away on social media as the uproar continues.