‘Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’ Review: Animated Spinoff Is Cynical
The latest addition to the “Stranger Things” universe comes in the form of an animated spinoff series titled “Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85.” This new show deviates from the typical spinoff formula by revisiting the same story and characters from the original series, but in an animated format. The decision to go animated serves as a clear signal that this is a separate entity from the live-action show that concluded its run on Netflix earlier this year.
Unlike most spinoffs that explore new directions or characters within the established universe, “Tales From ‘85” takes viewers back to the familiar town of Hawkins, Indiana, and follows the same group of characters as they face another interdimensional threat from the Upside Down. The primary difference lies in the fact that this animated version allows the characters to remain perpetually young, avoiding the issue of aging actors that often plagues serialized stories centered around children.
Set between the events of “Stranger Things” Seasons 2 and 3, “Tales From ‘85” delves into the untold storylines that occurred during this period, before the major events of the subsequent seasons. While the plot remains largely familiar, with the group of friends banding together to battle supernatural forces while adults remain oblivious, the animated format gives the creators the freedom to explore new visual styles and storytelling techniques.
The addition of a new character, Nikki, adds an interesting dynamic to the group, serving as a precursor to the beloved character Robin introduced in later seasons. Nikki’s role as a punk outsider who encourages individuality in Will adds a fresh perspective to the group dynamics. However, the transient nature of these characters, who are unlikely to appear in future seasons, raises questions about their long-term impact on the overall narrative.
One of the most significant aspects of “Tales From ‘85” is its departure from traditional nostalgia by delving into nostalgia for nostalgia itself. The series creates a recursive loop of homage to ‘80s pop culture within a show that is already steeped in nostalgia. This self-referential approach adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling, blurring the lines between past and present in a way that is both intriguing and unsettling.
As the animated spinoff continues to explore the world of “Stranger Things,” it offers a fresh perspective on familiar characters and storylines. The decision to take the series in a new direction through animation opens up exciting possibilities for future storytelling within the franchise. All eight episodes of “Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85” are now available for streaming on Netflix, inviting fans to immerse themselves in a different yet familiar version of the beloved series.
