Chapter Nine: The Gate

Absolutely Incredible! Just a magnificent conclusion to an enticing season. By the time, the ending credits rolled, I am amazed by how much the scale and conflict has been risen this year. And unlike the former season's heartbreaking ending, this time, we got a much more happier and satisfying epilogue.

The VFX team did a spectacular job making the Demogorgon and the Shadow Monster to look and feel much more menacing and dangerous, because seeing the Demodogs raining down as the Gate is closed by Eleven looks mind-blowing. The main cast was also so captivating to watch, especially, David Harbour as Jim Hopper and Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven made a great duo, though Mike, Dustin, Mrs. Byers, Will, Steve and the others were also superb. By the end, we also got a fulfilled promise of Mike made at the end of Season 1 to see the Snow Ball event on-screen.

Absolutely Hyped for Season 3!

Best Episode Of The Series!!Amazing Finally everything we needed happened in this episode can't wait till Season 3 Comes out!

Season 2 on the whole was a very good season, as good as the previous in my view. It started off a little slow but still quite impressively and got better and better the more the mystery, atmosphere, character development and such built. Disappointing only with "Chapter Seven: The Lost Sister", which was the worst and only below good episode up to that stage of 'Stranger Things'. And with the best episodes being absolutely brilliant and show high points.

Of which Season 2's finale "Chapter Nine: The Gare" is one of them. What a way to finish and on the same level as the brilliant season finale of Season 1. It is also one of the best, most exciting and most intense 'Stranger Things' episodes, that builds upon what the rest of Season 2 showed, progressed both the mystery and the characters to gut wrenching and intriguing effect. It is certainly enough to make one intrigued into seeing the next season, which sadly to me wasn't anywhere near as strong as 1 and 2.

Everything is superb in "Chapter Nine: The Gate". 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.

Also incredibly impressive is the beautifully balanced writing. That has a lot of thought and intrigue, with the usual brains and heart. The storytelling is tremendously engaging, atmospheric and never simplistic or convoluted. Loved the intimate and un-noisy relationship writing and the episode also shines in the suspenseful and intense action. Especially the showdown and the ending, which resolves itself beautifully. It is rich in affectionate nostalgia (reminiscent of Stephen King's depiction of childhood), poignant emotional impact and suspenseful turns in the more mysterious elements.

"Chapter Nine: The Gate's" character writing is spot on. As is the acting, children and adults with no exceptions or weak links.

Really wonderful end to a very good season. 10/10.

I presume this show is aimed at a younger audience but there's a 70s kid here loving it. So many shows these days are so dark and 'dramatic' and yet this show .. it keeps the suspense and the drama but throws it in with some laughs and happy moments.

What a great ending to a series, or season for our American friends. Excellent character building, excellent relationship building, and a just an all round great finale. So good to end on a high, all ready for the next series of stranger events. I can't wait! So I won't, I'll watch it now!! :)

The good news is that, after eight episodes of varying quality (although the majority have been great), the final chapter wraps things up brilliantly, with a solid mix of drama, action, danger, and even romance. It's everything I had hoped it would be.

The Gate starts with Eleven's timely arrival at the Byers house, to the surprise of those inside, especially Mike, who is angry when he learns where she has been for the past year. Eleven's appearance means that there is a chance that the gate between our dimension and the upside-down can be sealed, but to do so the Shadow Monster must first be forced out of Will, and the demodogs lured away from the lab.

Highlights of this season's closer include a tense fist fight between Max's nasty stepbrother Billy (Dacre Montgomery) and Steve, the expulsion of the Shadow Monster (shades of The Exorcist), and the scenes inside the tunnels as Steve and the kids play their part in defeating the evil that has been plaguing the town of Hawkins. Best of all is the epilogue, which sees the boys and girls attending the Christmas ball at their school: I'm not usually one for the sappy stuff, but seeing the characters developing relationships and enjoying themselves is heartwarming stuff.

All told, I liked this season even more than the last. The wait for Season Three is going to be a long one.