Stranger Things (TV Series) Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street (2016) User Reviews

Weirdness on the street

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 16 February 2021]

Anybody that was captivated by 'Stranger Things' first episode "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers" will undoubtedly expect a good deal from any episode to follow on from it. Speaking as somebody who was near-blown away by that episode and had high expectations for this one, to see how it would build upon what was set up so well in "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers" and to see how the rest of the show would fare after such a strong start.

"Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street" was a good second episode that did build well upon what was introduced while having enough to set it apart on its own. At the same time, it was also a bit disappointing and isn't anywhere near as great. There are a lot of the same fantastic things still that was seen in "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers", but somehow "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street" didn't feel as focused or as inspired.

There are so many good things here in "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street". The production values are superb. Very stylish and atmospheric, with some truly beautiful images that one can't believe such high quality comes from a Netflix show. Not to mention the highly impressive special effects that put a good deal of big budget films in recent years to shame. The music has a wonderful 80s nostalgic vibe while also being quite haunting, enhancing the atmosphere beautifully.

Writing is thought-probing and has a lot of brains and heart. The humour is gentle but very subtly witty and funny, while there is a poignancy (without being too sentimental) and tension. Enough of the episode has some creepy suspense, intriguing mystery, inventive sci-fi, affectionate nostalgia and a few tear-jerking moments (including a beautifully played crucial scene with Winona Ryder). The characters are still interesting and Finn Woolfhard and Millie Bobby Brown are still excellent. Ryder is a big improvement here and is poignant.

However, tonally "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street" isn't always focused. The tone shifts weren't as seamless or as skillfully balanced this time and some of it is on the muddled side from feeling a bit too hectic in pace. Especially in the final third, where things get really awkward and excessively weird at the end.

Some of the dialogue isn't as good this time, though it's fine most of the time. Tending to sound awkward later on. The pace could have been more secure in spots, some of the latter parts are on the disorganised side.

In conclusion, good but not great. 7/10

Where Is All This Danger Coming From?

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 29 December 2016]

The first focus of this episode is the strange girl, eleven (el for short) who is being hidden by the boys. She is obviously in danger, but the boys are afraid of the most basic things, like getting caught. It is revealed that this person, whatever she is, had telekinetic powers. She also can't seem to tell them anything that helps. It does appear that she knows who Will is. The search continues for the boy. Meanwhile, as Will's mother goes bonkers from worry, Will's brother keeps trying to figure things out. He even pays a visit to his father, but it is fruitless. Meanwhile, Nancy Wheeler is a focus. She is the older sister of one of the boys, and she is wanting to put a little bad in her life (she is a serious straight A student and a goody two shoes). She is at a party at the conclusion of the episode when things heat up (for her personally and for the whole thing). It also seems that Will's house is haunted by something.

A notch down relative to pilot, though still very good

[ahmadmobeenqazi · 8/10 · 21 July 2016]

The spoiler free review follows...

In the second episode of Stranger Things, the added 10 minutes over the pilot run are efficiently utilized, resulting in a little more back story on our characters, while our kid protagonists make an important discovery in the woods. However, not everything is okay, as a scene near the end involving a camera and a house party becomes excruciatingly awkward to watch.

Winona Ryder steals the spotlight, while Natalia Dyer (Nancy), Shannon Purser (Barbara) and David Harbour (Jim Hopper) give assured and confident performances. The score and cinematography remain awesome, resulting in another grossing chapter, albeit down a notch from the pilot.

I think I can safely say that miniseries like these benefit a lot from singular directorial work throughout, as it helps the series evolve more naturally and coherently, making it feel as if you are watching an extended movie rather than separate episodes. (Also, of course, the concurrent availability of following chapters helped the case substantially.)

The scenes involving the children are the most engrossing, with a natural chemistry between all of them. Winona Ryder as the mother in mourning absolutely excels, as mentioned above, and her scenes with Charlie Heaton (Jonathan) are raw and tear-jerking.

