Chapter Eight: Papa

A journey...

A little drawn out, yet I'm so invested in the characters, and the show, everything is still very compelling. I'm happy for the filler, but there still is at least 30 minutes of it in this episode.

Very, very little happened through the first hour. The gang is all kind of spinning their wheels, moving into place to set up the finish. The Gun Store was completely pointless, as was much of the B Squad in the Mystery Machine driving around the desert, the Russian storyline is hit and miss. All that said, Eleven/Papa was great, really setting up some answers with some great back and forth between characters. I enjoyed the redemption arch that was given to Martin/Papa, even if it lacked subtlety.

The show continues to use music as well as any series I've ever watched, seems like such a small thing, yet ST turns music into a POWERFUL character. Also, I loved the multiple Kate Bush references made during the episode, shows rarely do that, breaking the wall a bit, letting the viewers know there is some self awareness.

Satisfying with a dash of fan service. 👌

Spoiler Free Zone!!!

I just have to say WOW. The quality of the series has drastically improved. I was left speechless with my jaw on the floor at the end. The Duffer Brothers have created another masterpiece episode, with all of the characters nailing their performances.

They better give some awards especially to Sadie and Millie because they frickin carried the episode with their amazing acting skills.

This is indeed the beginning of the end.

As we continue from the end of Volume 1, it feels like we never left. The continuation is extremely smooth, and feels natural. This episode, while not having any really crazy moments, is still amazing. It has lots of tension and is a great prelude episode to the finale. As all of our characters suit up and prepare for the big fight against Vecna, you can feel the intensity and desperation of the situation our protagonists are in, and the ending scene is awesome. Great episode.

P. S it's also really funny.

Another episode of Stranger Things that is of high quality. I enjoyed Season 2 and then Season 3 even more than that, but I have to admit that the way the writers are using all of the characters in this season has been much more simple long and effective.

011 has has a really good arc this season, and none of her flashbacks or the Nina Project plot outstayed welcome like I thought they might. The last act of this episode felt like it was ripped straight out of an 80s action movie, with so much heart, emotion and thrills. Great pacing, set pieces and acting all around.

The moment between Mike and Will was also extremely well acted and heartbreaking. I genuinely love Will this season. I have no idea what his role will be in the final season, but I've got a feeling it'll probably be very important.

The final moments between 011 and Papa were also really chilling and felt earned. Modine was excellent, but Brown was seriously phenomenal.

A truly cinematic, great addition to the series.

Volume 2 starts with a bang and doesn't let up! This is one hell of an intense episode, and doesn't ever take the foot off the gas. Every scene escalated into the next with emotional moment after emotional moment and tons of glorious payback in the end. I am beyond excited for the monstrous 2.5 hour finale next. This show is beyond great.