Season 4. Episode 6.
And so, to the penultimate episode of the first part of season four. It’s been the best of times (for the burgeoning romance between Steve Harrington and Nancy), it’s been the worst of times (for all the victims of Vecna). What it has been, is a massive return to form after an uneven third season.
This was a crowded episode so allow me, dear reader, to curtail my actual analysis until the stray observations. Wheeler and Will Byers go off to find Dustin’s elusive girlfriend Suzie in the least enjoyable segment of the episode. Joyce and Murray escape from Yuri’s maniacal clutches but are dismayed to discover that they kind of need him to get around. This is great news for us; however, as Yuri is a truly wonderful addition to an already excellent cast list.
Elsewhere, in the world of Eleven, we are introduced to the concept of One- the first of Papa’s children. If they manage to tease this character as well as they did Victor Creel we could be in for a real treat. We also learn that Eleven’s mother probably didn’t die in childbirth, but she was blocked from seeing her daughter and subsequently disappeared. Interesting.
The episode’s conclusion throws up a couple of heart to hearts in the woods between Lucas and Max and then Robin and Nancy, both of which provide us with an update as to where all those characters are emotionally right now before the Town Hall meeting about how to solve a problem like Eddie Munson kicks right off. A huge Town Hall meeting with all the townsfolk in attendance? Very Stephen King. A curfew imposed by a goofy police officer? Very Scream. I approve. Also, Jason’s presidential address about Satan worshippers and other such nonsense was about as ’80s as it gets. Tremendous work.
Stray Observations
- ‘I’m pretty goddamn far from ok’ – Nice to see Eddie Munson channelling his inner Marsellus Wallace with that line.
- I’m yet to warm to Argyle but I enjoyed his interaction with Eden (who does more in 20 seconds than Argyle has done in six episodes).
- A detour to Suzie’s weird Lord of the Flies house felt a little indulgent at this stage of the proceedings. The stakes are too high for this nonsense.
- Winona’s wonderful line readings during their confrontation with Yuri (“Tracks! Bears!”) made me long for the days of season one when she was a main character. More Joyce Byers please.
- David Harbour’s ‘last meal’ monologue wouldn’t have been in out of place in one of Game of Thrones‘ better moments. Boy, do I love Hopper.
- I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that the friendly orderly hanging out with El doesn’t actually exist. A wild theory, but a theory nonetheless.
- I don’t really buy Lucas and Max. I feel like those two actors are not selling the chemistry between them. Maybe I’m wrong. I often am.
- Stephen King’s IT has always been the primary influence on Stranger Things but the conversation they have about how to kill Vicna (Steve Harrington: ‘Is he… is he a vampire?’) skirted awfully close to theft rather than homage.
- The bit where Robyn and Nancy follow Steve Harrington into the water was awesome. I take back everything I said about Nancy. She’s the one.