Stranger Things Season 5 Trailer

 

Well, the anticipated final season of Netflix's Stranger Things first trailer is out, and boy, did it get me pumped. 

Stranger Things Season 5 Teaser: Episode Titles

The latest teaser for season five of Netflix's Stranger Things has been released with the titles of the episodes. Here is the trailer!

A Truly Summer Blockbuster: Stranger Things Season 4

 

The fourth season of Stranger Things delivered a powerful season. Here are my thoughts. 

Summer of Shock and Emotion: Stranger Things Season 3

 

Even years after its initial release, Stranger Things Season 3 remains a standout. I vividly recall the anticipation for this hit Netflix sci-fi drama. Upon its completion, a whirlwind four-day binge that was arguably the best of that summer, it cemented its place as a truly exceptional installment, even surpassing my love for the first two seasons. Its episodic storylines kept me perpetually on the edge of my rocking chair. 

The Experience: Thrills and Tears

The season delivered an unforgettable blend of jaw-dropping "OMG" moments and profoundly emotional, "tissue-worth" scenes. Every twist and turn felt perfectly placed, keeping the tension high and the character stakes incredibly real. 

Performance Spotlight

David Harbour's performance as Jim Hopper this season was compelling, a standout that truly deserved significant award recognition for its depth and emotional weight. His arc was a considerable highlight, culminating in a truly impactful conclusion for the character. 

The Verdict

Stranger Things Season 3 was the best of the series up to that point. It perfectly captured the essence of the show while elevating the stakes and emotional resonance. Overall, I give this season a 9.5/10. 

What did you think of the third season of Stranger Things? Leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Stranger Things Season 4 Teaser

 

The latest teaser for the upcoming Season Four of Netflix's hit Stranger Things was released on Thursday morning. And man, this over a minute video has me scared. 

The video seems to be a flashback to when Eleven was in the factory with other kids, as Papa comes and teaches them something. That's when he asks Eleven if she's paying attention and soon we see a grown-up Eleven awaken from a dream. 

Here' the teaser: 

What did you think of the teaser? Leave a comment below!

You can catch all three seasons of Stranger Things on Netflix. 

Stranger Things 4 Teaser

On this Valentine's Day, Netflix gives us a gift that will keep our hearts pounding: the first teaser for Stranger Things 4!

Taking place in Russia, it looks like the speculations that someone is alive and well a prisoner too.

Here's the teaser:

Oh man, I had a feeling that Hopper didn't just die. But I just wonder if the final season would be a Christmas theme season. That would fit perfectly with what Eleven and Will planned to meet. 

You can catch the first three seasons of Stranger Things available to watch on Netflix.

Stranger Things Renewed For Season 4

Get ready for more Eleven, Will and the gang to take on more strange things, as Netflix as ordered a fourth season of it's hit nostalgia-filed 1980s thriller.

On Monday, a teaser video for Season four also confirms with what was widely suspected, coming out of this summer's run that with Will's family moved and some sorts of loose end dangled before us over in Russia, "We're not in Hawkins Anymore."

The hit series pick up comes as part of a new, multi-year deal with creators and showrunners, The Duffer Brothers, who will develop series and films for Netflix.

"The Duffer Brothers have captivated viewers around the world with STranger Things and we're thrilled to expand our relationship with them to bring their vivid imaginations to other film and series projects our members will love, Netflix CCO Ted Sarandos said in a statement. "We can't wait to see what The Duffer Brothers have in store when they step outside the world of The Upside Down."

Here's a teaser:

Seasons one through three are available on Netflix now.

Reach For the Stars: Stranger Things 3 "Chapter 8: The Battle of Starcourt" Season Fianle

The season finale of Stranger Things 3 didn't disappoint at all but left some questions and grabbing the tissues. Here's a recap!

As El is in severe pain from the mind flayer, Johnathan uses a knife to cut it out, but El can't take any more of that pain and uses her powers to pull it out and throw it where the appearance of Joyce, Murray, and Hopper stomps on the sucker.

The gang develops a plan; the kids run to Murray's place while the grown-ups stop the machine. But they will need someone who knows where to go, which leads to Dustin using his Cerebro to stay connected when Hopper, Joyce, and Murray are underground.  But just as things go to plan, Billy and the Mind Flayer come to the mall.

Hiding from the Mind Flayer, the team split up as El, Mike and Max go one way and the others go to another. When Johnathan and Nancy fix the car, Billy is charging with his to ram, but Steve stops him just in time, and the rest drive away with the Mind Flayer chasing after them.

When El, Mike, and Max get outside, they spot Billy and make a run for it. But they couldn't stop Billy and took out Max and Mike but a powerless El and took her to the middle of the mall for the Mind Flayer.

Just when the Mind Flayer gets back and is about to take El, Nancy, Lucas, and the rest of the high-power fireworks to hurt the creature. Billy holds on to El, but El figures out the key to stop him and bring the honest Billy back, memories of his mother soon after Billy sacrifices himself to save El and dies.

As Hopper and Joyce await Murray to shut down the power, Joyce sets up a date night with Hopper. When Murray shuts down the power, Joyce and Hopper try to get the keys from the safe, but the codes aren't accurate. That's where Dustin's girlfriend comes into play, but before reaching the code that they need, Dustin and Suzie must sing their song. They got the code and the keys, and just when they were about to shut down the machine, the biker came in, and they two went at it.

They fight near the machine; he stops the biker and tosses him into the machine. There, Hopper is stuck, and Joyce turns both keys and stops the machine that explodes, taking not only the people who came in, the mind flayer, but also Hopper.

Just as everything is over, Dr. Owens returns with reinforcements, but it is too damn late. As Joyce reunites with Will, El is looking for Hopper and sees Joyce and knows that he didn't make it. Three months later, Joyce, Johnathan, Will, and El leave, making some emotional and funny moments. El tells Mike that she knows what he said to Max and that she loves him, too. Dustin gets made fun and Mike and Will not only forgive one another but will not play D&D with anyone else.

