Chapter Two: Trick or Treat, Freak

I enjoyed this episode quite a bit! The character development is still there. I love the further developments, as well as the world building. The only thing that I was a little off put by was that it went as slow as episode one (which was an episode I loved, by the way). It could have brought forth more plot building, but I did feel like everything that was shown will probably be necessary for the rest of the season. I've noticed that there's a lot more swearing, too. That didn't bother me too much, though.

If a show is to work, we need to care about the characters. The four guys genuinely care about each other. They have been through a lot, including a kidnapping and the death of a young girl. The sad thing is that they are constantly attacked for their nerdiness by their peers. The death of the young girl in the first season has made things so painful. It is also about the ruin a family that has hired an unscrupulous shyster private detective. Let's face it. He won't know anything about anything. Max becomes more of a factor. I assume the psychotic who drives her around is her brother. He is genuinely nuts and she is in danger from him. Obviously, he did something that got them to this hick town (his words). We see the kindness of Jonathan, who is probably the most mature, but also most maligned, character in this thing. But what will develop as the relationship between El and the protective police chief progresses. Will continues to see images of great threat. Tune in for Episode Three.

Season 2 started off quite well with "Chapter 1: Madmax", though it was also a bit of a let down after a strong first season. It served its purpose of setting things up for what's to come and introducing the chess pieces well, as well as progressing characterisation, but struck me as a little too slow and thinly plotted. But often good but not great or less season openers are followed by a big improvement in quality, so expectations were high for "Chapter Two: Trick or Treat Freak".

"Chapter Two: Trick or Treat Freak" is far from perfect and showed that there was still some way to go. It however is a better episode as it does very well on building upon what was introduced in "Madmax" and progressing it. On the whole quality-wise "Chapter Two: Trick or Treat Freak" is a very good episode, though not a Season 2 high point and nowhere near the standard of the best of Season 1 (the best being outstanding and true of about half the season).

It is still a little slow at times, especially in the taking too long to set up early portions. Other episodes have more suspense and surprises too.

However, there are a lot of things that "Chapter Two: Trick or Trick Freak" does between extremely well and brilliantly. 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.

Furthermore, the brains and heart present in all the previous episodes of 'Stranger Things' are here and very strongly. It's also less melodramatic than some episodes of the show. 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. There is more plot progression than in "Madmax" too. 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').

Very good episode that indicates a lot of potential for Season 2. 8/10.

It's Halloween and the Stranger Things gang—Will, Mike, Lucas and Dustin—go to school dressed as the Ghostbusters; unfortunately, they're the only ones in fancy dress, which makes them the subject of humiliation. Nevertheless, being in costume doesn't stop Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) from asking cool new girl Max (Sadie Sink) to join them trick or treating that evening.

Later that day, as the boys, accompanied by Max, collect tasty treats, Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Steve (Joe Keery) attend a party, but things don't go well for the couple.

Elsewhere in Hawkins, stranger things are afoot: pumpkin crops are suffering from an inexplicable blight, a group of scientists are exploring the upside-down, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is having flashbacks, and there is something strange in the neighbourhood, lurking in Dustin's trashcan to be more precise.

Despite moving at very gradual pace, Stranger Things continues to be thoroughly engrossing viewing, largely thanks to the likable characters, that all pervading '80s vibe (Motley Crüe rules!), and a script that drip feeds just enough information to keep the viewer hooked, pondering exactly what the hell is going on. I can see this is going to be another binge watch…

NB I may be wrong, but I'm going to call it now: I think that Sean Astin's character is up to no good.

Not much going on. The Halloween event is here. this episode is about party and halloween. with more and more mystery.