Stranger Things Happening in the Big 80’s
Discovering Stranger Things, was without exception the second best thing that happened to me this summer. Admittedly few things would beat seven days in the Florida Keys, nevertheless Stranger Things came particularly damn close.
Debuting in July of 2016 exclusively on Netflix, Stranger Things, is a love letter to the horror movies of the 1980s; written without a doubt with deep and true feelings by the American writing team of the Duffer Bros. As a result of that love, to date Stranger Things has been estimated as the 3rd most viewed original program on Netflix in 2016.
Are you back? Then great, and hopefully that review got you all excited for season two of Stranger Things. Indeed the gang down here at Slickster HQ have taken a few weeks to digest the series and here is our wish list for the inevitable second season!
10. New Characters
No one denies that Dustin, Will, Mike, Lucas, and Eleven have already earned their place in the pantheon of iconic characters. Unquestionably next season it would be great to see that group dynamic played with, by adding some new kids to that mix. Chiefly, Eleven needs to be more than Michael’s love interest. There should be another girl or girls in the mix for her to have some growth as a character.
9. Chief Hopper and the Government
Chief Hopper actually proved that he was Indiana’s answer to Sherlock Holmes. In eight brief episodes with little to go on and very little clues, Hopper uncovered the entire conspiracy and rescued Will. Undeniably it was no surprise when he was picked up by the men in black in the final episode. However it was extremely surprising to see him free a month later in the series epilogue. Which leads to our next question.
8. Chief Hopper and Eleven
Is Hopper Eleven’s new handler? Due to the existence of the drop box in the woods, and Hooper’s knowledge of Eleven’s love of Eggos; the question could be asked. “Is that the price of his freedom?” It seems like the two would be a natural team since he is father that lost his daughter, and Eleven is child who lost her “Papa.”
7. Romance Between Hopper and Joyce Byers
Keeping focused on our favorite police chief. Admittedly the chemistry between Hopper and Joyce towards the end of the series was completely undeniable. The pair felt right together as they traversed the unknown world of the Upside Down to save Will. Therefore it would seem like a total shame just to leave that relationship undeveloped in season two.
6. Where Are 001 Through 010?
Chief Hopper easily deduced that Eleven was only 1 child of several in the Government’s secret program. Where are the others? Could we see Eleven go up against a super powered nemesis next season?
The fact that Jane had the moniker 011, tattooed on her arm was certainly a huge clue that there are others like her. In addition it’s hard to believe that Government would have built that entire holding facility for only one child. Despite the fact that Eleven was a superhuman kick ass, all of that personnel had to be on hand for multiple children.
5. A Love Interest for Jonathan Byers
The Duffer Bros. threw fans for a curve when Nancy pulled a Pretty in Pink and ended up with jock Steve over nerdy Jonathan. No doubt that was a huge bait and switch. However, it felt correct in the final analysis. There were obviously some unresolved feelings between Nancy and Jonathan in the epilogue. Next season it would be interesting to see a new girl in Jonathan’s life and Nancy’s reaction realizing that Jonathan has moved on.
4. Up the Danger But Keep the Fun
Stranger Things was literally a Stephen King movie, with a touch of Spielberg, and a pinch of John Carpenter. Season two should push it’s Lovecraftian and D&D brand of inspired horror to new limits. That doesn’t mean we want a darker show. On the contrary keep the fun and The Goonies style preteen awkwardness. Just up the level of danger.
3. More Mr. Clarke
Mr. Clarke unwittingly was the Gandalf the Great to the boy’s adventures. Dustin’s interruption of Mr. Clarke’s date night, “for the sake of curiosity” was a classic moment. It would be great to see Mr. Clarke continue in the role of unwitting adviser in future seasons.
2. More of the Upside Down
It’s hard to believe that Demogorgon was the only living thing in the Upside Down. That dark echo of our own world had to have more dangers and more occupants. While season two shouldn’t be a retread of season one, the Upside Down has quickly become an iconic setting in the minds of fans. Therefore we would like to see much more of this dangerous, dark, sinister landscape.
1. What’s the Deal With Will Byers?
Throwing up slugs at Christmas dinner seems to be the least of Will’s problems. He also still has a connection to the Upside Down. Admittedly it would be hugely disappointing if Will suddenly became the big bad of next season. But exploring what is going on with Will certainly needs to be a huge part of next season. Will obviously has powers of his own now! Will he prove to friend or foe to Eleven when they finally cross paths?
This is our Top 10 list for Stranger Things season two, what are yours?