The new animated ‘Stranger Things: Tales of 85’ brings a fresh take to the original series

By Danielle Cherry

“Stranger Things: Tales of 85” drops fans right back into Hawkins, slotting in right between seasons two and three of the original series. Following the main cast, “Tales of 85” expands on what happens right after Eleven closes the Hawkins lab gate. 

Initially, I was skeptical about how this project would pan out. “Stranger Things” season five was such a hit among fans and it seemed like “Tales of 85” was only going to be a cash grab to recapture that attention. Thankfully I was wrong, as the new animated series not only brings more depth to the characters, but gives us more insight into the mystery of the Upside Down. 

It is only right that this new series would introduce new monsters—except this time they originate from the real world. These creatures have adapted to the earth’s environment, taking on the form of plant life, creating a new kind of eerie. 

While it is rated PG, I would never let my 12 year old watch this series. The same thrill and fear that comes from the original series continues with the new one. I hate to say it, but I was curled up in fear as plant Demogorgons chased after El and her friends. 

The animation for this project is outstanding, capturing a realistic yet artistic recreation of the characters. There is great care put into making the animated characters look like their real life counterparts, even down to Steve Harrington’s voluminous hair. 

The most impressive aspect of the animation is the cinematography behind it. The Duffer’s clearly have a vision to keep with the original filming style of the show—and the animation team delivers. With sweeping aerial shots and epic slow motion freeze frames, the scale of the animation is grand, having the distinct feel of a Christopher Nolan project. 

It’s truly impressive what they do with the animation, as iconic frames are recreated and unique camera panning make the project style feel realistic rather than animated. I have never seen animation done in the style that “Tales of 85” takes on, and I have to say, it truly stands out. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good “Stranger Things” story, but coming off of season five I was a bit traumatized by what took place. “Tales of 85” is deeply refreshing, with a story that not only connects to the seasons it fits between, but also creates more lore around the Upside Down. 

One of the most unique features is the viewer experience. Fans coming to this series likely have completed the original “Stranger Things” series and are itching for something more. That background knowledge makes this show oddly cathartic to see new stories develop from these characters when they were younger. 

Regardless, new characters like Nikki Baxter (Odessa A’zion) draw out new sides of the original cast, especially Will. Nikki is your classic punk-rock obsessed middle schooler, right down to the flaming pink hair and overabundance of chains. 

Now, her and Will have basically nothing in common, except being called freaks. Nikki’s nonchalant attitude towards the name calling stirs up confidence in Will, something viewers don’t get to see until season five of the original series. 

In moments like this, the character development feels a bit off where this new project slots into the old one. Will gains confidence, El’s control of her powers is insane and Lucas and Max’s relationship sparks way too early. 

While these character development choices fit well within the “Tales of 85” plot, they feel out of place in the bigger narrative. It is amazing to see these characters grow in such a short span of time, but this fast tracked development takes away from the slow and steady pace of the original series. 

With new voice actors, it was a bit shaky on whether the characters would really be the same, but the new cast do an excellent job sticking to the vocal mannerisms of the original cast. While the different voices are slightly offputting, it doesn’t take away from enjoyment of the show. 

This show is everything nostalgic, right down to the original intro music playing—but with a twist. Like the show, the new intro music pulls from the old, but puts its own unique spin, pulling in fun electric guitar moments that actually made me dance. 

The music, the characters, the plot, everything about this project is lovingly put together. Seeing the world of Hawkins in a new light is incredibly refreshing and only makes me more curious about what the crew will have to do to save their town once again. 

As a second season of “Tales of 85” has already been announced, I’m left with this eerie feeling: what if my plants are actually Demogorgons?

“Stranger Things: Tales of 85” is currently streaming on Netflix 

Danielle Cherry is a sophomore communication major and writer for Cedars A&E and Sports. She is a Missionary Kid from Germany and has become obsessed with the “Tales of 85” intro music—she wasn’t kidding about the dancing. 

Images courtesy of Netflix Animation and 21 Laps Entertainment