But the most complex scene comes when Joyce finds Hopper's speech, and El sees her reading. El reads the speech about how to grow up and all but how she has helped him see the light through the darkened tunnel. As soon as she's done reading the message, everyone gives their tearful and laughable goodbyes.

Steve and Robin get a job at Family Videos, but Steve needs some help from Robin to get the position. Back to the Future is not about a son going back in time to sleep with his mother.

The episode ends with a mid-credit scene in a Russian prison and two guards who take someone else to battle with the Demogorgon. But also they have an American too! HOLY SHIT!!!! Could Hopper be alive? Who's the American prison in Russia?

The season finale was every bit amazing with its intense and emotional writing and performances. The moments shine with Billy sacrificing himself to Joyce and Hopper and even El, Mike, and Joyce. That speech that El reads was the tearjerking moment of the season. I had to grab a coke cola. Not only does Millie Bobby Brown give an outstanding performance, but also Wynona Ryder and David Harbour. This episode was the best season finale scene in Season One and probably the best season so far.

This finale leads me to my next question: will a season four exist? Netflix has a horrible track record for canceling shows after three seasons. I do believe that Netflix will give Stranger Things a season four, and this could be the final season, with what the Duffer Brothers have mentioned about a four-season plan. To all the fans out there, we must keep the renewal hopes alive.

Overall, I give this episode a 10/10. And the Season is a 9.5/10.

You can catch Stranger Things 1, 2 and 3 on Netflix now.

HOLY SHIPS!: Stranger Things 3 "Chapter Six: E Pluribus Unum"/"Chapter Seven: The Bite"

"Chapter Six: E Pluribus Unum" 

Oh man, shit just got real in this episode. Here's a recap!

Just as Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica learn what the Russians are doing, they open up the door to the upside-down. Soon, they would get busted; Steve made sure that Dustin and Erica escaped without harm. The Russians interrogated Steve and Robin and veveninjecthem ted with the truth serum. But by the time the boss knew who they were, Dustin and Erica made a distraction to get Robin and Steve out of there, too. Tissues, please.

 After making a deal with the scientist, Hopper has had enough of it and gives him a choice of either leave or stay. You would have thought this would be Hopper's biggest mistake, but it turns out that he was right. They learn of the secrets of this machine called the key that opens up the cups upside-download. Of course, that freaks both Hopper and Joyce, and they approach the government for help. 

After saving Nancy from the mind flayer, Elusese uses her power to locate Billy. But from where he's discovered, that could be where he and the mind flayer wanted. El uses her power to discover what happened to Billy; instead of going through the actual events, she starts seeing parts of his past that always make him hiss today. Asarns where the source of the mind flayer is, Billy sends El to another part of what will happen when the mind flayer takes over. Eventually, El got out of there, and just as the residents of Hawkins were at the town fair, they all got to the factory where the mind flayer was and disintegrated to make the mind flayer grow. Holy Fuck!

This episode was another on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of thrill. Not only did we see our character learn about the mind flayer's plan, but Billy's backstory of how he got to be who he is today. And after that, I still don't have a good connection with the character and believe he'll probably die.  I thought Erica stood out way better in this episode than in the previous episodes this season, and the relationship between Dustin and Steve got even more heartwarming. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"Chapter Seven: The Bite"

OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD!!! OH MY GOD!!!!

As El and the gang figure out that the Mind Flayer is coming from them, they are just in time before it starts attacking Hopper's house. But as El fights the tongues-tongues, she gets bitten and dragged towards the flayer. Mike and the rest hang on to El as Nancy and Lucas try to stop it, and just as El is released, she snaps the Flayer's head in half, and they escape.

El is badly hurt, but as the gang tries to find stuff to help her, Lucas and Will find something that could help with a bit more firepower in fireworks. Just as Mike talks to El and tries to tell her that he loves her, Dustin finally reaches them through their walkie-talkies.

While communicating with Mike, Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica hide from the Russians at the mall's movie theater of Back to the Future. Just as Dustin comes back asking Erica for batteries, Robin and Steve, who are high, leave and soon not only get sick but share some deep feelings, Steve having feelings for Robin and Robin having feelings for another woman. Both are on good terms anyway.

Hopper and Joyce got a dose of reality from Muarry by sleeping with each other and getting it over. They stop at the fair to find the kids but are hunted by the biker and the Russians. Alexi gets killed by the bikers, and Hopper diverts them to the funhouse, where Hopper not only redeems from fighting one of the guys but escapes with Joyce and Muarry.

As Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica are hiding from the Russians, when you think that they are goners, El saves the day by throwing a car at them. But as everyone catches up with what they know, El is hurt very badly, and Mike and the gang see the severe wound and a wormlike creature in her leg. El screams with pain!

This episode tugs at my heart with emotions and throwback to Back to the Future. Millie Bobby Brown was excellent, and the scenes with Finn Wolfhard were terrific and so heartwarming. Alexi's death was expected, with him helping with Hopper and Joyce. Strong character development with such strong writing, as well. The episodes get better and better, and the season finale sure feels like something big is going to happen. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch Stranger Things 3, available on Netflix now!

Code Red: Stranger Things 3 "Chapter Four: The Sauna Test"/ "Chapter Five: The Flayed"

Episodes Four and Five of Stranger Things 3 take exciting television to another level. Here's a recap!
"Chapter Four: The Sauna Test" 
Code Red! Repeat we have a code red!! Mike, Lucas, Will, Max, and El reunite to talk that Will believes that the mind flayer is back. Eleven believes that it's Billy, because of the psychic encounter with Heather. They spy on Billy at the pool and set up a plan to trap him and see if it's true. More to come later.