Verdict: 8/10 with the camera scene undermining the rest of the positive work a bit. The episode ends with one hell of a cliffhanger, though, and you'll be streaming episode 3 in a heartbeat.

A perfect continuation of the pilot episode and remains consistent throughout

[gavin-thelordofthefu-48-460297 · 9/10 · 25 February 2018]

Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street is a solid second episode of the first season. It continues where the pilot episode left off and remains consistent throughout. My only quibble is that the house party where Nancy and Jonathan go to felt a bit too awkward for my tastes, but that's doesn't matter because the rest of the episode retains the same stuff that made the first episode a great start.

The story is still intriguing with a raw and tear-jerking scene with Winona Ryder and Charlie Heaton. There's also a little more back story for the other characters aside from Joyce and Jonathan. The kid protagonists Mike, Dustin and Lucas share their chemistry that feels natural thanks to Wolfhard Matarazzo and Mclaughlin's solid performances. Natalia Dyer, Shannon Purser (who played Barbara in the first episode) and David Harbour continue to deliver excellent performances and Millie Bobby Brown continues to excel as Eleven in a very well-written flashback revolving around her character. The cinematography is still gorgeous with a brilliantly lit atmosphere it retained from the first episode and the music score is still impressive, continuing to compliment the 1980s decade and setting perfectly.

Overall, a solid second episode of the first season and remains as consistent as Chapter One. Thumbs up from me. :)

Searching For Will

[vivianla · 24 August 2020]

Nancy's brother is so hospitable and kind - he gives Eleven dry clothes. Eleven is about to take off her hospital gown t-shirt style but the three boys stop her. The boy leads her to the washroom but she wants to keep the door open slightly.

One of the other boys keep bringing up about her about to get naked. He makes a gesture that resembles her taking off her gown (which is hilarious) a couple times throughout the episode. The black boy is so straightforward and funny.

Will's mom is anxious about Will. The officer is much more calm.

Meanwhile Nancy is doing things out of peer pressure. Her brother knows what she is doing and makes little jabs like asking her what she was studying last night - human anatomy? Nancy's bf pressures her into going to his house party that is just for their small group.

The nice boy makes sure El has something to eat throughout the day and even skips out on school risking getting in trouble. He shows her his toys and she points out Will in a photograph.

Nancy lies to her parents saying she should be there for Will's assembly in the evening. She is really going by vehicle with her friend to Steve's. Nancy takes off her top and her friend asks if that is a new bra.

The officer is in bed with a nude woman, their clothes and underwear strewn all over the floor. He goes out for a smoke and tells the woman there hasn't been a murder since 1923.

At Steve's they drink beer out of the side of cans. They jump in the pool with their clothes on while Nancy's friend is in the bathroom. They go inside and Steve gives Nancy dry clothes. He stays in the room and Nancy asks about privacy. Will's brother can see from the window despite the blinds being shut and takes photos of the party. At last Nancy takes off her top and Steve stares at her in her bra saying wow. They make out and Steve puts his hand on the small of her back. I like her bra and black pants.

Episode 102: The Weirdo on Maple Street

[raven8000-794-597613 · 8/10 · 13 September 2016]

Toned down slightly from the opener but never short of surprises. The biggest comes right at the end following a pool party. I wasn't bothered about the character involved, having made little impression so far but the moment is still a shocking end to the show. The scene of the show for me however is down to Joyce who receives another phone call, this one with more of a reason to get hysterical which she does fantastically. Her character is blossoming now and she just makes all the crazy stuff going on feel real. After the phone call some lights flicker and the boom box turns itself on in the bedroom. This leads to a shocking discovery sending her fleeing her home. This segment was done brilliantly and the tension was unbearable. This should have closed the episode since it happened to a dominant character rather than a secondary one.

Outside of these events the kids set about keeping Elle a secret from their parents with her and Mike sharing some nice scenes together in an otherwise darker episode. Lucas freaks out later on and is ready to give her up but is stopped in his tracks with another show of what Elle can do. She later goes on to reveal she knows where Will is. But what she reveals actually seems quite terrifying. For all their good intentions I don't think the boys have a clue what they are heading in to. The dynamic between all 4 is great and the reactions from the boys especially during an "undressing" spot is hilarious.

