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
