Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street

Chapter Two of "Stranger Things" is closer to what the creators of the show probably intended than the first episode ever was.

It starts with the pace. It is better, faster, more things happen, and it offers more mystery and a better atmosphere than the start of the series.

It continues with the depiction of the 80s, way more lively and realistic than in the first episode, in which all looked like someone trying to copy the 80s style of movies and TV series and failing, all a little bit fake.

The acting also helps, even though sometimes it is a little bit on the primary school play. It is more assured than in the first episode, all actors more comfortable in their roles. It helps that the plot gives its characters something to do.

Talking about the plot. It is still a little bit as if a group of friends had decided to get together and throw all the typical and topical ideas from the 80s in a hat and then decided to pick some of them up randomly and make a story out of that thin thread. We continue with the developing of the 'mysterious' Eleven's story-line, and also with Will's search. For like a couple of seconds we can enjoy again Modine's super-white hair. All of it is quite basic and seen a hundred of times before. The actors delivery of the dialogue is what glues the story for now.

Better direction, good quality production also adds to a second episode which seems to show that the series knows a little bit where it is heading. Let's see if they keep that way.

Very interesting how Nancy is transforming despite everything that surrounds her, and she doesn't notice anything because of her being naive. Reminds me being 17.

Anybody that was captivated by 'Stranger Things' first episode "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers" will undoubtedly expect a good deal from any episode to follow on from it. Speaking as somebody who was near-blown away by that episode and had high expectations for this one, to see how it would build upon what was set up so well in "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers" and to see how the rest of the show would fare after such a strong start.

"Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street" was a good second episode that did build well upon what was introduced while having enough to set it apart on its own. At the same time, it was also a bit disappointing and isn't anywhere near as great. There are a lot of the same fantastic things still that was seen in "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers", but somehow "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street" didn't feel as focused or as inspired.

There are so many good things here in "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street". The production values are superb. Very stylish and atmospheric, with some truly beautiful images that one can't believe such high quality comes from a Netflix show. Not to mention the highly impressive special effects that put a good deal of big budget films in recent years to shame. The music has a wonderful 80s nostalgic vibe while also being quite haunting, enhancing the atmosphere beautifully.

Writing is thought-probing and has a lot of brains and heart. The humour is gentle but very subtly witty and funny, while there is a poignancy (without being too sentimental) and tension. Enough of the episode has some creepy suspense, intriguing mystery, inventive sci-fi, affectionate nostalgia and a few tear-jerking moments (including a beautifully played crucial scene with Winona Ryder). The characters are still interesting and Finn Woolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown are still excellent. Ryder is a big improvement here and is poignant.

However, tonally "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street" isn't always focused. The tone shifts weren't as seamless or as skillfully balanced this time and some of it is on the muddled side from feeling a bit too hectic in pace. Especially in the final third, where things get really awkward and excessively weird at the end.

Some of the dialogue isn't as good this time, though it's fine most of the time. Tending to sound awkward later on. The pace could have been more secure in spots, some of the latter parts are on the disorganised side.

In conclusion, good but not great. 7/10

The Duffer Brothers' homage to '80s sci-fi/fantasy continues with teenage geek Mike (Finn Wolfhard) sneaking runaway mystery girl Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) into his home, where he tries to work out who she is, and what her connection is to missing school friend Will. Meanwhile, Mike's older sister Nancy (Natalia Dyer) is out partying with boyfriend Steve (which will undoubtedly put her in some kind of mortal danger for the next episode), Will's mother Joyce tries to make contact with her son via the telephone, and the 'bad people', led by Dr. Martin Brenner (Matthew Modine) continue their hunt for Eleven.

Although the story isn't progressed all that much in this second episode, the likable characters ensure that the time passes quickly, with all involved putting in sterling performances. The references to Spielberg movies continue, with nods to ET (sinister scientists, Eleven hiding in a closet) and a Jaws poster adorning a bedroom wall, while fantasy fans might make a connection with the title of this episode and a classic tale from Season One of The Twilight Zone.

'The Weirdo on Maple Street teases supernatural powers for Eleven as well as a "Cloverfield"-like monster, while the search for Will continues, and Mike's sister is taking a crash course in experimenting with adulthood. Despite all that's happening, this is a low-key episode; not as exciting as the pilot, but more interested in laying groundwork for the larger story. I can respect that, and the mood is kept consistently dark.

It's Winona Ryder that steals this episode, being tortured by the sounds of Will's breathing on the phone and a house that's evidently possessed. But she's playing the hell out of a thankless role, and she's a fount of unnerving tension.

6/10