I, like most people, enjoy shows the most when they have a combination of certain elements; quality acting, a topic of interest to me, a fitting soundtrack, proper character development, etc. Above all of those qualities though, sits the most important aspect of a television series or movie - the ability to draw emotional involvement from the viewer. A select few have had the capacity to foster the bittersweet happiness that comes from finishing something you've been so invested in. It's an odd thing when something can evoke sadness - and yet a sadness you don't wish to push away, but to wallow in, if at least for a little while. Stranger Things has met that mark.

A particularly interesting part of this series is the journey of maturation the child actors are partaking in. It goes without saying that Millie Bobby Brown is a shooting star in the acting world and is far from her zenith. The rest of the party performs laudably, and seeing them get their big break is a fun thing to behold.

David Harbour complements Millie's performance with a terrific effort as Chief Jim Hopper. Both excel in portraying the qualities which define what it is to be human; the idiosyncrasies, the varied nature of our individual capabilities, and the ways in which we cope with these strengths and weaknesses.

The plot of the show, while not bad, fails to live up to the far-reaching standards of the other aspects. Especially in Season Three, it seems a struggle to find ways to continue the plot; sometimes resulting in contrived and lackluster turns. Despite these shortcomings, this show remains a phenomenon which I'm happy to have experienced.