On top of learning why the Russians are in Hawkins, El ventures into Billy’s past and discovers why he is the way he is – in more ways than one.
Network
Netflix
Director(s)
Uta Briesewitz
Writer(s)
Curtis Gwinn
Air Date
7/4/2019
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Recap
Paging Dr. Owens: Alexei, Murray, Joyce, Hopper
Alexei breaks down with the Russians have picked Hawkins and while they had “The Key,” which is the laser they use, what they don’t have in Russia is the proper location. However, with the gate being opened before in Hawkins, it makes it the perfect place to open it once more. Now, as for why they wish to open the gate? That isn’t said. Perhaps it is solely because the Americans failed to harness what laid beyond the gates?
Either way, with hearing what Alexei says, Hopper tries to contact Dr. Owens and the US government to help. Which, of course, Murray doesn’t appreciate for he wants to live off the grid. However, Joyce doesn’t appreciate the lack of urgency the two have, so she makes sure whoever picks up the phone for Dr. Owens knows to get their behinds over ASAP. From there, it seems time for Joyce and Hopper to head back home for it has been days since they’ve seen their kids.
Catching Up On Old Times: Erica, Dustin, Robin, Steve
Erica and Dustin are able to escape since Steve and, to a lesser extent, Robin sacrifice themselves. However, while given the opportunity to leave, Dustin stays true to not abandoning Steve no matter what. So, to get Erica firmly on their side, he recaps what happened in the first two seasons, and her only skepticism comes in the form of Lucas being there. Outside of that, she understands and is down.
As that happens, Steve is getting tortured for the Russians think he is an American spy. Robin, on the other hand, nothing happens to her besides one or two slaps, but that comes from her spitting in a man’s face. The ultimate act of disrespect, no matter the culture.
Luckily for those two, thanks to Dustin and Erica, they are saved, but it isn’t clear if they made it out.
A Mind Is A Terrible Place To Visit: El, Billy, Mike, Max, Nancy
There is a lot of arguing around whether having El do so much is fair, right, or necessary. At least, Mike argues this for he admits he loves her. However, with no one else being able to do a damn thing, they all vote for El doing what she can. Also, El herself wants to help, and this is the main way she knows how. So, like she did with her mother before, she goes beyond spying and goes into the head of her subject – this time, Billy.
Someone who had a really trash childhood, because of his dad, but deeply loved his mom. However, her abandonment changed things for him and led him to become the part-time douche we’ve come to known. But, as El digs deeper she finds the steel mill and as she exits, the Mind Flayer confronts her. Not in combat, but just to know he sees her now and is coming for her, her friends, and then everyone else. And as this is said, all those followers whose minds were flayed come to the steel mill, flop, and become goop until they combine with the Mind Flayer. Leading it to slowly, but surely, take on the size we’re used to it being.
Question(s) Left Unanswered
So is there no chance of El’s friends from the east showing up? Because Mike’s thing about her eventually having an aneurysm or something seems like a valid worry more and more.
Review
Highlights
Dustin
As said earlier, Dustin is the perfect knot character. He is adaptable and has chemistry with whoever he shares a scene with. Also, he remains someone who you can’t help but love and adore. Even if he isn’t necessarily given any flaws to make him more well-rounded.
The Robin & Steve Connection
I’m not saying I ship them but her talking about how she was obsessed with him was kind of cute. Granted, the type of thing only a girl could say and not make creepy, but it does make you hope that when this is all over, they can be the better form of Nancy and Jonathan. That is, two people who started dating after a major traumatic time period, but there not being this vibe that one is at the mercy of the other.
Inside The Mind of Billy
Poor Billy. It doesn’t excuse how much of an ass he was in season 2, but it’s always nice to know what makes a person act the way they do.
While the finale sets up a season 4, it makes clear that things won’t be the same. Either because of what happens during the fight with the Mind Flayer or the decisions made after.
