Chapter 5: Dig Dug
In "Chapter 5: Dig Dug," so much unfolded that I almost echoed Will's jaw-dropping moment at the episode's conclusion. This installment propelled the narrative forward on multiple fronts, delivering both chilling new threats and profound character moments.
Dart's Close Encounter & Dustin's Cleverness
We pick up with Dustin's immediate dilemma: how to safely remove Dart from the house. His initial plan involves leaving a trail of food leading to the basement. It's working, until Dart senses Dustin's presence, forcing him to execute a brave Plan B: a direct confrontation to knock the creature into the basement. Dustin is sporting a pretty cool outfit that reminded me a bit of The Mighty Ducks.
Lucas & Max: Truth and Turmoil
Lucas attempts to mend his relationship with Max. After seeking advice from his father, he takes a leap of faith and tells Max the truth about the events of last year in Hawkins. While she's initially skeptical, his earnest conviction seems to win her over. However, trouble brews as her unpleasant older brother spots her with Lucas again and is clearly not pleased – this guy continues to be genuinely unsettling.
Eleven's Painful Truth
Eleven finally ventures out to see her mother, drawn by the flickering lights in the house, reminiscent of Will's Upside Down communication. Using her powers once more, she relives her mother's harrowing journey: a difficult labor, Papa stealing her after birth and making her mother believe she was dead, and her mother's desperate, armed quest to find her. Eleven also witnesses the brutal circumstances that led to her mother's current catatonic state, allowing her to finally understand that her mother's repetitive phrases are fragmented memories of those traumatic times.
The Rescue Mission & A Disturbing Link
As Joyce and Mike focus on Will's worsening condition, Will experiences a vision of Hopper in deep trouble, trapped underground amidst the Upside Down's sprawling vines. Moreover, Hopper was sprayed by the grotesque flora, and his subsequent coughing up of dark matter suggests he may now be infected, mirroring Will's own ordeal. With time running out, Joyce enlists Bob's help. After much effort to get the "brainy dude" to understand the gravity of the situation, they drive and locate Hopper's car.
Joyce and Bob bravely venture underground to search for Hopper. They eventually find him, entangled and suffocated by vines. They manage to cut him free in some truly creepy yet cool scene shots. Just as they rescue him, DOE agents arrive and pull them out. A terrifying development occurs as the agents begin to burn off the vines: Will simultaneously suffers a violent seizure and screams as if he is being burned, cementing the horrifying connection between him and the Upside Down's growing presence.
Review: A Packed and Potent Episode
"Dig Dug" was a powerful episode, packed with pivotal moments. From the chilling reveal of Eleven's mother's past to the poignant and intense rescue of Hopper, this episode had a lot to offer and then some. I found the performances from everyone to be excellent, truly bringing the heightened stakes to life. While the Nancy and Jonathan storyline felt a bit lighter compared to the other intense developments, it didn't detract from the episode's overall impact. I'm left wondering if Hopper is indeed infected like Will, given that disturbing spray and his subsequent coughing.
Overall, I give this episode an 8.5 out of 10.
Chapter 6: The Spy
HOLY SHIPS! "Chapter 6: The Spy" proves that revenge is indeed best served deadly. This episode is a non-stop thrill ride, packed with escalating threats, chilling medical mysteries, and some truly fantastic character moments.
Will's Horrifying Diagnosis & "The Spy"
The episode kicks off with an incredibly intense and even scary scene, as doctors and nurses desperately search for the source of Will's agony, claiming he's burned, yet displaying no physical marks. Noah Schnapp's performance here is utterly captivating, conveying immense pain and confusion. As Dr. Owens' team performs tests, the horrifying truth emerges: Will is not just seeing the Upside Down, he's the host to a virus, allowing him to be connected directly to the creatures. Mike aptly dubs him "The Spy," a chilling revelation that means Will can see and relay the creatures' actions.
Underground Attack & Shifting Threats
Believing Will's connection is aiding their efforts, a DOE team is dispatched underground to burn out the remaining Upside Down tendrils where Hopper was previously trapped. However, their mission quickly turns to horror as Dart and its newly formed gang — fresh from attempting to attack Dustin, Lucas, Max, and Steve at the junkyard — ambush the team. These monstrous creatures brutally kill the agents and, by the episode's end, are shown moving relentlessly towards the DOE lab itself.
Junkyard Showdown & A 'Tremors' Homage
Meanwhile, Dustin and Steve devise a plan to lure Dart, who escaped Dustin's basement, out into the open. Lucas and Max catch up, joining them at the junkyard to prepare for Dart's arrival. What they don't anticipate is that Dart isn't alone. This sequence quickly transforms into one hell of a thrilling homage to Tremors, as multiple demogorgon-like creatures emerge from beneath the ground, creating a frantic, action-packed confrontation.
Review: A Relentless Thrill Ride
"I just loved 'The Spy'! It was such a thrilling ride from start to finish, and I was glued to my seat the entire time. The way Will's condition unfolded alongside Dustin and the gang's nail-biting adventure kept the excitement pumping. On the other hand, the Nancy and Jonathan storyline felt like a calm before the storm, providing a welcome respite from the intense action. I also want to give a shout-out to Paul Reiser for his fantastic work as Dr. Owens. After six episodes, he’s truly been a standout! He strikes a perfect balance between comedy and drama, reminding me of his amazing performance in Aliens. His character really adds something special to this season. All in all, this episode does a great job of mixing medical mystery, creature horror, and genuine suspense, making it one of the best of the season. I’d rate "The Spy" a solid 9/10!
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