Netflix has really varied with its shows, but 'Stranger Things' to me is one of its hits. In their prime, it, 'The Crown' and 'House of Cards' (despite its terrible final season) were absolutely brilliant. Season 1 is excellent and Season 2, while a slow starter (unlike its first season) and with one of the show's worst episodes in it, was very nearly as great on the whole and did quickly build momentum. Season 3 on the whole felt like a different show.
One of the best episodes of Season 2 is "Chapter Five: Dig Dug", which is also one of my favourite 'Stranger Things' episodes. Like its excellent previous episode it builds upon what was introduced earlier in the season and upon what we know already about the mystery (while not going round in circles), and further builds upon the events of that episode. As well as progressing the story and characters (especially Eleven). All without setting too many things up or taking too long to do so and it certainly didn't feel like filler.
Its numerous great things are very similar to the previous two episodes and the show even in general, except "Chapter Five: Dig Dug" is even better. As it's tighter in pace, with nothing slowing things down, there are less cliches and everything here feels necessary. A brilliant episode all round and what 'Stranger Things' is all about.
"Chapter Five: Dig Dug's" visuals are of outstanding quality. 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. Of the uniformly strong acting, the beyond her years work of Millie Bobby Brown is particularly note-worthy and absolutely loved Eleven's character development, which was investable and illuminating.
Writing has lost none of its brains and heart, while there is an ominous creepiness there is some genuinely funny and gentle humour, an affectionate nostalgia and poignancy without any cheese or melodrama. The story is darkly suspenseful with plenty going on (without being too crowded) and the ending leaves one excited for what's to come and unnerves. The mystery has grown a lot in depth and complexity since it first began and it is neither simplistic or convoluted, it's always absorbing too. The character writing is on point, especially for Eleven.
To conclude, brilliant. 10/10.