Director(s)
The Duffer Brothers
Writer(s)
The Duffer Brothers
Air Date
7/4/2019
Introduced This Episode
Suzie
Gabriella Pizzolo
A Battle To End All Battles: Murray, Dustin, Lucas, Will, Jonathan, Nancy, Mike, Max, Billy, El, Hopper, Joyce, Robin, Steve
This Is The End: Billy, Hopper, Max, Joyce, Suzie, Murray, Dustin, Mike, El, Grigori
We’re halfway through the season and are treated to El’s first fight with the Mind Flayer. Which happens to coincide with a new development when it comes to the Russians.
Director(s)
Shawn Levy
Writer(s)
Kate Trefry
Air Date
7/4/2019
Noted This Episode
Mayor Larry Kline
Cary Elwes
Mrs. Driscoll
Peggy Miley
Karen Wheeler
Cara Buono
A Woman Ahead Of Her Time:Tom, Jonathan, Mrs. Wheeler, Nancy, Mrs. Driscoll
Two secrets are revealed, we experience the first notable death of the season, and the gang begins to converge as the Mind Flayer makes its first major move.
Director(s)
The Duffer Brothers
Writer(s)
The Duffer Brothers
Air Date
7/4/2019
Goodbye Comrade:Alexei, Murray, Larry, Joyce, Hopper, Grigori
A Major Blow To El:El, Mike, Max, Lucas, Nancy
The Gang Is, Mostly, All Here:El, Erica, Steve, Robin, Dustin
It’s the summer of love, and for those without someone warm to spend the cold nights with, desperation is sinking in. Also, the rats are starting to explode.
Director(s)
The Duffer Brothers
Writer(s)
The Duffer Brothers
Air Date
7/4/2019
Introduced This Episode
Robin
Maya Hawke
It’s A Lonely Life:Steve, Robin, Hopper, Joyce
To Be Young & In Love:El, Mike, Hopper, Lucas, Max, Dustin
As Eleven begins to freak-out Lucas and Dustin, the search for Will leads to weird situations. All the while, Nancy might lose more than her virginity.
Director(s)
Matt and Ross Duffer
Writer(s)
Matt and Ross Duffer
Notable Guest Stars
Lonnie
Ross Partridge
A Family In Tatters: Joyce, Jonathan
So, My Parents Won’t Be Home: Steve, Nancy, Barbara, Jonathan
The Search Continues: Lucas, Dustin, Mike, Eleven, Sheriff Hopper
The penultimate episode of the season brings us one step closer to Will possibly being saved. But, with the way he looks, it seems time is running out.
Director(s)
The Duffer Brothers
Writer(s)
Justin Doble
The Bad Men Are Coming: Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Karen, Dr. Benner
Should I Stay Or Should I Go: Nancy, Jonathan, Hopper, Joyce, Mike, Lucas, Eleven, Dustin, Mr. Clarke, Will
As Will continues to deal with his ability to go to the Upside Down, Dustin discovers what came out of Will last year. Alongside that, Eleven meets Max.
Director(s)
Shawn Levy
Writer(s)
Justin Doble
I Thought We Had a Deal?: Dr. Owens, Hopper
The Truth Has To Be Told: Steve, Nancy, Jonathan
You Don’t Even Know What You Did: Will, Dustin, Eleven, Max, Mike
Unlike a lot of shows, Stranger Things: Season 2ends with giving you something to get hyped about, a bit of fan service, and presenting a calm before the storm.
Director(s)
The Duffer Brothers
Writer(s)
The Duffer Brothers
The Bench Players: Steve, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Max, Billy
The Exorcism of Will Byers & Closing of the Gate: Will, Joyce, Jonathan
Hawkins Middle School 1984 Snow Ball: Nancy, Dustin, Steve, Joyce, Hopper, Max, Lucas, Eleven, Mike
I started Wherever I Look back in 2011 and have aimed to be that friend who loves watching various forms of media and talking about it. So, from bias, strong opinions, and a perspective you may not have thought about, you'll find that in our reviews.
