Season 1 was a very good, and at its best excellent, start to one of Netflix's better shows, was not expecting 'Stranger Things' to be a hit but it did turn out to be that. Although a couple of episodes weren't as strong as the others (two and six being the weakest), none of the eight episodes that made the season up were less than decent and the best of them were outstanding (especially the last two). So expectations were high for Season 2.
High expectations that generally were met. After re-watching all three seasons up to date after Season 3 aired, Season 2 went slightly down in my estimations but is still very much worth watching. "Chapter 1: Madmax" is not one of the best Season 2 episodes in my mind, but it is a solid start and sets up what is to come and introducing more chess pieces quite well. A lot of many fine things here, as well as a few things that could have been done a lot better.
Am going to start with listing those. The story this time round is rather slow moving and can be quite thin at times, feeling over-stretched. Meaning that there are moments of dull pacing in particularly the middle act where not an awful lot happens. Other episodes delivered more on the suspense and surprises, including the last two episodes of Season 1.
Character progression is definitely here and a good deal richer but the story doesn't as much. "Chapter 1: Madmax" actually doesn't have much that is catastrophically wrong, other episodes just had better and more consistent story and pace execution.
However, there are many things done very well to outstandingly. The production values are typically very stylish and atmospheric, with some beautiful and unsettling images. The music is suitably haunting and nostalgic and the direction does well in creating enough tension when needed when things get going in the final act and also some breathing space also when needed.
Despite occasional melodramatic and forced moments, the usual brains and heart quality is present in the writing with some welcome levity when needed. The story is at least coherent and while a long way from perfect in momentum it is not a tonal muddle, has some intrigue and some tension towards the end. The character writing advances a good deal all round and the characters don't bore or frustrate. The acting is very good, with the younger cast faring better than the older ones (found this in a lot of episodes of 'Stranger Things').
Overall, solid beginning to Season 2. 7/10.
