"Stranger Things 2" (2017) is the second season that serves as a sequel for "Stranger Things" (2016). The season continues the story of Eleven, actually named Jane, (Millie Bobby Brown) as she discovers the potential of her powers and her past. The gang is also back with Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) and Will (Noah Schnapp) trying to assimilate the strange events that took place last season and the arrival of newcomer Max (Sadie Sink). Mike's older sister, Nancy (Natalia Dyer), also struggles to cope with last season's traumatic events alongside Steve (Joe Keery) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), Will's older brother.

The story that was started last season evolves and grows organically during season 2. The protagonists grow as characters as they are faced with new challenges and old mysteries. With a number of different story arcs, most of the characters' range of emotions, aspirations and personalities are deepened in interesting new ways (Including a love triangle or two). During season 2 some characters enter new relationships and dynamics that were not seen during season 1, allowing for some tense, adorable, and funny memorable moments. Moreover the series' mythology is expanded, building on some aspects from the past, while bringing new demons to haunt Hawkins (Like the Big Bad). However some questions are left unanswered or unaddressed, perhaps to be dealt with during future seasons (Yes, the story allows itself to be built upon by the end). Also some issues that arise during the story are ignored completely (Especially Eleven's disdain for a specific character or the consequences of some of Dustin's decisions). Nevertheless these minor details do not detract from the experience of the story.

As with last season, season 2 continues to execute the story with undeniable style and 1980's groove. With a noticeable increase on budget, the results are clearly evident. The visual effects have improved, and allow for a complexity and richness that was not possible for a debuting series. That 1980's atmosphere was visible with a myriad references and easter eggs (From posters on the wall to E.T memorabilia) to electronics, clothing and hairstyles, the setting felt real and helped me immerse into the story. Also noteworthy is the score. Besides the expected popular 1980's music used (A bit of everything from Bon Jovi to Sting and the Police to Metallica) the soundtrack produced by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein sets a great tone and serves the story well. Overall nostalgia is served and those who appreciated that aesthetic last time around will not be disappointed.

Viewers from last season will know that great acting is not a stranger to the series, despite the so far short career of most of the protagonists. Eleven stands out as the character faces a wide range of struggles that demand a different set of emotions (From boredom to outrage to joy) Millie Bobby brown seems to always understand and be in command of her character with an expertise that would appear beyond her years. The character has grown and the actress with her. David Harbour as bad-ass Jim Hopper delivers another great performance as his character evolves into a somewhat different role from last season's (As he becomes close to a certain protagonist) and avoids a few devious traps his performance could have fallen into. In general the ensemble of quirky and nerdy kids delivers another stellar performance and sets the bar for future standards for child acting.

"Stranger Things 2" delivers some great enjoyable moments and proves to be a story with spirit and emotion that allows its characters to grow while expanding on the mythology without giving it all away. Unanswered questions and inconsequential characters do not detract from a well executed story and an entertaining and captivating experience. Stranger Things retains its superior place amongst Netflix and Television Royalty.