Elsewhere Hopper continues his investigation, finding his fallen friend in the diner and learning of the girl who was there. He later finds a strip of her gown and the scary as hell place she came from. If the forest wasn't spooky enough, this place will get you going.

Jonathan also goes on a little side journey of his own to find Will when he comes face to face with easily my least favourite character thus far. He really is in a world of his own and I don't expect any cooperation as the series continues.

A fun light episode that turned very dark, it's left me wanting more but I do hope there are some light hearted scenes thrown in along the way. Strong follow up to the opener and this world is now really coming alive.

The plot (slowly) thickens

[Fluke_Skywalker · 8/10 · 1 October 2016]

Plot; As the search for Will continues, the boys come upon a mysterious young girl who may ultimately be the key to finding him.

Solid follow up pulls back the curtain a bit more, introducing us (properly) to Eleven (or El, as the boys call her). Not much is really known about her at this point, but it's clear that she's the McGuffin and is going to be the straw that stirs the drink moving forward.

Other characters are fleshed out a bit more while still fitting into the story itself, particularly Sheriff Hopper (a wonderful David Harbour) and Johnathon Byers, older brother of the missing Will. I am curious to see how Nancy Wheeler, the older sister of one of the boys, fits into all of this. They've dedicated a large chunk of the first two episodes to her, but as of now she really doesn't have an obvious connection to the larger plot (though an event from the last few minutes of this episode may serve to pull her in).

It's Not Nice To Call Someone A Weirdo!

[mmoon-23763 · 10/10 · 15 August 2019]

Episode 2 continues the story, still moving a little slowly, we do get a glimpse into the background of Eleven, and some explanation of why she is how she is. Mike shows how he is the leader of the boy's party and expands into his role of Eleven's protector.

Hopper is now taking very seriously the disappearance of Will, although he still has no clue as to what is really going on. The laid-back, uncaring Hopper of episode 1, is getting pushed farther into the background.

Nancy convinces Barb to go to a party at Steve's house, and Barb ends up disappearing somehow.

The Weirdo on Maple Street

[jasperan · 8/10 · 14 September 2018]

Very interesting how Nancy is transforming despite everything that surrounds her, and she doesn't notice anything because of her being naive. Reminds me being 17.

Becoming a teenage series?

[CursedChico · 8/10 · 19 December 2020]

Becoming a teenage series?

But mystery still attracts me.

Things are heating up

[tenshi_ippikiookami · 7/10 · 11 December 2016]

Chapter Two of "Stranger Things" is closer to what the creators of the show probably intended than the first episode ever was.

It starts with the pace. It is better, faster, more things happen, and it offers more mystery and a better atmosphere than the start of the series.

It continues with the depiction of the 80s, way more lively and realistic than in the first episode, in which all looked like someone trying to copy the 80s style of movies and TV series and failing, all a little bit fake.

The acting also helps, even though sometimes it is a little bit on the primary school play. It is more assured than in the first episode, all actors more comfortable in their roles. It helps that the plot gives its characters something to do.

Talking about the plot. It is still a little bit as if a group of friends had decided to get together and throw all the typical and topical ideas from the 80s in a hat and then decided to pick some of them up randomly and make a story out of that thin thread. We continue with the developing of the 'mysterious' Eleven's story-line, and also with Will's search. For like a couple of seconds we can enjoy again Modine's super-white hair. All of it is quite basic and seen a hundred of times before. The actors delivery of the dialogue is what glues the story for now.

Better direction, good quality production also adds to a second episode which seems to show that the series knows a little bit where it is heading. Let's see if they keep that way.

