Yeah, the cliffhangers were ridiculous (awesome) in S1 too.
Max's brother (Billy)
could have been in a Stephen King novel. But Bob
was in a Stephen King novel (sorta), and he was awesome! Poor Bob. Who caught the Bob Stephen King references? Seems that he was from Maine ("Well, my parents are selling their house in Maine.") and the whole Mr. Baldo and balloon story. This guy survived Pennywise encounters only to die in Hawkins. So sad.
I was generally very pleased with the season, even episode 7. It sucked that Jane/El was separate from the kids so long, but I think her character was better for it. I also wish Mike had more to do, but Dustin, Lucas, and Will shined this season. Steve was brilliant. And I like Max. Jonathan was pretty weak though.
I really don't think we need answers about the Upside Down. Its beauty is that it's so mysterious.