Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/899902
maltatoday SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2017 This Week 43 matter the risk involved. A sophomore season for a show largely built on a pastiche-castle of pop culture references was al- ways going to be something of a challenge to pull off, and 'Stran- ger Things 2' – the title a riff on the VHS-friendly film franchises it draws from – does have some tempo-related and structural niggles to iron out which may leave something of an iffy after- taste. For starters, the narrative itself is made to fork into vari- ous paths – with Nancy (Nata- lia Dyer) and Jonathan going on their own quest to vindicate the death of Barb (Shannon Purser) from last season, on top of eve- rything else – so that we don't have the same clear emotional focus of the first season, where Mike had a more central role, and his affection for Eleven was established as the main build- up. And with Eleven lies the sec- ond snag of season two. Shoved into the margins and made to play out her journey of self-dis- covery in what feels like 'extra time' for the show, her segments often feel like they belong to – and deserve – a spin-off show of their own. The most egregious misstep here is a justifiably much-derided episode in which Eleven follows the trail to a Chi- cago-based gang of misfits... fun on the surface but tonally off. However, these turn out to be forgivable niggles for a show that continues to betray a love and understanding of the refer- ences that make it, and to zone in on just what makes it all tick. The turn towards horror is a logical step; it helps escalate events in a way that puts added pressure on the characters and it distinguishes this new season from the last. And despite the structural niggles, the hooks are planted well and good... but the best thing about it is that the human dimension is the one that really keeps you watch- ing. While Max and her Kiefer Sutherland-esque bully step- brother Billy (Dacre Montgom- ery) will need another season to become fully-fledged char- acters, the redemption arc of Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) is a joy to behold, and his budding mentorship of Dustin is one of the true highlights of the season. Although, the most powerful thing to hit this reviewer after sitting through a second sea- son of the show is the realisa- tion that the franchise is a bona fide interplay of contemporary mythology. The Duffer Broth- ers' bare-faced adoption of the mood, the tropes and even the characters of the '80s material they draw on makes you feel like you're participating in a ritual – a ritual of cultural mix and match, where your memories of the past are transmuted back into the present, refreshed in a guise just about new enough to justify its replay. Stranger Things 2 builds on the success factor of its pre- decessor thanks to a deft tonal shift. Cranking up the horror el- ements while still retaining the youthful adventure vibe of the first season, the Duffer Brothers lend an edgier, darker pall over their Netflix show that none- theless manages to retain the nostalgic pull that is such a key selling point of this hugely suc- cessful show. So while it's more Alien and Exorcist than Stand by Me or Goonies this time around, this is a show firmly on track to become a regular binge- watching ritual year in and year out, and has this year provided the perfect accompaniment to the scary season. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ PEOPLE ★ ★ ★ ★ ARE ★ ★ ★ STRANGE ★ ★ WHEN YOU'RE ★ STRANGER Environment & Resources Authority Hexagon House, Spencer Hill, Marsa. CAREER OPPORTUNITY The Environment & Resources Authority is seeking to employ specialized officers to join a growing team. Interested applicants must possess interpersonal, communication and time management skills and be able to work within a team Team Manager Business Development Jobs Plus Permit No.428/2017 This Authority is recruiting a Team Manager Business Development to support and manage the objectives of the Authority and provide strategic support to the Directorates of the Authority. The position requires a Bachelors Degree (MQF Level 6) or a Masters Degree (MQF Level 7) in one of the following: Business Management & Administration, Accountancy or comparable qualification as recognised by NCFHE and a minimum of five (5) years post graduate experience in a related field. Senior Officer Communications & Senior Officer PR & Communications Jobs Plus Permit No. 571/2017 (Communications) and 615/2017 (PR & Communications) This Authority is recruiting a Senior Officer Communications and a Senior Officer PR & Communications to assist in developing, implementing and monitoring communication strategies, plans, reports and raise awareness in line with the aims and objectives of the Authority. The positions require a Bachelors Degree (MQF Level 6) or a Masters Degree (MQF Level 7) in either Communications, Marketing or comparable qualification as recognized by the NCFHE and a minimum of three (3) years post graduate experience in Coordinating PR and Communication projects and activities. Senior Officer Legal Affairs Jobs Plus Permit No. 569/2017 This Authority is recruiting a Senior Officer Legal Affairs who will be responsible to supervise junior Lawyers and provide legal support to the Authority. The position requires a Graduate Degree [recognized by the NCFHE] in Law and a valid warrant to practice as an Advocate in the Courts of Malta and Gozo and a minimum of three (3) years post graduate relevant experience. Knowledge in Environment and EU Law will be considered as an asset. Assistant Environment Protection Officer Jobs Plus Permit No. 452/2017, 453/2017, 454/2017, 455/2017 This Authority is recruiting a number of Assistant Environment Protection Officers to assist officers in the various environment & resources related matters ranging from operations, thematic and policy roles of the Authority. The position requires a Bachelors Degree (MQF Level 6) or a Masters Degree (MQF Level 7) in either one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Acoustics, Geography, Geology & Geomorphology, Hydrography & Oceanography, Earth Systems, Environmental Conservation, Planning & Management, ICT & GIS, Administration & Project Management, Architecture & Civil Engineering, Engineering, Maths, Environmental Sciences/Studies/Assessment, Ecology, Criminology, Forensic Sciences or comparable qualification as recognized by the NCFHE. Assistant Officer Communications Jobs Plus Permit No. 572/2017 This Authority is recruiting Assistant Officers Communications who will be mainly assisting in developing and facilitating communication activities, formatting and generating of journals, articles and reports. The position requires a Bachelors Degree (MQF Level 6) or a Masters Degree (MQF Level 7) in either Communications, Marketing or comparable qualification as recognized by the NCFHE. For further information, visit the careers page on our website: http://era.org.mt/en/Pages/Current-Vacancies.aspx Interested candidates are advised to submit their application, together with a detailed curriculum vitae and a copy of their qualifications by NOON of 27th November 2017 (CET) quoting the respective position and Jobs Plus permit number, via email on vacancies.era@era. org.mt Arcade fire: Sadie Sink is 'Mad Max'