A chilling winter has descended upon Hawkins, Indiana, in 1985. But this isn't a continuation of the familiar story; it's a descent into a new kind of strange, revealed in the animated series,Tales From '85.
The ten-part series bridges the gap between seasons two and three, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved characters. A new voice cast breathes life into Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Eleven – Luca Diaz, Braxton Quinney, Elisha Williams, Benjamin Plessala, and Brooklyn Davey Norstedt, respectively.
Will Byers is still reeling from his harrowing journey to the Upside Down, a terrifying realm he barely escaped. Eleven’s closure of the gate at Hawkins Lab offered a fragile peace, leading the group to believe their supernatural encounters might be over.
For a fleeting moment, normalcy beckons. The kids focus on the simple joys of adolescence: navigating new friendships with Hawkins newcomer Nikki, exhilarating bike rides, and the immersive world of Dungeons & Dragons. It’s a return to the lighthearted vibes that initially captivated audiences.
But the quiet doesn’t last. Showrunner Eric Robles, tasked by the Duffer brothers, delved deep into the show’s lore and 1980s horror films to uncover how monsters could breach containment after the events of season two. The answer, he discovered, lay in a careful examination of the established rules.
Nikki, voiced by Odessa A’zion, serves as a unique entry point into this new narrative. She’s the outsider, much like the audience, experiencing the strange occurrences of Hawkins for the first time, and the group must explain the unbelievable truths they’ve come to know.
While the stakes may seem lower initially – knowing the ultimate fate of the core characters –Tales From '85offers a captivating exploration of the show’s enduring appeal. It’s a chance to revisit the fun, the friendships, and the unsettling mysteries that define the world ofStranger Things, with a thrilling new twist.
The series doesn’t just revisit familiar territory; it expands upon it, offering a unique and compelling chapter in the ongoing saga of Hawkins, Indiana, and the strange forces that lurk beneath the surface.
