Based on the show’s track record, you may have been expecting the new season of Stranger Things to be jam-packed.
Instead, you’ll find a season that is well-paced and breathable, although a bit muddled at times. (You’re less likely to have to rewatch this season or a recap to keep up than with the previous seasons).
Whereas the previous seasons were very full-on— full on with the drama, and full on with the danger—the new season has shifted the focus, allowing the personal storylines to shine through while keeping viewers on edge thanks to the danger bubbling right below the surface. It helped that there was quite a bit of foreshadowing; we, the viewers, saw the threats and had to (im)patiently wait for the cast to realise what we already knew.