Illustrate this sub with an image of Mileven from the animated series. For example, Eleven resting her head on Mike's shoulder when they are both sitting together on the stairs of Hopper's cabin.
I had the following idea: We know that Nikki Baxter's family isn't in Hawkins anymore in season three. Let's assume they moved somewhere else by then. But on the other hand, they have reason to be very grateful to Eleven. What if Eleven, after fleeing the military, simply sought refuge in their house (it would have been easy for her to find out where they lived thanks to her powers)? If we also assume Anna and Nikki returned to their old life of constantly moving from place to place, that's the kind of life that suits a fugitive. Add to that the fact that Anna Baxter wouldn't have any problem homeschooling Eleven until she comes of age. What do you think?
One criticism being leveled at this new series is that it's not canon or that it's incompatible with canon. My stance is: SCREW CANON. To begin with, although the situation in which the characters are left at the end of the series is certainly hardly compatible with season 3, on the other hand, this new series fits in much better with the first two seasons than season 3, which simply throws out the window all the character development from the first two seasons. I don't know what will happen in the future, or if there will be new seasons, but if anyone working on the show reads Reddit, I'd say him or her: ignore the canon and let your story run its natural course. It's not the first time something like this has been done. The funniest example I know is "The Real Ghostbusters," which justified the divergence by having the movie appear within the animated series and implying that they had taken a lot of liberties with what really happened. The characters, who in season 5 only caused me boredom and indifference (with the exception of Mike and El) are once again endearing to me.
I loved seeing El as an essential part of the group (and not isolated from the others as in the fifth season), seeing the group interacting again (something we lost in the third season), seeing everyone going out of their way to protect El (even Steve, who barely knows her), once again contrasting with the indifference they show towards her in the fifth season (except for Mike).
Will, whom I found unbearable in the previous three seasons, shines again. He's no longer the whiny, jealous crybaby of seasons 3, 4, and 5; he's back to being the brave kid who, despite being terrified, runs to grab his hunting rifle, loads it perfectly, and slings it over his shoulder, ready to unleash a blast of shot on the Demogorgon (had you forgotten that Will did that in the first season?). And above all, he is once again the loyal kid who in the second season is willing to die rather than allow the Mind Flayer to possess him completely and turn him into a mortal threat to his friends (because this is what closing the Gate would imply, Will dying). Eleven is once again shown not just as a walking superpower (because that's essentially what she was in season five) but as an independent and determined girl who has her own opinions and doesn't hesitate to make them clear to Mike (but, at the same time, she's willing to listen, and when Mike explains why he acted the way he did, she understands). And she doesn't just use her powers; she creatively uses her surroundings to her advantage when she fights. Hopper once again shows himself to be an understanding adoptive father who seeks El's well-being (see how he changes her curfew so she can play D&D) and does not treat her as a substitute for Sara. And so it goes with everyone.
In terms of writing quality, it far surpasses the fifth season (not that that was very difficult, admittedly). The story flows organically, plays well with anticipation and Chekov's guns, and doesn't constantly resort to tedious expository monologues that explain what's happening instead of showing it to us. As an example, notice how the conflict between Mike and El (which is essentially the same as between El and Hopper in season five) is resolved in two minutes instead of four episodes, without anything feeling forced or contrived. And above all, it's emotionally resonant. We connect with what we see on screen, something that doesn't happen in season five.
I really liked the animation. I would have preferred 2D animation, to give it a more 80s feel, but I have no problem with the chosen style, which doesn't try too hard to imitate the photorealistic Disney-Pixar style.
What is regrettable (and here I agree with the critics) is that, being aimed at a children's audience, it's not as good as it could be. Very enjoyable (I enjoyed it a lot) but ultimately nothing special. That said, it offers enough to get rid of the bad taste left in my mouth by the fifth season.
Regarding the shipping wars, I'll summarize quickly: lots of Mileven and very good, quite a bit of Lumax also quite good, no Jancy and a slight allusion to Stancy.
conclude: I encourage you to watch it and decide for yourselves whether you like it or not.
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