After the massive, positive response to the first season, Stranger Things Season 2 was set up to make a big splash once it aired on October 27th. The second season maintains the 1980s aesthetic the show practically trademarked following its debut, and the acting remains remarkable from all members of the cast.

While the show continues to delve into the enigmatic Hawkins Laboratories and the shrinking veil between the normal world and the “Upside Down”, season 2 pays more attention to the individual characters and their growth. The children are no longer characterized by their interest Dungeons and Dragons, but instead they begin to change following the events of season one. Love interests, interdimensional shenanigans and a really weird pet all catalyze the character growth.

The major character and center of the first season, “Eleven”, gets a revamp in the second season. While Eleven was used as a foil to her group of friends in the first season, the second season sees Eleven grow into her own following her separation from her friends. Similar to other characters in the show, Eleven embarks to find out who she is.

Overall, the second season of Stranger Things is a guaranteed delight. Not only are the returning characters amazing to watch, but the new cast add a great dimension to the story. The new attention given to character development in the second season allows for the audience to identify more closely with both beloved old characters and become more invested in the struggles they face.