Meanwhile, Hopper is recovering from his beatdown with help from Joyce. Joyce tells him that the guy was riding a motorcycle and that gives Hopper a clue to someone that might know who that stranger could be. It leads to the meeting with Mayor Klien with a nice chitchat that leads to who not only the guy is but who he works for, StarCorp (the owner of the mall). Apparently, the company wants to expand to the east side of Hawkins, which leads to near the old lab.  Joyce and Hopper rush to find one of the houses.

Robin finds a way to get into the other side of the building, through the vents. Instead of Dustin going in because he's getting too big, they go with Erica. After coming to terms with her, she gets to the other side and opens the door. There, Steve opens a box, but what's inside is a mystery, and it's not Chinese food. Just as they are about to leave, the doors close, and what apparently is a room turns out to be an elevator going all the way down.

After checking on their source, who was eating fertilizer, Nancy and Johnathan are fired from the paper. After an argument about each other's living styles, Nancy gets encouragement from her mother and goes to check on the elderly woman. She noticed that her heart rate was spiking higher and higher. That was due to the fact that the mind flayer connection with Billy, who gets trapped in the sauna by Mike, El, and the gang.

Soon it turned into some serious shit between Billy and El as Billy almost choked her to death. Mike saves by whacking him with a bat, but El stops him before he can get his hands on Mike. El throws Billy through the wall and soon runs away. But that won't be the last time. As Billy recovers his wounds, he and Heather see other Hawkins' residents in line for their Mind Flayer master.

This episode was literally off the channel. It not only had me on the edge of my seat but also had my heart rating pretty high. That scene with the kids and Billy was one hell of a scene that had all the chills, thrills, and action, plus the dialogue was great!! Also, Joyce and Hooper were good, but the moment I very much enjoyed was Nancy and her mother talking about knocking down the wall against the men. All in all, I give this episode a 9.5/10.


"Chapter Five: The Flayed" 
As Joyce and Hopper make it to their final house search on the list, they find an undercover basement with two Russian scientists working on something. Just as Hopper questions them, the biker comes in hunting for them. Hopper cuffs the two and just as the bike makes his way down, Hopper aims his gun to the guy's head. The biker quickly attacks Hopper and not only beats the crap out of him again, but Hopper also returns the favor by knocking the guy's knee with a monkey wrench.

Hopper brings the scientist along and demands Joyce to drive. The scene was totally hilarious and thrilling. But as the truck took a couple of bullets from the biker, the truck soon blew up, and the three walked later to Seven-Eleven and stole a car to meet with an old friend.

Meanwhile, Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica not only sneak their way out but learn what the Russians do by opening up the door to the upside-down world. Oh boy!

Just as Nancy watches Mrs. Driscoel's moment, she calls Johnathan to ask him about Will. Soon they join Will, Mike, El, and the gang to head back to the hospital. There, Nancy and Johnathan tried to release Mrs. Driscoel, but she was nowhere to be found in her room til Tom showed up all bloody and started to go after them. But just as they escape from Tom, Bruce is out there too and he goes after them.

As they try to run, Bruce gets to them, taking out Johnathan til Nancy stabs him in the back, which leads to her running away with him. But it was when she thought of using the fire extinguisher to knock Bruce out, which also led to Tom getting the effect. Just as Nancy and Johnathan finished both of them, their bodies melted and walked to each other to combine to a giant mind flayer.
While that was going on, Mike and El seem to be on good terms.

"The Flayed" was such an outstanding episode from beginning to finish. I couldn't get enough of Joyce and Hopper in this episode as both Ryder and Habour's chemistry is amazing. The rest of the cast performances were also amazing with each playing such a role in the episode. If there was one issue that I had in this episode; it had to be the scene sequence of the mind flayers melting from their human bodies. But overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Stranger Things Season 3 available on Netflix now. 

It's Not Over: Stranger Things 3 "Chapter Three: The Case of the Missing Lifeguard"

HOLY SHIPS!!

The third episode of Season Three of Stranger Things really has put some miles on not only the storytelling; but how scary it has gotten since the first episode of this season.

As El and Max have a sleepover at Hopper's place; they play a different version of spin the bottle which El uses her powers to see what certain people are doing. After getting Billy, El notices something unusual when she saw Billy and Heather, the lifeguard. Soon they try to find Billy at his house; which he wasn't but found empty bags of ice in the tub and Heather's lifeguard bag. More to come later.

After a disappointing dinner, Hopper gets a visit from Joyce, who thinks something is going on once again and tell him about the magnets falling off. It soon turned into an adventure at the old lab again but also had a moment where they confront certain things like Joyce redoing her house to move out of Hawkins. Also, Hopper tells Joyce about why she should stay and the difference between what she has here compared to him.  But soon they hear something and as Hopper searches; he gets his ass beat up by the mysterious biker, the one that was seen at the mayor's office.

As Dustin and Steve look for Russians at the mall; Robin cracks the code that the Russians are in the mall. Soon they spy on a truck that's dropping off packages that look funny as there are bodyguards with guns.

Through this season, Will has been the only one that doesn't want to let go of what his group has had, but the times they are a changing. After trying to get Mike and Lucas to play D&D, it didn't go the way he had hoped and ran off. It turned into one of the saddest moments so far when Will looking back at the times with his friends later destroys everything in his clubhouse.

After putting together a good investigating story; Nancy gets shut down by the editor but also gets made fun of as well. Her and Johnathan get proof of the rat but when they visit that elderly woman's house they had found something that they never expected....the woman eating fertilizer.

After finding Heather's bag, El and Max head to the swimming pool to find her but apparently, she didn't come to work. So El uses a photo of Heather to see where she is located; which lead them to her house. There they see Billy eating with Heather's parents, one of the editors of the paper. After seeing that Heather is okay; El and Max leave. But evil Billy remembers who El was and soon gets Heather's parents killed by Heather. While Will gets another feeling and this time he tells Mike and Lucas that he's back.

