9 Years Ago, Netflix Released a Rare Sci-Fi Sequel Even Better Than the Original
Season 2 of Stranger Things premiered nine years ago, which proved to be nearly as good as season 1 thanks to some great new characters
Nine years ago, Stranger Things released a Sci-Fi sequel that many consider even better than its original. After a band or artist launches a hit record, recapturing the same energy can be challenging. The same applies to TV shows, with many great series failing to deliver on their second outing. Stranger Things' creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, managed to overcome this common issue with a worthy second installment.
The sequel, Stranger Things 2, picks up a year after the events of the debut season. After Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) is rescued from the Upside Down by Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Hopper (David Harbour), he struggles to readjust. Meanwhile, his friends deal with their own personal issues, such as Mike (Finn Wolfhard) mourning Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), who seemingly disintegrated after defeating the Demogorgon in season 1.
New characters like Max (Sadie Sink) and her older stepbrother Billy (Dacre Montgomery) added unique dynamics to the group. Existing characters also developed in satisfying ways, such as Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) transforming into a better person and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Hopper (David Harbour) forming a profound bond.
While some critics argue that season 2's story did not match the mystery and excitement of the first season, it excels by developing its characters, both new and preexisting. The addition of characters like Max, Billy, Bob, Paul Reiser, and Erica brought fresh perspectives to the story. However, the introduction of too many new characters later in the series might have led to a sense of formulaicness in the following seasons.
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