Still Pretty Good

[danajs24 · 8/10 · 13 September 2016]

Well that boyfriend is definitely going to hit it and quit it. There's no good way that's going to turn out. Also I know they're trying to foreshadow a relationship between Will's brother and Nance, but the whole taking pictures of their party thing is kind of a deal breaker for me signing off on it. Creep. I also can't believe Barb would even go to that party as a 5th wheel? She's a hell of a friend for going. Too bad she's probably eaten. She looked like Nance's friend the student teacher anyways. I am really starting to like the sheriff. He stood out in the first episode, and his past adds a depth to him that I don't see in any of the other characters. Winona Ryder's character is getting a bit annoying, but that's to be expected I suppose, she did lose a kid.

Not bad, but doesn't hold a candle to the pilot

[Mr-Fusion · 6/10 · 26 October 2016]

'The Weirdo on Maple Street teases supernatural powers for Eleven as well as a "Cloverfield"-like monster, while the search for Will continues, and Mike's sister is taking a crash course in experimenting with adulthood. Despite all that's happening, this is a low-key episode; not as exciting as the pilot, but more interested in laying groundwork for the larger story. I can respect that, and the mood is kept consistently dark.

It's Winona Ryder that steals this episode, being tortured by the sounds of Will's breathing on the phone and a house that's evidently possessed. But she's playing the hell out of a thankless role, and she's a fount of unnerving tension.

6/10

Is a monster due on Maple Street?

[BA_Harrison · 3 August 2016]

The Duffer Brothers' homage to '80s sci-fi/fantasy continues with teenage geek Mike (Finn Wolfhard) sneaking runaway mystery girl Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) into his home, where he tries to work out who she is, and what her connection is to missing school friend Will. Meanwhile, Mike's older sister Nancy (Natalia Dyer) is out partying with boyfriend Steve (which will undoubtedly put her in some kind of mortal danger for the next episode), Will's mother Joyce tries to make contact with her son via the telephone, and the 'bad people', led by Dr. Martin Brenner (Matthew Modine) continue their hunt for Eleven.

Although the story isn't progressed all that much in this second episode, the likable characters ensure that the time passes quickly, with all involved putting in sterling performances. The references to Spielberg movies continue, with nods to ET (sinister scientists, Eleven hiding in a closet) and a Jaws poster adorning a bedroom wall, while fantasy fans might make a connection with the title of this episode and a classic tale from Season One of The Twilight Zone.

It's the last straw for Miss Nancy Wheeler

[landryhpritchett · 10/10 · 28 March 2018]

Poor Barb. She was so mistreated and is now probably dead.

Our lovable bald girl now has a name. Eleven, El for sort, obviously is gonna be a favorite this season as she stands up to the boys using her mind powers to slam the door on there faces.

Hopper is still trying to unveil the mystery as to were Will is but it looks like the kids are finding out more than her is.

Joyce is officially off her rockers, Jonathan is officially a creep. It must just be a bad time for the Byers right now. (Try saying that five times fast)

Yet another person has being taken by the Stranger Thing as Nancy shows she doesn't care by doing dirty with a boy she probably just met a week ago. I hope Barb is okay. Sucks to be her right now.

Will, as we know, could still be alive. Everyone's trying to find him. Literally everyone! They should just rename the show: Finding Will.

My rate is ten stars. The show gives of another thrilling episode as we dig deeper into the mystery of where Will is and what the Stranger Thing is. Who knows?

One of the best TV shows I have ever seen, so far

[funnycommentor · 9/10 · 5 July 2022]

The plot of the 2nd episode was very interesting and intense, just like the 1st episode. The storyline is well-written. The characters keep getting better and better. Mike, he's very interesting and very likeable. Lucas, doesn't seems a very interesting character and he's kinda annoying. Dustin, he's so funny. Will, didn't had much screening time, but he seems very kind. Eleven, she's WOW. I really like the flashbacks, they're very informative. I still think that the script of the TV show, is very innovative. The cinematography, was fantastic. It's not a very violent TV show, nor scary. However, there were some unexpected kills and some jumpscares (but, not very scary).

