First and foremost, Stranger Things is a very entertaining show. The acting, 80's references and a general lighthearted tone all mash to make a compelling show. The entire first season is about find Will Byers, a 12 year old boy that disappeared into the "Upside Down" a alternate dimension that corresponds with our world. After Will disappears, his friends find a girl (nicknamed Eleven) that says she knows where Will is. There are subplots that interlock with the story that are all interesting.

When I first heard about the show, the idea of a show built around child actor worried me a bit. Child actors, mostly, fall into two categories: genuine and disingenuous. Luckily the excellent direction from the Duffer Brothers and the performances from the kids fall into the former. 80's culture is perfectly ingrained into the story. There isn't too many, nor are they made the focal point of show. The film grain on the show is subtle enough to be noticeable to the audience, but again, is not too obvious. The music is mostly good, but it can be too electronic at times.

My problems with the show start with the demogorgon, a monster that lives in the Upside Down. **Minor spoilers** The demogorgon comes into real life through the wall in a sequence that feels like a bad sequel to The Last of Us. The build up for the creature is immense, but both the look and actions of the monster fall flat. Scenes like this lack real stakes, and this does not have much tension. **Major Spoilers** The last major scene has Eleven sacrifice herself to the demogorgon as she disappeared into the Upside Down. This was entirely forced and contrived. The series builds Eleven as essential to the puzzle that is the Upside Down, but this scene uses her as a plot device. It is your classic set up for another season that shies away from themes introduced through the entire season. It's a shame.

But those are just a few of my complaints. I doubt most people will have a problem with them. Overall though, it's just such a fun show to watch and I'm excited to see where it goes. Happy Bingeing!