Chapter Two: Trick or Treat, Freak

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.

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.

The first episode of the 2nd season was great. It expands a bit more on what happened in the first season while still providing some relatable characters and some good drama and suspense. Chapter Two: Trick or Treat, Freak isn't quite as strong as Chapter One: MADMAX, but it's still pretty good.

My only quibbles is that it does drag a bit slow in the pacing and while there is still some character development, there could've been more plot building since nothing else happens.

Everything else is great, however. The new characters, notably Max and Billy, her step brother, are well introduced and the others are still relatable. The music score still compliments the setting very well, the directing is great, and the visual effects continue to amuse particularly the trick or treating scene where Will hallucinates.

The acting is still great. Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour did a good job with each other, Sadie Sink and Dacre Montgomery (who played Jason the red ranger in the 2017 Power Rangers reboot) did admirable jobs as Max and Billy, Winona Ryder still does a good job as Joyce, and the others including Finn Wolfhard also did a good job.

Overall, not quite as strong as the first episode, but still good.

This episode was one of the most emotional joyrides ever. One moment you are laughing hard, the other moment very surprised, one moment in love another moment most incredibly sad. I think even for a kid "eleven" is of the most talented actresses ever. I loved it, I wished these amazing episodes never ended.

This episode's title at first thought applies to Will, because after all it's him that the line of dialogue to spoken to. But in reality, it could be stretched to apply to most of the cast, who are isolated in some way or don't fit in. Apart from the obvious one being Will, Eleven also feels isolated, as she has to stay cut off from society in Hopper's place. She can't even speak to Mike, although she tries to. Nancy is struggling to fit back into normal life after the previous season's events leading to Barb's tragic ending. Meanwhile, John is literally a freak in many people's eyes. Then there's Max. We don't really know who she is yet, but she definitely doesn't fit in, nor does she seem to want to.

There weren't many major events in this episode and the alien threat of this season wasn't developed much further, but it gave further insight into the characters that made it gripping, and sad, to watch.