Not as fantastic as the pilot but still really good

[RAMALAX · 8/10 · 23 November 2019]

This was the only episode where the pacing was not top notch. But we need to have build up somewhere so I get it.

Maple Street

[IcyTones · 10/10 · 14 December 2019]

There's something Weird & wonderful about Maple Street. It's the street where Stranger Things happen and a weird looking girl appears from nowhere. It's the street where 'The Twilight Zone Monsters Are Due'. Maple Street is a symbolic prop that describes 'small town suburbia' & 'village mentality'.

This Episode is one of the funniest in the Season. Here we are introduced to other characters in the plot. The Boys are constantly mocking, ridiculing & teasing each other. They find the weird looking girl, lurking in the woods, bring her home & interrogate her.

The acting in this episode is superb and on form.

Teenage Wasteland

[amongpixels · 8/10 · 7 June 2022]

The characters finding more clues is engaging, the child performances are incredibly natural (to the degree that you forget how rare child performances of this calibre are), there are some great scares (particularly the light sequence with Joyce, which was akin to Freddy appearing from within the wall in the original 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'), and the final act is particularly strong at creating a realistic depiction of teenagers having fun but also being rather selfish and ignorant. They all have their own distinctive faults and positives (except Tommy and Carol, they're just total numbskulls), and that bittersweet mix makes them feel real. The pacing and narrative drive certainly isn't as strong as its predecessor but overall it is a well-directed, solid continuation of the story.

SOO MUCH CLUE & HINT. 55 Mins feels like 30 mins.

[ououzaza · 8/10 · 9 September 2019]

Really. This episode ended really fast. 55 mins feels like 30mins. i am chilling. agagin, this episode drop so much clue & hint for the next few episodes. and those clue & hint are very interesting. It's look like all the story will collide together. so much fun watching this serie.

Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street (#1.2)

[ComedyFan2010 · 7/10 · 18 May 2019]

Winona Ryder did a great job in this episode. Her on the phone was a brilliant performance. And the scene that shocked me the most was the one when she gets into Will's room and something starts coming out of the wall. So what happened when she went back? Barb's final scene also added to the show. I guess my main problem to get into the show is that kids are the main characters and I am not very impressed by them Dustin looks funny but this is it.

My opinion

[ahmuuuu · 8/10 · 28 June 2019]

Good episode I am waiting the other episodes It is very good to be serious I love you so much

"Promise"

[juanmaffeo · 7/10 · 3 September 2016]

A bit of a downfall from the excellent pilot, you can see that this is an 'matching plots' episode. There's less substance but it's enjoyable nevertheless.

Although it's a lesser episode than the previous one, it does have better individual scenes. We get too ridiculously tender scenes: one with Mike and El on the sofa and another with Jonathan and Will listening to The Clash. And then we get a tremendously powerful scene about an El's flashback from the lab. Millie Bobbie Brown gives a mouthdropping performance on this episode, as well as Winona Ryder which shines in a scene involving Will trying to communicate with her. That being said, she's still being a little to over the top.

Moving on to the negatives, this episode is filled with clichéd moments. The ones you saw on the pilot get worse here. We get some cheesy lines ("this isn't you"), more stereotypical characters (shitty father), but the worst thing about the episode is that it propels very little the plot. I still don't think that Nancy's story line has anything to do with the rest of the show. I mean, in the end they made the monster take Barb, but that's no way to connect the stories. And also the tone is kind of all over the place. On the pilot we got a fun tone with a darker one underneath but here it's not fun or dark. I mean, when the monster appears on the Byers' house it does ring weird. It wasn't set up or even hinted in the whole episode.

Overall, an enjoyable filler but an inferior to the pilot.

JUST MY OPINION

[amirbpoper-75624 · 16 September 2019]

I'm not a critic and I'm not here to tell people the mistakes of this episode , i just want to help them understand how much this episode worthes , and i think this episode worthes 8.8

Excellent

[Joshumms · 9/10 · 28 March 2022]

Not on the same level as the first episode but still really really good. I feel like the characters were a little less balanced in this episode but still it was excellent.