User reviews

Stranger Things is back to being the plot-driven series we have all been excited about. I love that the stakes are higher, and the monsters feel more horrific. In fact, the end of the episode made me get chills because I didn't expect such detail. However, there is something off about this season so far. It's not bad. It's just different. I love that they took risks by putting last seasons main faces -- Eleven, Mike, Joyce, and even Jonathan and Nancy -- to the background and put other characters in the forefront -- like Will, Lucas and Dustin, and Steve. The only character I believe has stayed in the spotlight is Hopper, which is good because he is the most complex character in the entire series. I miss that last season's faces don't get as much screen time, but I love that the series is growing and maturing, evolving.

These are nicely crafted episodes. We get to see the evolution of El and how she is trying to have her own voice. It's hopeful that very soon she will connect with the boys. The scientists from that facility are becoming more and more dangerous. Enter the little reptile (or whatever, Dart) and we have a common cause for the guys. The chief continues to investigate but he has about had it. He should have realized along the way that El was not going to continue to stay put. She feels that she is being lied to and won't follow the rules anymore. Reality versus fiction continues to haunt Will. I hope that some of the other reviewers soon begin to deal with the specifics of these episodes instead of simply putting the same thing down with no thought. I guess it's to not watch anything but to be in the face of those who find this show quite a bit of fun.

'Stranger Things' in particularly Season 1 was a truly excellent show at its best and even when at its weakest it was still very watchable. After such a high quality previous season, Season 2 was watched with high expectations and they were met on the most part. It did have a slow start and there was one disappointment, but once it got going it was as good as Season 1 and the best episodes were equal to the best of the previous season.

After two very well executed and intriguing, if at times slow going, previous episodes, Season 2 has its first great outing with "Chapter Three: The Pollywog". It isn't perfect, but things really do move forward here in story progression, character advancement and momentum. And in a way that is darker, has more tension and has a lovely balance of humour, drama and nostalgia. "Chapter Three: The Pollywog" may not be 'Stranger Things' at its best, but it is truly great.

There are a few scenes that are agreed unnecessary and not as interesting as they could have been, especially the very cliched love triangle.

"Chapter Three: The Pollywog" is excellent everywhere else. Had no issues with the acting from the young and adult casts, where everybody gives never less than great performances. Noah Schnapp is a standout. The character interaction is just fine too, particularly between Bob and Will in Bob's recalling nightmares scene.

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. Throughout "Chapter Three: The Pollywog" has creepiness, intriguing mystery, inventive sci-fi, affectionate nostalgia and emotional impact. The mystery again is even deeper and more complex than before but is always intriguing and never confusing. The ending is suspenseful and makes one excited for what happens next in subsequent episodes.

In summary, great. 9/10.

In The Pollywog, we get to see what it was that Dustin found lurking in the trashcan at the end of Episode 2: a large tadpole-like creature, clearly a refugee from the upside-down, that Dustin subsequently adopts and names Dartagnan. What Dartagnan will eventually grow to become is anyone's guess (a big frog?), but the chances are that it won't be nice (a big, man-eating frog?).

We also learn how Eleven came to be under the protection of Jim Hopper, living in his grandfather's woodland cabin for the past year, away from prying eyes. Eventually, however, prolonged solitary confinement proves too much for the girl and she breaks Jim's rules by going in search of Mike (Finn Wolfhard).

A great third episode boosted by some nifty CGI creature effects and ending on a marvellous cliffhanger, The Pollywog sees the second season finally getting into its stride. The characters are all present and correct, the plot thickens, and the pace quickens. I can't wait to see how all of this pulls together (next episode in 5 seconds, 4, 3, 2, 1….).

Oh my God! I love this, I wish I could see them all my life,everyday. Every episode is just stunning. I am actually waiting for Mike-El reunion, that would a great moment.

Very good episode, all the new characters and old characters are used very well and it's very enjoyable to watch. When it comes to the monsters of the show it is a very slow start for season 2 as it's just ramping up in this episode but when it comes to the characters it has been done very well.

Dustin is obviously not the brightest bulb on the tree. What with all the crazy weirdness going around he doesn't give a second thought to bringing some strange creature into his mom's house. Feeding it Three Musketeers. And evicting Yertle. Also we are starting to think that all Hopper and Eleven ever eat is Eggo.

God. This is soo good. It is fun and i don't want it to end. this episode filled with exciting mission, humor and more mystery.

Hooper become more protective with Eleven. We meet the boyfriend of Joyce, Bob. We know more about the beast that Dustin find in his room. Nancy want to tell the truth about Barabara. Eleven come back at the school and find Mike and Alex. I love the episode. It have interesting moments: funny, action, special effects. Still have great plot and make us to watch until the end. Nice episode.

For Dustin - by far my favorite character of the show - the Halloween night ended with the discovery of a peculiar little creature in his trashcan. He's immediately fond of the little slug/pollywog type of animal and can't wait to show his friends. Not everyone is excited, though, and poor Will immediately links the critter to his nightmarish experiences in the Upside Down. Eleven can't stand the imprisonment in Sheriff Hopper's shed anymore and breaks out hoping to find Mike, who she misses dearly. We can't blame her, because this episodes also clarifies how she ended up here, and for how long.

Typical middle-of-the-season episode. Still not much is happening, but the plot thickens, the pacing increases, the characters settle into their roles for the season, and the tension mounts. "The Pollywog" ends with an irresistible cliffhanger that is creepy and sad at the same time. Poor Will ... again!

This episode is fantastic, using the introduction of a new creature to brilliantly ramp up the sense of impending horror. The innocence with which Dustin adopts the queer, tadpole-like Dart immediately becomes deeply eerie when Will realizes it's an invader from the Upside Down. This sets a fantastic, unsettling biological threat for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, the character focus is incredibly strong. Eleven's secret search for her past, fueled by the Eggo she uses as a homing device, is fascinating and promises a new emotional journey. Her loneliness and jealousy lead to a chilling, unexpected display of power against Max, proving her isolation is unsustainable.

Crucially, Will's deepening trauma is handled with heartbreaking intensity, confirming his connection to the Shadow Monster is becoming dangerously intimate.