Penroze

I really loved this movie's cinematography, and I also liked most of its tone and characters. For the first while of the movie I was really engaged, but then there's a certain point where it begins to spiral into strange decisions from both the characters and writers. I think I can pinpoint the exact point the movie starts to become odd, and it's when (as vague as I can describe it to avoid spoilers) a character gets shot in the gut. After that there's features like an emotional monologue that both comes out of and leads nowhere (unless there was some sort of metaphorical meaning to it), a straight up parody-style cliché death scene, and an ending that I feel is supposed to be meaningful but lacks the proper buildup.

So that was pretty disappointing.

But Keith was cool.

I must say this is the weakest episode so far, although still really good. All the different plots are still interesting, especially Hopper's, but I have to point out it's a bit annoying when almost everyone gets so mad at each other. Like damn, I don't wanna see so many arguments. Especially when they come out of nowhere like the one between Nancy and Jonathan. Everyone must just be very on edge, I suppose.

Also, after watching Mike's escapades on Better Call Saul, the scene after Hopper wakes up in a panicked sweat is nicely reminiscent. I actually don't know which came first, but that's besides the point really. Cool ending too.

Again, an episode better than the last. I really love the development of the alternate world in this episode; the visuals put into the gateway are very cool to see, as well as a scene pertaining to the place's weird effects near the end. Everyone is also much kinder to Eleven this time around, which is a delightful improvement, much desired. Great deliverance on the reveal about Will's body from the prior episode. But what's really important is how much Hopper likes punching people. He just loves it! I'm expecting him to extend this fondness to innocent protagonists in the future, and perhaps even hope for that.