All the strange things in Stranger Things aren't that strange, but it's the mix that makes the quick-to-fame Netflix series so great. Season two is planned to come out in spring of 2017, and it's highly anticipated. Here are all the reasons that the show made our hearts skip a beat, and almost jump out of our chests.
1. The innocence and nerdy-ness of the boys.
What isn't there to love about an underdog? The idea of four inseparable friends who love Dungeons and Dragons, get harassed by the bullies of the school, and go on a hunt to save their friend without even thinking of the consequences create a great central theme. They also hint at all coming from diverse backgrounds, but we only see the differences of Will Byer's and Mike Wheeler's lives in season one.
2. The cop taking the side of the crazy lady.
It's not often that the police force or any government officials get on the side of the person making ridiculous claims until the very end, when there isn't much to do about the situation. Jim Hopper previously lost a child which makes it even more sensitive for him to investigate. He pulls on our heartstrings almost every episode. Plus, Winona Ryder is perfect for this role.
3. Nancy Wheeler half falling for Jonathon but staying with Steve... for now.
Steve wasn't a total jerk. Okay, so he kind of was. But he made a comeback when he helped Nancy and Jonathon out. It would be super cliche for her to fall right into the arms of Jonathon, the outcast who she only paid attention to at first because her brother was friends with his brother, and his brother was.. you know, in the upside down. It leaves us on the edge of out seat for season two wondering when Nancy will finally make a move.
4. The fact that no one even paid attention to Barb, which drove us crazy.
We have no idea what's actually going on with Barb, which is one of the mysteries that we can only hope will be solved in the next season. Is she alive? Are we getting justice for Barb? Will she ever return from the Upside Down? Do her parents even know that she is gone?
5. The evil scientist using his own daughter as an experiment.
Another situation that tugs on our heartstrings. This could also lead into a backstory about the relationship between Dr. Brenner and Eleven's mother. It thickens the plot immensely, because Eleven will always feel the need to impress and please her father, even though his only concern for her safety is that she doesn't die. If she did, who else would they experiment on?
6. Eleven's transformation into a "real" girl.
Before this point in time, Eleven was just Eleven. She was an experiment. Her gender didn't matter. Suddenly, in the real world, she has to look a certain way not to be exposed. More than that... she likes it. For the first time in her life, she gets to be feminine, and she gets to be herself. The biggest pro? She can have as many Eggos as she wants.
7. Will Byers talking from the other side.
Probably the coolest thing about the show. Will tried relentlessly to talk to his mother and brother, which made his mother look absolutely insane by hanging lights up all around her house, putting holes in the walls, not to mention all the explosive phones. Regardless, we got to follow Will throughout the series without even seeing him.
8. Mike's crush on Eleven.
That's precious. He looks out for Eleven, she breaks a kid's arm for him and saves him from jumping off a cliff... That's usually how all middle school romances start out, right? At least they do in Hawkins.
9. That it's based in the 1980s.
It would've been easy to base this in modern day. It was much more fun, though, to watch how the scenes play out with a lack of technology. Setting the show back gives off a vibe of a much simpler time, which contrasts from the constant chaos that all the characters are going through. Everyone was just a walkie-talkie call away.
10. The theme song music.
It wasn't a spasm. That theme song is one that we bump to.
11. Eleven's selflessness.
Why wouldn't number eleven be about Eleven? El is one of the most dynamic characters in the show, and that's why we love her the most. She so obviously wants the love and acceptance of her "papa," so she was willing to take a step onto the dark side. When she encounters Mike and his crew, everything changes and she gives up everything she's ever known. At the end of season one, she makes the sacrifice of once again leaving the environment she's comfortable in an attempt to save her newfound friends -- the only ones she has ever had.
