Netflix ‘Stranger Things: Tales From '85’ Season 2 Review - More Heart, Same Old Hawkins

And we are back in Hawkins, Indiana, for a second season of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. Set against the backdrop of the winter of 1985, the animated series follows the main characters Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, Max, and Nikki as they investigate strange events threatening their town. In this season, we see a lot of strange flowers, monstrous bugs, and plenty of supernatural activities connected to Hawkins ’ past. The Hawkins Investigators Club is yet again forced to figure out what is happening before the situation goes out of control. The mystery gradually becomes more and more intriguing as the episodes air and reveal connections to the town’s history. This makes season 2 something beyond the usual monster structure that we have seen.

What I saw improve this time around was how the characters have been portrayed. There is a more intentional emotional layer added to how the characters behave and react to situations. Having said that, this does not mean that they stop being kids or lose their innocence completely. Compared to the actual show that we have seen, there is less romance here, and for once you don’t even miss it.

Animation has always remained one of the strongest points of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. From watching the show live to seeing it literally be distinctively animated, the show amazes the viewers with the sheer creativity that we get to see.

However, even with all that, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 season 2 has its own set of flaws that one cannot simply ignore. There is a lot of predictability in the plot. Since we already know what the fate of each of the cast is, there is nothing new left. At one point, if you aren’t a die-hard fan of Stranger Things, you might even find yourself asking a simple question: how much of Stranger Things is too much of Stranger Things. Stuff gets repeated; you know the end, so is anything new that you are shown? No, not really. I feel, perhaps, the makers are creating this for kids because the live one is a bit too gruesome? Not sure what the intent is, but there is no surprise as such that one might expect from Stranger Things: Tales From ’85.

Another annoying aspect of season 2 is its fluttering pacing. Sometimes, scenes are fast, then again they slow down. Again they pick up pace, and again they slow down. That can make the whole viewing experience quite disruptive, and no, there is nothing that you can do about it except to watch the show. Pacing is an important aspect of any narrative, which can make or break things. And much as the original series was good with its pacing, the animated one severely lacks it. If there is a season 3, I hope the makers manage to work on that one too. Else, god save them. So all in all, watch Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 only if you are a big fan. Else, feel free to skip.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times