So far, three episodes in and the season have really gotten better. The Hopper and Joyce story was so good; along with Will, who really stole the moment of the episode with a nice performance. So many twist and turns and even moments that really had me jumping off my seat. Looks like the upsidedown monster is back and boy this time it's not playing around this time. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Season 3 of Stranger Things available now on Netflix.

Stranger Things 3 Premiere Date

Just before the clock strikes midnight Monday night, Netflix released the premiere date for Stranger Things 3 in the most thrilling and classy way possible.

July 4 will be the premiere date.

Here's the promo:

You can catch the first two seasons of the hit Netflix show available now.

24th annual SAG Awards Nominations

The nominations for the 24th annual Screen Actor Guild Awards were announced Wednesday and HBO's Big Little Lies and Netflix series GLOW led the field with four nods. 

The 2018 SAG Awards will be simulcast live on both TNT and TBS on Sunday, Jan. 21st with the first ever host hosted by The Good Place star Kristen Bell.

Here are the nominations:

Drama Ensemble

Game of Thrones
The Crown
Stranger Things
The Handmaid's Tale
This Is Us

Drama Actress

Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger Things
Claire Foy, The Crown
Laura Linney, Ozark
Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale
Robin Wright, House of Cards

Drama Actor

Jason Bateman, Ozark
Sterling L. Brown, This Is Us
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
David Harbour, Stranger Things
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul

Comedy Ensemble

Black-ish
Curb Your Enthusiasm
GLOW
Orange Is the New Black
VEEP

Comedy Actress

Uzo Aduba, Orange is the New Black
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Jane Fonda, Grace and Frankie
Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie
Alison Brie, GLOW

Comedy Actor

Anthony Anderson, Black-ish
Aziz Ansari, Master of None
Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm
Sean Hayes, Will & Grace
William H. Macy, Shameless
Marc Maron, GLOW

TV Movie or Miniseries Female Actor

Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies
Reese Witherspoon, Big Little Lies
Susan Sarandon, FEUD: Bette and Joan
Jessica Lange, FEUD: Bette and Joan
Laura Dern, Big Little Lies

TV Move or Miniseries Male Actor

Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock
Jeff Daniels, Godless
Robert De Niro, The Wizard of Lies
Geoffery Rush, Genius
Alexander Skarsgard, Big Little Lies

Stunt Team

Game of Thrones
GLOW
Homeland
Stranger Things
The Walking Dead

Stranger Things Renewed For Season 3

Well, it looks we're going to be getting more awesome eighties references because Netflix announced on Friday that they've renewed Stranger Things for a third season.

 The series co-creators the Duffer Brothers had previously confirmed that a potential third season would make a time jump ahead of a year to 1985, when the aforementioned classics ruled the box office.

"Even if we wanted to hop into the action faster, we couldn't," said Matt Duffer, when he told The Hollywood Reporter. "Our kids are aging, We can only write and produce the show so fast. They're going to be almost a year older by the time we start shooting Season 3...(so) it forces you to do a time jump."

The Duffer Brothers also hinted that Season 3 would feature a rematch between Mind Flyer and Eleven, telling THR that the shadow monster is "very much aware of the kids, and particularly Eleven. It had not encountered her and her powers until that final episode. Now it knows that she's out there."

Stranger Things' season two was, by all account, a smashing success. Although Netflix doesn't release any viewership data, Nielsen reported that a total of 15.8 million people watched the first episode during it's first three days of availability (starting Oct. 27th), putting it right on par with The Walking Dead's recent Live+3 DVR numbers.

Returning for Season 3 are series regulars Winona Ryder (Joyce), David Harbour (Jim), Finn Wolfhand (Mike), Noah Schnapp (Will), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Cara Buono (Karen), Natalia Dyer (Nancy), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan), Joe Keery (Steve) Dacre Montgomery (Billy) and Sadie Sink (Max).

There are no information on the episode count for season 3. The first two seasons were consisted of eight and nine episodes. Maybe we'll get ten episodes?

You can catch the first two seasons of Stranger Things available on Netflix now.

"Bitchin'" Stranger Things Season 2, "Chapter 9: The Gate" Season Finale

Everything has been leading up to this moment! The Season 2 finale, "Chapter 9: The Gate," delivers an explosive and emotionally resonant conclusion, tying together critical storylines while setting the stage for what's next.

Reunions, Rescue, and Reckoning

The episode kicks off with a long-awaited and truly emotional reunion between Eleven and Mike. The secret of her living with Hopper for a year finally comes out, leading to a heated exchange with Mike, who then lets his anger out at Hopper before receiving a comforting hug.

After a quick round of hugs and greetings with everyone, including Max, Joyce takes Eleven to see Will. Seeing the "Close Gate" message, Eleven realizes she can close the Upside Down gate. Concurrent to this, Joyce devises a desperate plan: instead of letting Will die with the gate closing, they must superheat his body to force the creature possessing him out.

Joyce, Jonathan, and Nancy take Will to Hopper's cabin, cranking up the heat with fires and space heaters, aiming to make it hotter than the sun. Will awakens, screaming that he's burning. As they watch, the heat initially seems ineffective, but Joyce pushes the space heaters even higher. The creature begins to emerge, and in a shocking move, Nancy grabs a hot poker and burns Will's side, forcing the entity to fully evacuate his body.

Closing the Gate & A Father-Daughter Bond

Meanwhile, Hopper and Eleven head back to the DOE building to close the gate before the monster can escape. Before they reach it, the two share a robust, long-overdue conversation, making peace about her disappearance and his overprotective behavior. Once inside the DOE, Eleven experiences vivid flashbacks of her terrifying stay there. They press on, and after receiving confirmation from Jonathan that the creature has successfully escaped Will's body, Eleven prepares to close the gate.

