Chapter Three: Holly, Jolly

I know that not every episode can be a winner, but if the majority of this season id as strong as 'Holly, Jolly', then this is shaping up to be one hell of a show. I love their methodology for dropping clues here; Barb's alive (but in what world?); we finally get a peek at the monster; and one of the highlights is seeing Eleven's powers in practice (that image of the Millennium Falcon levitating is beyond cool). Even the disturbing Matthew Modine is deepened, if only a little.

I dunno, compared to the previous episode, this just fires right along; the pacing's great, the mystery thickens, and it goes out not just on a cliffhanger, but an emotionally effective development.

9/10

'Stranger Things' got off to a great, captivating start with "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers", with the execution being almost flawless and doing so well in setting things up as a first episode should do. Was a little disappointed in the still good "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street", it did well at building upon what was set up previously and was actually mostly great but went off the boil quite badly in the final act (which was frustrating).

"Chapter Three: Holly Jolly" to me is a superb episode, one of the best of Season 1 and what 'Stranger Things' is all about. It is a big improvement over "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street" and is even better than "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers". Having all its great things and executing them even better, again excelling (while also being much better at doing so) at carrying on from and expanding upon what is already known.

The production values are superb. Very stylish and atmospheric, with some truly beautiful images that one can't believe such high quality comes from a Netflix show. Not to mention the highly impressive special effects that put a good deal of big budget films in recent years to shame. The music has a wonderful 80s nostalgic vibe while also being quite haunting, enhancing the atmosphere beautifully.

Writing is thought-probing and has a lot of brains and heart. The humour is gentle but very subtly witty and funny, while there is a poignancy (without being too sentimental) and tension. Throughout "Chapter Three: Holly Jolly" has creepy suspense, intriguing mystery, inventive sci-fi, affectionate nostalgia and emotional impact. The final act is not awkward at all here and paced just fine, it has tension too and the tone is much better balanced and focused than the previous episode.

As to be expected, the characters are interesting and well written, and it was great to see Joyce's character expanded upon more and in a rootable way. The acting continues to be great, especially from Millie Bobby Brown and Winona Ryder has improved a lot from the first episode.

Summing up, outstanding. 10/10

When the first two chapters were quite slow (still tense and interesting) the the third one really kicked the things going. The roller coaster ride of emotions. Episode kicks of with intense scene where we see what happened to the Barb, then the quick fall back into peaceful small town atmosphere, that even elevates the shock level of the opening scene (can't get over that opening). The tension starts to rise when Eleven decides to help the boys to look for Will, chief Hopper starts to take his act together and finally begins proper investigation. Glimpses into the past of Eleven, final shocking reveals, and then that tearful ending.

It was kind of episode that it is hard to expect anything better from now on, but I guarantee - the ride is getting bumpier.

Millie Bobby Brown again shines as almost speechless Eleven (genuine acting genius), and Winona Ryder keeps her powerhouse on.

Damnnn! And I said the previous cliffhanger was good!

Without doubt, "Holly, Jolly" is one of the most impactful episodes of this year. The range of emotions you feel from beginning to end leave you exhausted yet yearning to learn more about this small town fable.

As this is a spoiler free review, I'll leave the details for you to experience firsthand, and will focus on the individual elements that help make this such an addictive and rock solid episode.

Basically, it's down to the two females: Winona Ryder (Joyce) and Millie Brown (Eleven) (though Cara Buono gets a special mention for that motherly scene with Natalia Dyer). There's this ancient Urdu proverb that says that even mothers who go mad and fail to recognize no one, recognize their sons. Winona Ryder, in this episode, is the personification of this proverb. Keep a tissue box next to you, people. You'll be needing one.

Mille Brown on the other hand... Oh mann!! She says with no words what many notable actors fail to say with the help of dialogues. Near the end, the interaction between her and Finn Wolfhard (Mike) seems so authentic and real, it hurts.

I say, leave whatever you are doing and go watch this episode. Verdict: 10/10

This episode is probably the only one I would call scary. I love this one. Even better than the pilot.