Exploring the Upside Down: A Review of ‘Stranger Things’

Stranger Things has turned into a phenomenon ever since its first release date back in 2016 on Netflix. Now that the second season has finally aired, everyone is infatuated with it all over again. The series sequel, formally labeled Stranger Things 2, has captured the hearts of anyone into Sci-Fi, Ghostbusters, and anything of the sort released during the 80s. The show picks up a little while after the whole fiasco of season one, with the boys, Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas once again. Thankfully, they’re not alone to defend themselves in season two. Joining them yet again to help in the fight are Steve, Nancy, Jonathan, Joyce, Eleven and Hopper, as well as newcomer Max. The new season is as action-packed, thrilling-seeking, and emotional as the first season, if not more.

In the height of its popularity, the Stranger Things franchise has definitely lived up to the expectations set from the first season and exceeded them in the second. The creators of Stranger Things – The Duffer Brothers – really developed the story line this season and delved deeper into the characters’ lives. It proved to pay off in the end by creating a more intimate vibe between the characters and the audience, by showing a part of their life that had yet to be explored. The Duffer Brothers took another turn in season two by expanding the characters’ surroundings and reaction to changes in their environment as well. In season one, their environment was limited to fixed scenery, namely the woods as well as Mike’s basement, which dealt greatly in specific characters’ lives and their decisions in the series. Meanwhile in season two, the creators decided to explore the different lives of the many characters in the series, and expanded the audience’s views on the characters that weren’t explored enough in the first season. This proved to be a reputable decision by the creators because it gave the fans a chance to connect with the many different characters of the show on a more personal level than before.

Stranger Things is a one-of-a-kind show, and it appears that this is the reason so many people are fond of the program. It is the kind of show that transports you into another world and makes you feel like you’re actively a part of it. Within this series, you become involved with the characters, and connect and get to know them. They are so diverse and relatable, that you can’t help but feel for them. The characters go through challenges in life like we do every day, they just have to fight monsters along with it.