5 Reasons ‘Stranger Things’ is Great

It knows the value of great characters

Let’s just get this out of the way: Dustin is the best character on “Stranger Things.” Also known as “Toothless,” the character is played with adorable charm by young actor Gaten Matarazzo. He starts off as the “Chunk” of the group, the comic relief, but reveals himself to be the brains of his friends.

Then again, maybe Eleven’s the best. She has some great mystery to her, cool powers and Millie Bobby Brown really brings a lot of intensity and straight-up badassery to the role, E.T. by way of Furiosa. But then you also have Winona Ryder as Joyce, who starts as a frazzled mother unable to cope with an emergency but turns into a capable hero willing to go to the depths of hell for her son. You could also make a case for Hopper. His detective work basically consists of punching people and cutting holes into gates, but David Harbour imbues him with just enough wit and grief to make him compelling. There’s also Steve, who might look like the love child of Robert Pattinson and “Park’s and Rec’s” Jean Ralphio, but who gets a welcome heroic turn at the end. Some people have even called Barb the show’s best character, even though she’s only around for barely more than two episodes.

The point is, one of “Stranger Things'” strongest assets is its roster of characters. No one is left without something to do, and the show continually finds new ways to pair them up and let everyone have their heroic moment. The core group of kids, for instance, is fantastic; the closest thing to “The Goonies” this generation will likely get. Not only does each kid get a moment to shine, but their chemistry is so genuine, especially in the Dungeons and Dragons scenes.

Being an eight-episode show instead of a 90-minute movie gives “Stranger Things” the opportunity to really let the characters breathe, and thankfully the show took the opportunity (instead of getting mired in mythology). Dustin had the chance to lead his friends, Eleven saved the day on several occasions, we learned about Hopper’s family tragedy without sacrificing his heroics or humor. And by the time everyone came together at the end of episode six, we understood the stakes, cared about what happened and knew exactly what role they would play in the finale.