Chapter One: MADMAX

Season 1 was a very good, and at its best excellent, start to one of Netflix's better shows, was not expecting 'Stranger Things' to be a hit but it did turn out to be that. Although a couple of episodes weren't as strong as the others (two and six being the weakest), none of the eight episodes that made the season up were less than decent and the best of them were outstanding (especially the last two). So expectations were high for Season 2.

High expectations that generally were met. After re-watching all three seasons up to date after Season 3 aired, Season 2 went slightly down in my estimations but is still very much worth watching. "Chapter 1: Madmax" is not one of the best Season 2 episodes in my mind, but it is a solid start and sets up what is to come and introducing more chess pieces quite well. A lot of many fine things here, as well as a few things that could have been done a lot better.

Am going to start with listing those. The story this time round is rather slow moving and can be quite thin at times, feeling over-stretched. Meaning that there are moments of dull pacing in particularly the middle act where not an awful lot happens. Other episodes delivered more on the suspense and surprises, including the last two episodes of Season 1.

Character progression is definitely here and a good deal richer but the story doesn't as much. "Chapter 1: Madmax" actually doesn't have much that is catastrophically wrong, other episodes just had better and more consistent story and pace execution.

However, there are many things done very well to outstandingly. The production values are typically very stylish and atmospheric, with some beautiful and unsettling images. The music is suitably haunting and nostalgic and the direction does well in creating enough tension when needed when things get going in the final act and also some breathing space also when needed.

Despite occasional melodramatic and forced moments, the usual brains and heart quality is present in the writing with some welcome levity when needed. The story is at least coherent and while a long way from perfect in momentum it is not a tonal muddle, has some intrigue and some tension towards the end. The character writing advances a good deal all round and the characters don't bore or frustrate. The acting is very good, with the younger cast faring better than the older ones (found this in a lot of episodes of 'Stranger Things').

Overall, solid beginning to Season 2. 7/10.

The 1st season of Stranger Things was great. It established the whole idea of the whole Upside Down concept in the 1980's while providing some good drama, good suspense, and very relatable characters. Upon learning that the show got renewed for a 2nd season, I got very excited and watched the entirety with anticipation. From what I've got, it was very good. Sure, it wasn't as strong as the 1st season, but it does it's job in continuing the story line that was established.

The first episode is a great start and sets up a character that could play a vital part in the story (in this case, Max). It also expands more on the events that happened in the first season where Will now has PTSD due to his disappearance in Hawkins at the Upside Down world while providing some good suspense and drama.

The visual effects are great especially the scene where Will sees the Upside Down world version of Hawkins outside the arcade, the pacing is very brisk where it doesn't have a dull moment, the directing is great, and the music score continues to compliment the 1980's setting very well.

The acting is still good with everyone bringing some pathos to their respective characters. Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Noah Schnapp continue to shine in their chemistry as Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will, Winona Ryder is still good as Joyce Byers and David Harbour is still great as Jim Hopper while Sean Astin (known as Mikey from The Goonies and Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings trilogy) is a surprise as Bob Newby. Millie Bobby Brown also surprise as Eleven near the end of the episode.

Overall, a great start to a pretty good 2nd season.

A great introduction to the new season. packed with new characters, some mystery and set-up the villian of this season.

The hype leading into Season 2 was no laughing matter, and I think it was a stroke of genius to let this (re)introductory episode focus on the larger picture of Hawkins, Indiana. There isn't really a central character (yet, at least), and they're all just pieces on a game board.

To that end, it's an exciting board game to return to, and opens things up for new faces (Paul Reiser and Sean Astin); and the existing characters have just the right amount of familiarity. Dustin's efforts to maintain his Dig Dug high score made for some of the best scenes. To a great extent, this is just a big Welcome Back sign. While this show has been about creating eerie environment, it's a place I've been wanting to get back to. The soundtrack is fantastic, and the song selection really helps enhance the mood.

In the end, it's really that mood (not the '80s references) that pulls me time and again. This is a hell of a start to a new season.

8/10

This episode was fair and okay but it I don't think it deserves the high praise and big rating.I never got any build up of characters hoping I ll see more of that as the season progresses.But don't get me wrong.Am a fan of these show.I hope this season gets better.Nice to see Eleven back by the way.It gets a 7.2/10 from me.