Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Season 2 Review

Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85 Season 2, a Netflix animated series, premiered on September 17. This Valentine’s Day-themed installment, set in early February 1985, continues the story from Season 1. After Nikki Baxter (Odessa A’zion) joins Dustin’s (Braxton Quinney) Hawkins Investigators Club, the group tackles a series of mysterious events in Hawkins.

A robbery at the Palace Arcade coincides with Charlie Dandridge’s disappearance and the emergence of glowing bioluminescent flowers, later revealed to be harvesters of Audrey II-like creatures. Driven by curiosity, the HIC discovers that these creatures are harbingers of a more dangerous ghost-like creature. Season 2 delves deeper into the lore of Hawkins and the characters’ pasts while also handling unfinished business from the previous season.

The romantic tension between Max (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Lucas (Elisha "EJ" Williams) intensifies, affecting their friendship dynamics. Despite reintroducing Eleven (Brooklyn Davey Norstedt) and Mike (Luca Diaz), their character development remains minimal. The season focuses on the core cast, omitting Steve Harrington (Joseph Quinn).

While the animation quality impresses with its unique creatures and striking visuals, the scripts feel repetitive, and the story lacks emotional depth and originality. The eight-episode season may benefit from a "case of the week" approach, with each episode centered on smaller, more focused mysteries. The animation, however, remains a strong point, with Flying Bark Productions delivering impressive creature designs and consistent voice performances.