The Kids' Fight & Steve's Sacrifice

While the critical missions unfold, Mike refuses to sit on the sidelines, despite his hatred for sports analogies. He tries to convince Steve to take them to the pumpkin patch. Steve vehemently denies, but Max's volatile older stepbrother, Billy, with his keen "lie detector," senses Steve's deception. A brutal fight ensues, with Steve initially holding his own until Billy unleashes a mad fury. As Billy kicks the crap out of Steve, Max bravely intervenes, grabbing a syringe and injecting her stepbrother with the same sedative Will received earlier. After a tense few minutes, Billy finally goes down, but not before Max threatens him with Steve's bat.

Mike and the gang then head out to the pumpkin patch, with Max driving Billy's car – a truly humorous highlight of the episode. They arrive and enter the Upside Down tunnels, led by Steve, where they begin spraying and dumping gasoline everywhere before igniting a massive fire. This deliberate act of burning mirrors Will's own ordeal at the cabin. Mike and the gang escape, but not before Dustin pauses to give his once-pet Dart a couple of Musketeers, a poignant goodbye.

Eleven's Triumph & Aftermath

As Eleven struggles to close the gate, she remembers Kali's (Eleven's) teaching to harness anger. Drawing upon her deepest resentments and frustrations, she channels her immense power, pushing the creature back and slamming the gate shut. The closure instantly kills all the Upside Down creatures, including Dart.

A month later, things are looking up for Hawkins. The DOE lab has been shut down. Hopper has lunch with a surprisingly alive Dr. Owens, who gives him a momentous gift: the official adoption papers making him the proud father of Jane Hopper (Eleven). Hopper asks how long it will be until she can go out freely, and Owens suggests a year – but then makes an exception for one night.

The episode culminates at the Snow Ball dance. Dustin, sporting a new Steve-inspired hairstyle, sadly loses the chance to dance with Max but finds solace dancing with Nancy. Will also gets a dance partner. Hopper and Joyce share a quiet smoke, reminiscent of old times, hinting at their potential future. But the moment everyone's been waiting for arrives: to the tune of "Every Breath You Take," Eleven (now Jane) appears in a beautiful dress. Mike walks up to her, they dance (awkwardly at first, then sweetly), and share a tender, long-awaited kiss.

With everything seemingly tied up with a nice big bow, the final shot pulls back to reveal the Upside Down version of the school's gym, with the massive shadow monster Will had been seeing still looming over it. Could it be that it's finally going to stay in the Upside Down for good, or will we see this terrifying entity back in Season 3?

Review: A Perfect Season Capper

"The Gate" was one hell of a good season finale. It beautifully wrapped up several storylines, some of which had been building since the series' inception. The resolution of Dustin's crush on Nancy culminating in their dance, Mike and Eleven finally sharing a kiss at the Snow Ball, and Joyce and Hopper's quiet, intimate moments (they would make a fantastic couple!) all felt incredibly satisfying. I can't pick who outperformed whom because everyone in this episode delivered an outstanding and equally pivotal performance. The only lingering question I have is about Max's stepbrother, Billy – what was his ultimate purpose this season beyond providing intense scenes with Max and Steve? The writing of the episode was simply superb, balancing all these moving parts.

Overall, I give this episode a 9 out of 10.

Stranger Things Season 2: Overall Review

I wholeheartedly believe Stranger Things Season 2 was a significant step up from Season 1, particularly in its writing and character growth. The performances were consistently outstanding across the board. Winona Ryder's portrayal of Joyce was compelling and absolutely deserves consideration for an award. Finn Wolfhard (Mike), David Harbour (Hopper), and Noah Schnapp (Will) were all phenomenal. And Millie Bobby Brown, despite having slightly less screen time than in the first season, still delivered another impressive and impactful performance.

Sean Astin's portrayal of Bob Newby really grew on me throughout the season. While I initially didn't care much for Bob or his advice to Will about facing fears head-on, his later actions, helping Joyce and Mike, and ultimately becoming the superhero he claimed to be, made me genuinely love the character. I also can't leave out Paul Reiser, whose performance as Dr. Owens was excellent. He masterfully balanced the character's initial mysterious and somewhat dark demeanor with a surprisingly kind and caring side by the end of the season.

The anticipation for this season was immense, and it certainly did not disappoint. While there were a few storylines that felt a bit lighter or left me scratching my head, such as the Nancy and Jonathan relationship or the arc involving Max and her stepbrother, the strength of the other narratives, especially those centered on Will and Eleven, made me easily overlook those minor quibbles. The writing was truly amazing, expanding the world and deepening the emotional core.

Overall, I give Stranger Things Season 2 a 9/10!

You can catch seasons one and two of Stranger Things on Netflix now. Also, you can see the Blu-ray/DVD of Season One available in stores now.

Runaways and Judgement Days: Things Season 2, "Chapter 7: The Lost Sister"/"Chapter 8: The Mind Flayer"

Chapter 7: The Lost Sister

In "Chapter 7: The Lost Sister," Eleven embarks on a solo journey, delving into her mother's fragmented mind to uncover the truth of her past, a quest that ultimately leads her to a startling revelation: the existence of a lost sibling.

Eleven's Search for Connection

Venturing out on her own, Eleven sets out to find what she believes is her "sister" — a person who, as her mother's memories suggest, was with her during their time with Papa. Following clues gleaned from her mother's mind and papers kept by her aunt, Eleven tracks down Eight (Kali, the individual introduced at the beginning of the season premiere) in Chicago.

In Chicago, she finds Eight leading a street gang, who possess a certain rebellious spirit reminiscent of The Outsiders. Upon Eleven revealing her identity and purpose, the two quickly form a powerful, albeit complicated, connection. Eight, however, has distinct ideas for how she and her gang can utilize Eleven's formidable powers, primarily for vengeance against those who wronged them and their "mama."

