Graphic by Darrian Bagley
The second season of the Netflix original series “Stranger Things” was just released — with perfect timing before Halloween. Brothers Matt and Ross Duffer co-wrote nine new episodes and conducted “Beyond Stranger Things” in which they detail the production of the show alongside the producers and actors. Warning: spoilers. Watch this after you binge “Stranger Things.”
The series picks up where season one ended: diving into the main characters’ personalities and relationships and giving an in-depth view into the alternate world referred to by the characters as the “Upside-down.”
The visual effects and cinematic scenes improved with this new season, as the show grew from a practical look to a digital vision.
“We knew the visual effects were going to be a way more essential part,” executive producer and director Shawn Levy said in “Beyond Stranger Things.” “We upgraded from just one part-time special effects designer to a full time special effects team.”
In the first season, viewers see the characters for who they are at the surface, but in season two, fans get personal insights into their perspectives caused by their traumatic experiences.
Eleven’s powers no longer come as a surprise, but viewers are shown the full extent of their reach. Steve develops from an 80s jock into a likeable leader, and Will continues to deal with the consequences of his past endeavors.
“For a while it was like Steve was the king of everything,” Ross Duffer said in “Beyond Stranger Things.” “But then people realize how he has his own struggles, and can be an outsider in his world.”
The relationships planted in the first season intensify and get audiences emotionally involved. The whole season brings a range of emotions from anticipation and fear to laughter and surprise.
The Duffer brothers also add new, characters that further enhance the dynamic of an already stacked cast. Sean Astin, who played Samwise Gamgee in the “Lord of the Rings” films, plays Joyce’s boyfriend Bob, and turned out to be a better character than the writers had anticipated.
“I didn’t want to get rid of Bob,” Matt Duffer said in “Beyond Stranger Things.” “I loved the extra flare he added to the show.”
“Stranger’s Things” is one of those Netflix originals that’s very hard to look away from, and makes it almost impossible to stop watching. It’s a thrilling, grabbing and exceptionally improving series that the writers hope to continue with “at least a few more seasons.”
“Stranger Things’” slow-building sophomore season balances moments of humor and a nostalgic sweetness against a growing horror that’s all the more effective,” Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus said.
