Stranger Things
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And from her perspective, maybe it was just a blip.
She wasnt around for the previous year, the one in which Will disappeared and Barb died (R.I.P.
and #JusticeForBarb).
And why not be annoyed when Mike phones in with a Code Red?
Others are already on high alert, and not just in Mikes basement.
(Erica has this episodes two best lines: I still havent heard whats in itforErica!
and You cant spell America without Erica.
Youll have to choose for yourself.)
(Best guess: somewhere where they speak a lot of Russian.)
Thats just one of several simultaneous investigations to edge into dangerous territory this episode.
(Admittedly, hes not wrong about Nancy and Jonathan impersonating reporters or breaking and entering.)
Jonathan is not sympathetic but Karen is.
Getting beaten up by a Russian biker no doubt helped clarify matters for Hopper.
(Hmm … shadowy Russians doing shady deals with American politicians.
What could have inspired this?)
The Mind Flayer just kind of hangs out until needed.
So the gang hits on an idea: Lock Billy in the sauna and steam that Mind Flayer out.
It doesnt quite work out as planned.
Billy, the real Billy, tearfully confesses to bad deeds beyond his control.
(The Mind Flayer is no joke.
He also survives a slingshot knock to the head.)
So does, across town, Mrs. Driscoll, who now shares his weird Mind Flayer-y skin condition.
All this and were only halfway through the season, which has so far moved forward like a steamroller.
Wills pouty crisis inthe previous episode, the seasons weakest, felt a little arbitrary.
Its been a strong half-season, in other words.
Dangling Tentacles
Regarding Mike and Els fight: Nobodys entirely right here, are they?
Theres a lot more to the world than Mikes basement (and Els Corey Hart-filled bedroom).
The series has done a bang-up job making the Mind Flayer look terrifying this season.
Nice image: Billy, covered in white by the pool and drinking an Icee.
That creature doesnotlike the heat.
