'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.
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.