"Chapter 1: MADMAX"
The season two premiere of Stranger Things, "Chapter 1: MADMAX," wasted no time plunging us back into the eerie and captivating world of Hawkins, Indiana. This episode introduces a new top video gamer in town, hints at escalating nightmares, and delivers a few genuinely shocking moments, expertly setting the tone for the season to come.
The Mystery Expands
The episode opens dramatically with a robbery a year after the events of Season 1. A group escapes in a van, and during a police chase, one member causes the pursuing officers to stop by seemingly making a bridge collapse – a hallucination, as we discover. This individual sports a tattoo with the number 008, immediately signaling that Eleven isn't the only one with unique abilities.
Things in Hawkins appear deceptively calm. Hopper, in his usual gruff yet endearing style, tries to ignore new arrivals at work, but finds himself dealing with a freelance journalist investigating Barb's disappearance. His routine is further disrupted by calls about someone's pumpkins being mysteriously ruined, hinting at a new, subtle strangeness brewing in the town.
Will's Lingering Trauma
Joyce is deeply concerned for Will after he experiences another vivid vision or dream of the Upside Down, featuring a terrifying storm cloud. Will is taken to see Dr. Owens, a Department of Energy executive now in charge of the lab. Owens conducts tests and questions Will about these visions, initially attributing them to PTSD, but the audience knows there's more to it.
Where is Eleven?
Amidst all the new characters and expanding mysteries, the lingering question of Eleven's whereabouts is finally answered in a jaw-dropping moment at the episode's close. As Hopper drives into the woods and walks towards a secluded cabin, the scene initially suggests a new home or perhaps a girlfriend. However, the revelation is far more thrilling: Eleven, now with curly hair, walks in to join Hopper for dinner, confirming her survival and his surprising role as her protector.
Review: A Perfect Tone-Setter
"MADMAX" was a fantastic episode that really captured the spirit of Stranger Things Season 2, just as I was hoping. It was such a joy to see these beloved characters return, especially Eleven, who was especially thrilling to see back and safe. Watching Mike, Dustin, Will, and Lucas rushing to the arcade was fun, but what truly made the episode stand out was its wonderful music, the introduction of the intriguing new character Max, and the charming chemistry between Joyce and Hopper – honestly, I think they might even be a better match than Joyce and Bob! The writing was superb, perfectly blending character moments, mystery, and atmosphere.
Overall, I give this episode a 9 out of 10.
"Chapter 2: Trick or Treat Freak"
It's Halloween in Hawkins, and "Chapter 2: Trick or Treat Freak" plunges us into the festivities with the gang ready for trick-or-treating. But the arrival of a new face creates tension among the group, while more profound mysteries and personal struggles begin to emerge, particularly for one beloved character.
Halloween Hijinks & Shifting Dynamics
Mike and the boys are thrilled, decked out in their Ghostbusters costumes, only to find themselves as the sole ones dressed up at school. When Dustin and Lucas invite Max to join their trick-or-treating adventures, her initial silence is broken by a jump-scare reveal of her own costume, which clearly doesn't sit well with Mike. This scene immediately highlights the shifting group dynamics with the introduction of Max.
Will's Lingering Visions
Will's unsettling visions of the Upside Down continue, now featuring a menacing giant creator that he's meticulously drawn. Joyce remains deeply worried by these drawings. During trick-or-treating, Will experiences another terrifying encounter with the creator, triggered by other kids cruelly calling him "Zombie Boy." Mike quickly intervenes, taking Will home, where they discuss the disturbing visions.
Eleven's Secret Struggle for Return
The episode masterfully weaves in Eleven's untold story of survival and her desperate attempt to return after her apparent demise in the Season 1 finale. We see her navigating the Upside Down, searching for Mike, before finding her way back to the real world through the same opening. Her attempt to return to Mike's house is thwarted when she spots FBI agents and police there. After Mike briefly sees her through the window, she quickly flees, forced to rely on her survival skills to hunt, protect herself, and find suitable clothing.
The narrative frequently flashes between her past survival and her present frustration. Eleven desperately wants to trick-or-treat, believing her ghost costume will make her invisible, but Hopper refuses to let her leave the cabin. He attempts to compromise by getting off work early and bringing a plethora of candy. Still, his plans are derailed when he's pulled into investigating the mystery of the dead pumpkins and goo-covered trees—another unsettling sign of the Upside Down's influence.
In a particularly heartbreaking moment, an upset Eleven telepathically attempts to reach Mike through a TV screen. For a fleeting minute, Mike's excitement suggests he senses her presence, but he walks away, doubting his own perception, leaving Eleven visibly heartbroken despite being so physically close.
A Cliffhanger Creature
The episode culminates with a chilling surprise: as Dustin arrives home, he hears a strange noise near his trash can. He investigates, opening the lid to a startling revelation that sets the stage for the third episode's mysteries.
Review: Eleven Steals the Show
"Trick or Treat Freak" was a fantastic episode that truly shined thanks to Eleven's captivating story. I think this episode features one of Millie Bobby Brown's best performances, showing her incredible growth and deep emotion as Eleven deals with loneliness and heartbreak. The subplot with Jonathan and Nancy, while not the most memorable part, was still enjoyable. Sean Astin as Bob also continues to bring a charming mix of humor and awkwardness as Joyce's new boyfriend.
Overall, this episode strikes a lovely balance between exciting new threats and heartfelt moments. I’d rate it a 9/10!
You can catch the second season of Stranger Things, available now on Netflix, along with Season One.
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