A Near-Fatal Confrontation

Soon, Eleven joins Eight and the gang on a mission to confront and seek retribution from the man who ruined their mother's life. As they corner him, and just as Eleven is about to deliver a fatal blow, she spots a photograph of the man with his daughters. This glimpse of his humanity causes her to hesitate and stop. Eight, unyielding, pulls a gun, but Eleven intervenes, physically preventing her from firing. The man's children, startled by the commotion in their bedrooms, call 911, and the police are quickly en route. Before their escape, Eleven delivers a chilling warning to Eight: never to stop her again.

A Difficult Choice

Back at their hideout, Eight attempts to manipulate Eleven's mind, creating a vivid hallucination of Papa walking into the room, prompting Eleven to apologize. But just as the illusion settles, the Chicago PD storms their location. Using her own mind-bending tricks, Eight helps the group escape. However, in a pivotal moment of self-realization, Eleven chooses not to remain with Eight and her gang. Instead, she makes the difficult decision to leave them, opting to return to her friends in Hawkins, recognizing that Eight's path is not her own.

Review: A Powerful Standalone Journey

"The Lost Sister" stands as a strong and unique episode. I thoroughly enjoyed this standalone adventure, focusing on Eleven's quest to find her lost sister and the subsequent realization that Eight's darker philosophy and methods are fundamentally different from the values she has learned from Mike and her friends. Millie Bobby Brown once again delivers a powerful performance, showcasing Eleven's internal struggle and growth. The writing was excellent, effectively delving into Eleven's past while advancing her character arc.

Overall, I give this episode a 9 out of 10.

Chapter 8: The Mind Flayer

HOLY SHIPS! From beginning to end, "Chapter 8: The Mind Flayer" had me either standing up or perched on the very edge of my seat. This episode is a relentless onslaught of tension, delivering one of the season's most intense and pivotal chapters.

Under Siege: Will's Connection and Bob's Sacrifice

The episode picks up immediately from Chapter 6, with the Upside Down creatures having breached and overrun the lab. Mike urgently tells Joyce to put Will to sleep, believing that Will's connection to the Mind Flayer is what's allowing the creatures to communicate and track them. After asking Will a crucial, rapid-fire question, Joyce makes the agonizing decision to sedate him.

Dr. Owens and Hopper manage to reach Joyce, Mike, Bob, and Will, leading them towards the control room, which appears to be their only apparent escape route. Once inside, the power suddenly goes out, leaving it up to Bob to heroically save the day. Bob not only works to restore power but also bravely navigates the creatures away from their escape path.

In a truly heartbreaking sequence, Bob is the last to make it out. With Dr. Owens's guidance, he's made it to safety. But in a tragic turn that viewers have come to dread (the "Barb treatment," as you aptly put it), Bob momentarily slips up. As he steps out of a closet, he knocks over a broomstick, the sound alerting one of the creatures. It chases Bob, and just as he appears to escape death, the creature bursts through the doors and brutally attacks him, a devastating blow to the group.

The Interrogation and a Crucial Message

Hopper escorts a distraught Joyce out, and they, along with Jonathan, Nancy, Lucas, Dustin, and Steve, manage to escape the facility in Nancy's car. They all head back to Joyce's house, desperate to understand what these terrifying creatures are. Mike and the kids theorize that the creature is communicating through Will's mind, and they soon realize that Will himself is still trapped within, communicating via Morse code. What follows is a compelling "interrogation," where they communicate with Will by recounting cherished memories – from birthdays and drawings to music and the very first time Mike and Will met. These scenes, particularly those delivered by Joyce and Mike, are deeply emotional and memorable. They successfully extract a vital message: "Close Gate," which likely refers to the gate to the Upside Down that Eleven previously used.

Eleven's Shocking Return

However, all plans are fragile. The phone in the house rings twice, a clear signal that the creature has located them. Joyce quickly sedates Will again, and everyone is on full alert, bracing for an attack. A beast appears to be circling the house until it emits a piercing scream, and what looks like it jumped through the window... but then it's revealed to be dead. Suddenly, the locks on the front door begin to click open, one by one. As the door swings wide, everyone's faces register pure shock: Eleven is back!

Review: A Masterpiece of Tension and Emotion

Oh my gosh, "The Mind Flayer" was definitely one of the most exciting episodes of the season! It had the perfect mix of edge-of-your-seat suspense, hilarious moments, and some really touching emotional scenes. And can we talk about that iconic ending with Eleven’s return? So amazing! I’m also curious, like your brother, if Hopper might end up being a father figure for Will – their bond is so strong! Additionally, Mike’s heartfelt eulogy for Bob was a truly touching gesture; it effectively demonstrated the profound impact Bob had on the group. The performances from Winona Ryder (Joyce), Finn Wolfhard (Mike), and especially Noah Schnapp (Will) were just incredible and super memorable. I definitely had to grab some tissues for this one! 

Overall, this episode is a tour de force, delivering on all fronts. I give "The Mind Flayer" a 9.5/10!

You can catch Season 2 of Stranger Things available on Netflix now, along with Season 1.  

Holy Ships!! Stranger Things Season 2, "Chapter 5: Dig Dug"/"Chapter 6: The Spy"

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!

You can catch Season Two of Stranger Things available on Netflix now, and Season One too, along with Blu-ray and DVD.

Stranger Things Season 2 "Chapter 3: The Pollywog"/"Chapter 4 Will the Wise"

Chapter 3: The Pollywog

In Stranger Things Season 2, "Chapter 3: The Pollywog," Dustin makes a surprising discovery at home. At the same time, Eleven's growing desire for freedom leads to a significant act of disobedience against Hopper's strict rules.

