Stranger Things Season 2 Review: 9 Ups And 3 Downs

5. Hopper And Eleven's Relationship

Stranger Things Hopper
Netflix

The first season ended on the cliffhanger of Detective Jim Hopper leaving out Eggos for Eleven, who does - obviously - return in Season 2. As theories correctly predicted, she returned not long after defeating the Demogorgon, and Hopper has been keeping her safe in a secret cabin in the woods. The show gives the duo a fair bit of time together in Season 2, most in its earlier episodes, and in there finds the strongest relationship of the series.

The parallels between Eleven and Sara, Hopper's child who died from cancer, were evident in the first season, and are clear to see again here. The relationship between Hopper and Eleven explores what it'd be like to have an angsty adolescent but with superpowers, and the show finds sweetness and bitterness alike in their pairing.

The way they angrily attack each other, both verbally or more physically on Eleven's end, are genuinely moving, but there's so much hilarity in there too: Eleven dressing up as a ghost is one of Season 2's many highlights.

It's funny, surprising, poignant, and one of the best parts of the season.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.