Chapter Nine: The Gate

After the rousing success of the original slate of episodes, I was very, very interested to see how "Stranger Things" could/would respond with their second go-round. To me, this seemed like a show that could very easily have been a "one-hit wonder". The Duffer brothers proved me wrong, however, as I actually enjoyed this sophomore effort even more than the original!

I don't want to talk too in-depth about the plot (for fear of spoilers), but "Stranger Things 2" is set around Halloween about a year after Will (Noah Schnapp) is rescued from the Upside Down. Of course (as hinted at in the S1 final scene), Will is not exactly free and clear from that experience, and that is what sets the stage for the primary plot events of S2. When it becomes clear that Will still isn't right (and strange things still keep cropping up in Hawkins), the gang of Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) are on the case again. And remember those Eggos in the woods? Obviously, something is going on with Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Hopper (David Harbour).

Remarkably, this second season is able to succeed because it doesn't re-invent the wheel. The formula set in place from the first season is so strong that by-and-large it still works here. Just enough elements are changed up to keep things fresh and moving forward.

A lot of credit for that has to be given to some new cast members. A sister/brother duo of Mad Max (Sadie Sink) and Billy (Dacre Montgomery) provide some of the best acting of the season, while Hawkins Lab Dr. Owens (Paul Reiser) and new love interest for Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder), Bob Newby (Sean Astin), is a great new character too. All these new additions fit in seamlessly and keep things from ever feeling stale.

One underrated aspect I haven't even mentioned yet was the great chemistry between Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and her potential beaus Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) & Steve (Joe Keery). Some of the most hilarious (and poignant) moments come from the interactions between these characters this season.

Of course, let me make one thing clear: "Stranger Things 2" isn't groundbreaking television by any means. It's a very different style from, say, shows like "The Leftovers" or "Westworld" over on HBO. While those other shows may push the boundaries and radically experiment with the medium, "Stranger Things" knows it has a wonderful formula and (for the most part) knows how to expertly execute it. In fact, the only misstep this season was one single episode that focuses on Eleven throughout. That didn't work, because this show needs the ensemble cast interacting together to really work at all.

Overall, though, I enjoyed watching "Stranger Things 2" even more than its predecessor. It builds on its own success perfectly, and the acting/atmosphere is so engaging that one can't help but clicking "Next Episode" sooner than later. The season ends just ambiguously (and perfectly) enough to tease future installments, and I'll be all in if/when they appear!

Best Episode Of The Series!!Amazing Finally everything we needed happened in this episode can't wait till Season 3 Comes out!

Had me in so much tears. Such a brilliant end that tugs on the nostalgia heart strings. I was that kid. Great series, great season, great episode. Love it

Oh My goodness!! these 9 hours just made 2017 a whole lot better for TV . for me the first couple of episodes started a bit confusing but filled with thrill and mystery but from that point it all picked up to a new plot level of brilliance.

Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer (the writers/creators) seriously outdone themselves the plot this season looks as strong as ever, the episodes become more and more connected to create one hell of masterpiece mosaic .. if this show was created back in the 80's/90's it would've been a TV revolution.

The sequence of events each episode always kept on leaving us with one surprise after another ... I salute them that this season they didn't put all the focus on " Eleven's" character but showed much more of the other characters, they all appeared like lead characters in The struggle of the mighty.,. each character/couple of characters had their own main plot of a "strange thing" that all lead to "Rome".

That kid Noah Schnapp "Will Byers" this season he showed he is one big talent , last season he was just that lost kid, but my !! his facial expression !! his acting and engaging with the scenes was so real. David Harbour "Jim Hopper" was also so good and had his own big bite of the pie ,, same goes for Winona Ryder as "Joyce Byers" and the couple Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton as "Nancy and Jonathan"... but overall the whole cast and crew were awesome. Also still love Gaten Matarazzo "Dustin" with his "Son of b!tch" moments .. they were like a breeze of fresh air in all of that tense jumpy events,

A side note, still loving the cinematography and the Amaaazing soundtracks that "in my opinion" surpassed the X-files level.

Final thought, Standing O for every one helped making this artwork and fingers crossed with these next two seasons renewals ,, the level of thrill and mystery will keep on going because i will count them day by day till the next season comes out next year.

Absolutely Incredible! Just a magnificent conclusion to an enticing season. By the time, the ending credits rolled, I am amazed by how much the scale and conflict has been risen this year. And unlike the former season's heartbreaking ending, this time, we got a much more happier and satisfying epilogue.

The VFX team did a spectacular job making the Demogorgon and the Shadow Monster to look and feel much more menacing and dangerous, because seeing the Demodogs raining down as the Gate is closed by Eleven looks mind-blowing. The main cast was also so captivating to watch, especially, David Harbour as Jim Hopper and Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven made a great duo, though Mike, Dustin, Mrs. Byers, Will, Steve and the others were also superb. By the end, we also got a fulfilled promise of Mike made at the end of Season 1 to see the Snow Ball event on-screen.

Absolutely Hyped for Season 3!