Dustin's Curious Discovery & Will's Terrifying Vision

As soon as Dustin investigates the noise in his trash can from the previous episode, he finds a strange creature. He takes it inside, adding it to his collection of pets, much to the dismay of his pet turtle and mother's cat. What he's brought home appears to be a pollywog, with an insatiable appetite, especially for candy that Dustin readily provides.

He eagerly introduces the creature to Mike, Lucas, and Max, and they attempt to identify it, ultimately naming it Dart. However, Will soon recognizes the same scream he heard from a creature in the Upside Down and immediately freaks out. Dart quickly scurries away, leading the group on a chase. When Will finally confronts the creature, he suffers another terrifying episode involving the Upside Down. This time, he attempts to stand up for himself as Bob had advised, but the shadowy creature brutally extends its tendrils through his mouth and ears, possessing him.

Eleven's Quest for Freedom

Meanwhile, Eleven's longing to leave the cabin and see Mike intensifies, but Hopper continues to put off his promises, a frustration many can relate to with parental figures. As soon as Hopper leaves, Eleven, defying his orders, ventures out. She's briefly spotted by a mother and child, who then report her to the police. Undeterred, she presses on, determined to see Mike. However, she's heartbroken when she sees him seemingly enjoying time with another person (Max), leading her to retreat.

Review: Standout Performances and Emotional Proximity

"The Pollywog" was a very strong episode. The dual storylines of Hopper and Eleven, contrasted with Dustin and the boys' meeting and subsequent search for Dart, were equally compelling. I was on the edge of my seat when Eleven and Mike were so agonizingly close to seeing each other again. The writing of this episode was excellent, and the performances from both Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) and Noah Schnapp (Will) were particularly outstanding, truly standing out in their respective emotional arcs.

Overall, I give this episode an 8/10!

Chapter 4: Will the Wise

As Joyce races to find Will, a multitude of other issues surface in "Chapter 4: Will the Wise," escalating the tension and deepening the mysteries in Hawkins.

Will's Worsening Condition & Hopper's Investigation

Joyce finds Will outside the school with Mike, locked in another trance-like vision of the Upside Down and its terrifying creature. After he awakens, he's taken home, struggling to articulate what he's experiencing. The next day, Will's condition worsens; his body temperature drops dangerously low, and he refuses a warm bath, finding the heat unbearable.

After numerous attempts, Joyce finally reaches Hopper, who quickly attends to the situation. Hopper tries to get Will to explain his visions, but Will, unable to find the words, communicates through frantic drawings. What initially appears as scribbles coalesce into a massive, unsettling puzzle revealing blue vines. This leads Hopper to a chilling realization, prompting him to head straight for the pumpkin patch.

Dart's Disturbing Evolution & Team Hawkins's Struggles

Dustin continues to keep Dart as a secret pet at home, feeding him more candy. Meanwhile, Mike, Lucas, and Max futilely search for Dart around the school. Mike confides in only Lucas and Dustin about the creature, explaining its connection to Will's episodes in the Upside Down. Later, Mike checks on Will, questioning Joyce about the creature he's seen.

While Mike is preoccupied, Lucas attempts to reconcile with Max, urging her to join their hunt for Dart. However, she's still hurt by Mike's earlier declaration that she's not a "real" member of the party. The two part ways, with Max heading off in her so-called brother's car (who, by the way, is proving to be a real pain).

Nancy & Jonathan's Dangerous Quest

Nancy and Jonathan embark on a dangerous mission to meet with Barb's parents and reveal the truth about her disappearance. Their efforts put them squarely in the crosshairs of the Department of Energy (DOE) and lead to an unsettling meeting with Dr. Owens. What seemed like a failed attempt turns into a victory, as Nancy cleverly records their conversation with Owens while inside the highly secure DOE building. What a move!

Eleven's Rebellion & Discoveries

One of the most compelling storylines in this episode revolves around Eleven and Hopper. Upon her return to the cabin, Hopper shifts into strict, "mean dad" mode, attempting to impress upon her the importance of his protective rules. Eleven, however, perceives this as a lie, leading to a dramatic outburst that trashes the cabin. Hopper, in response, confiscates all her comforts – from her beloved Eggos (a true tragedy!) to the television (a crime!), though he's forced to merely pull the plug on the TV due to her powers. After a night spent cleaning up the mess, Hopper offers a compromise: if she cleans the cabin, he'll repair the TV.

While cleaning, Eleven stumbles upon a hidden door concealing boxes filled with files marked "Hawkins Lab." Delving into the documents, she discovers her own file, complete with her name, "Jane," and information about her parents. Using her powers with the radio, she manages to momentarily glimpse her mother, but the vision vanishes when her mother calls out her name, "Jane."

Chilling Cliffhangers

The episode ends on a particularly creepy note, with a scene so unsettling I had to look away even though I knew it was coming. Dustin rushes to his room only to find Dart's tank shattered and a shed skin. He then hears guttural growls from the closet and sees blood on the floor. Peering inside, he discovers that Dart has grown significantly larger and is gruesomely devouring his cat. Shockingly, Dart is now shown as an early stage of the creature from Season One, with its terrifying, petal-like mouth opening like a blooming flower.

And let's not forget Hopper's chilling discovery: as soon as he deciphers Will's blue vine drawings, he heads to the pumpkin patch farm. Digging into the soil, he unearths something gross and blue, which leads him directly into a dark, tunnel-like structure that eerily resembles Will's visions of the Upside Down's inner workings.

Review: A Packed and Potent Episode

"Will the Wise" was an incredibly good episode, packed with pivotal moments. From the grotesque reveal of the cat being devoured by Dart to the poignant and sad scene of Eleven glimpsing her mother, and Hopper's horrifying discovery of the Upside Down tunnel, this episode truly had everything to offer and then some. I thoroughly enjoyed everyone's performance, but Millie Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp once again delivered particularly standout work.

