With the newest season of Stranger Things already impacting everything in the world of media, from Tik Tok trends to finding your new favorite song, it’s safe to say this episode alone had quite possibly the biggest impact on popular media than any other episode in this season thus far. Overall with all the storylines, by this episode we really get a feel for how much each of the characters will grow throughout the rest of the episodes. Writing alone was by far a standout in this episode, especially highlighting the skills of actress Sadie Sink with her knockout performance in this episode in particular. Prior to this episode Max didn’t have much screen time overall, but this season and this episode definitely highlighted and addressed her past trauma and how hard it’s been for her in particular as an outsider who is relatively new to Hawkins when compared to the other characters.
Starting off strong, Joyce and Murray’s storyline of retrieving Hopper is met with an insane twist. The deal they had initially made ends up turning into a bust when Yuri drugs both of them via coffee, intending on turning them into the Russian government for a larger overall profit. Back in Russia however, audiences everywhere were devastated when Hopper is recaptured after an attempted escape from the prison. This entire side plot, though definitely overshadowed by the other storylines, is still an excellent example of the hell these characters go through just to be together, let alone survive. The genius of Stranger Things and more specifically the Joyce and Hopper show story arc is how much effort the two go through just to be able to stay safe together. It keeps fans and audiences on their feet and constantly rooting for them to finally get their happy ending.
Murray and Joyce
Back in Hawkins, our favorite duo from the previous episode, Nancy and Robin, continue their investigation deeper into the liklihood of Victor Creel having some more information on who may be behind the murders of Fred and Chrissy. By disguising themselves as graduate students they are able to sneak into the mental institution that Victor is being held in. The scene between Nancy and Robin and their attempt to get the green light to enter is pure hilarity, and definitely provides a breath of fresh air as Robin over acts her butt off and gains the two the pass to enter and speak with Victor. With not so subtle references to the film The Silence of the Lambs, the two enter the long corridor filled with other criminals in a high security setting, eventually making their way to Victor. After a short and disturbing conversation with the mutilated and traumatized man the two discover that Victor did not commit the murders but instead was framed by a supernatural force. This storyline definitely builds into the mystery of this season and who the perpetrator is which is a change from previous seasons where usually the kids know who they’re dealing with, in this case the suspense continues to work wonders towards the story.
Nancy and Robin
Overall, the strong suit of this entire episode is Max’s storyline. In the previous episode we find out that Max has also been cursed by Vecna and is inevitably doomed to be killed in the same fashion as Chrissy and Fred. She spends the episode preparing by writing letters to her family members, including Billy. Sadie Sink absolutely killed her performance in this episode, but she especially stood out during one scene in particular where Max reads the most heartfelt and tear jerking letter to her deceased brother Billy who sacrificed himself at the end of season three. However her letter is cut short when Vecna attempts to attack. In what might be the most iconic scene from Stranger Things to date, Max is lifted in the air and sees visions of Vecna and the upside down. However, thanks to Lucas, Dustin, and Steve, Max actually survives her near death experience by hearing her favorite song of all time Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush. The gang, with the help of Victor Creel, discovers that by hearing ones favorite song a portal is opened and the victim can escape. Overplayed or not, it is undeniable how much of an impact this episode has had on recent music charts everywhere. After the release of this episode, Running Up That Hill, rapidly climbed the charts and has easily become one of the top songs of the summer, truly proving how impactful this season in particular has been over audiences everywhere. This episode by far overshadows all other ones in this season and definitely proved Sadie Sink’s talent and her contribution leading to the success of this season.
Rating: 9/10