With the fifth season of Stranger Things concluding on Netflix at the turn of the new year, it seemed only natural to let this larger narrative and its ensemble of characters rest. Whether this created space for a new narrative in a different part of the Stranger Things mythos or Netflix simply moved on from the supernatural saga isn’t particularly relevant, as it was evident the young adult cast could no longer convincingly pass as children. For this very reason, the decision to expand the already somewhat tight narrative parameters with an animated series felt a bit unusual, and perhaps even out of place.
Yet, here we are, as Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is set to arrive on Netflix. Set, as expected, in 1985, this is a spin-off story that follows Eleven, Mike, Dustin, and the rest of the gang as they strive to save Hawkins from yet another world-ending disaster. So, we’ve been here before, haven’t we? Well, yes. You can perhaps imagine my surprise after watching the initial episodes of this rather complete season of animated television to discover that Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 is a charismatic and entertaining series that doesn’t feel like a complete waste of production space and power. But does the grand season hold up?
Let’s not beat around the bush, Tales from ’85 doesn’t exactly rewrite the Stranger Things book. The core dynamic of the live-action show is still very much in play, even as it explores the paradigm a few years prior to the events of the latest season. Eleven is trying to find her place in society while keeping her powers a secret, Mike, Dustin, Will, Max, and Lucas are the lovable band of nerds who find themselves at the center of the Stranger Things universe, Steve is struggling to forget Nancy while ruining any chance of romance, and Hopper is the local sheriff tasked with keeping this group of eccentric misfits safe. Essentially, the only element of this series that is even remotely different from what we expect from Stranger Things is Nikki, a new kid in town who finds herself caught up in the chaos by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Again, don’t expect to be surprised by what’s in store in this series, though it does raise more questions than answers regarding how these new elements fit into the larger, complete storyline.
You might say this is an overwhelming critique, but in practice, it’s not a huge issue since this core narrative framework has worked and continues to work effectively. The balance between the social dynamics of an enviable group and the larger supernatural mystery makes for a fantastic duo that makes each episode a joy to watch. And thanks to a decade of seeing how the actors breathed life into the characters in action and created a setting that reflects reality, these animated versions are accurate and charismatic, and it’s a pleasure to spend time with them. The characters also better reflect the age they are intended to be, which is a nice bonus.
While you might get a brief glimpse of Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 and assume the series is geared towards a younger audience, that’s not quite accurate in practice, as it simply feels like more Stranger Things, with a similar tone, use of humor, and homage to ’80s nostalgia. Yes, the art direction uses a style that fans of The Clone Wars and Star Wars would be familiar with, but unlike those alternatives, the use of color and the addition of animated details go a long way in making this series feel a bit more grandiose than what we tend to find in a galaxy far, far away.
Ultimately, we have to wonder if this show needed to exist. On that note, I’m a bit torn because as easy as it is to return to Hawkins and feel at home again, this series doesn’t really feel like it moves the larger narrative forward. It’s a similar frustration that Star Wars fans might feel with the focus on expanding a small fraction of the overall story in animated form. This series falls into the same trap, and that’s why it must be said that while it’s fun and easy entertainment to digest, it’s also not an appointment or a necessary watch. If you finished your Stranger Things journey in January, there’s no need to return for this animated project, though those desperate for more Stranger Things will glean enough enjoyment value to feel satisfied.