Overall, I give this episode a 9 out of 10.

You can catch Stranger Things Season 2 now on Netflix.

The Best Treat of All: Stranger Things "Chapter 1: MADMAX"/"Chapter 2: Trick or Treak, Freak"

"Chapter 1: MADMAX"

The season two premiere of Stranger Things, "Chapter 1: MADMAX," wasted no time plunging us back into the eerie and captivating world of Hawkins, Indiana. This episode introduces a new top video gamer in town, hints at escalating nightmares, and delivers a few genuinely shocking moments, expertly setting the tone for the season to come.

The Mystery Expands

The episode opens dramatically with a robbery a year after the events of Season 1. A group escapes in a van, and during a police chase, one member causes the pursuing officers to stop by seemingly making a bridge collapse – a hallucination, as we discover. This individual sports a tattoo with the number 008, immediately signaling that Eleven isn't the only one with unique abilities.

Things in Hawkins appear deceptively calm. Hopper, in his usual gruff yet endearing style, tries to ignore new arrivals at work, but finds himself dealing with a freelance journalist investigating Barb's disappearance. His routine is further disrupted by calls about someone's pumpkins being mysteriously ruined, hinting at a new, subtle strangeness brewing in the town.

Will's Lingering Trauma

Joyce is deeply concerned for Will after he experiences another vivid vision or dream of the Upside Down, featuring a terrifying storm cloud. Will is taken to see Dr. Owens, a Department of Energy executive now in charge of the lab. Owens conducts tests and questions Will about these visions, initially attributing them to PTSD, but the audience knows there's more to it.

Where is Eleven?

Amidst all the new characters and expanding mysteries, the lingering question of Eleven's whereabouts is finally answered in a jaw-dropping moment at the episode's close. As Hopper drives into the woods and walks towards a secluded cabin, the scene initially suggests a new home or perhaps a girlfriend. However, the revelation is far more thrilling: Eleven, now with curly hair, walks in to join Hopper for dinner, confirming her survival and his surprising role as her protector.

Review: A Perfect Tone-Setter

"MADMAX" was a fantastic episode that really captured the spirit of Stranger Things Season 2, just as I was hoping. It was such a joy to see these beloved characters return, especially Eleven, who was especially thrilling to see back and safe. Watching Mike, Dustin, Will, and Lucas rushing to the arcade was fun, but what truly made the episode stand out was its wonderful music, the introduction of the intriguing new character Max, and the charming chemistry between Joyce and Hopper – honestly, I think they might even be a better match than Joyce and Bob! The writing was superb, perfectly blending character moments, mystery, and atmosphere.

Overall, I give this episode a 9 out of 10.

"Chapter 2: Trick or Treat Freak"

It's Halloween in Hawkins, and "Chapter 2: Trick or Treat Freak" plunges us into the festivities with the gang ready for trick-or-treating. But the arrival of a new face creates tension among the group, while more profound mysteries and personal struggles begin to emerge, particularly for one beloved character.

Halloween Hijinks & Shifting Dynamics

Mike and the boys are thrilled, decked out in their Ghostbusters costumes, only to find themselves as the sole ones dressed up at school. When Dustin and Lucas invite Max to join their trick-or-treating adventures, her initial silence is broken by a jump-scare reveal of her own costume, which clearly doesn't sit well with Mike. This scene immediately highlights the shifting group dynamics with the introduction of Max.

Will's Lingering Visions

Will's unsettling visions of the Upside Down continue, now featuring a menacing giant creator that he's meticulously drawn. Joyce remains deeply worried by these drawings. During trick-or-treating, Will experiences another terrifying encounter with the creator, triggered by other kids cruelly calling him "Zombie Boy." Mike quickly intervenes, taking Will home, where they discuss the disturbing visions.

Eleven's Secret Struggle for Return

The episode masterfully weaves in Eleven's untold story of survival and her desperate attempt to return after her apparent demise in the Season 1 finale. We see her navigating the Upside Down, searching for Mike, before finding her way back to the real world through the same opening. Her attempt to return to Mike's house is thwarted when she spots FBI agents and police there. After Mike briefly sees her through the window, she quickly flees, forced to rely on her survival skills to hunt, protect herself, and find suitable clothing.

The narrative frequently flashes between her past survival and her present frustration. Eleven desperately wants to trick-or-treat, believing her ghost costume will make her invisible, but Hopper refuses to let her leave the cabin. He attempts to compromise by getting off work early and bringing a plethora of candy. Still, his plans are derailed when he's pulled into investigating the mystery of the dead pumpkins and goo-covered trees—another unsettling sign of the Upside Down's influence.

In a particularly heartbreaking moment, an upset Eleven telepathically attempts to reach Mike through a TV screen. For a fleeting minute, Mike's excitement suggests he senses her presence, but he walks away, doubting his own perception, leaving Eleven visibly heartbroken despite being so physically close.

A Cliffhanger Creature

The episode culminates with a chilling surprise: as Dustin arrives home, he hears a strange noise near his trash can. He investigates, opening the lid to a startling revelation that sets the stage for the third episode's mysteries.

Review: Eleven Steals the Show

"Trick or Treat Freak" was a fantastic episode that truly shined thanks to Eleven's captivating story. I think this episode features one of Millie Bobby Brown's best performances, showing her incredible growth and deep emotion as Eleven deals with loneliness and heartbreak. The subplot with Jonathan and Nancy, while not the most memorable part, was still enjoyable. Sean Astin as Bob also continues to bring a charming mix of humor and awkwardness as Joyce's new boyfriend.

Overall, this episode strikes a lovely balance between exciting new threats and heartfelt moments. I’d rate it a 9/10!

You can catch the second season of Stranger Things, available now on Netflix, along with Season One.

A Captivating Introduction: Stranger Things Season 1

Here are my thoughts on the first season of Netflix's Stranger Things.